Six weeks after I jumped into the middle of the school’s final term at Torit Day Secondary School, we have now finished lectures, given the final exams, and completed grading them. Although I faced a number of frustrations, I feel that the experience I gained from teaching there was invaluable. The Lord has again reminded me through this experience that He is faithful to use us as we choose to trust and obey Him. I honestly felt that teaching a class of 50-60 students without any formal teaching experience was beyond my capabilities, but the Lord brought me through. It was even a relief to know that most of the students were very happy with the class and my method of teaching.
Despite the success of the experience, I was saddened to find out that some of the students are seriously struggling in class due to their inability to understand, read, or write English well. I found it a bit humorous in some cases while I was grading the exams. According to one student, a disciple is a “flower” of Jesus. Another student listed the three parts of the Trinity when I asked for three reasons why people were angry with Jesus during His ministry. Due to the many who are struggling to understand English, I feel that the Lord may be leading me to start a class at the school which would be for students who wish to improve their English over their four month break from school. Teaching a class in which students voluntarily come is much more appealing than attempting to lead a class where some of the students who do not want to be there are continually disruptive.
The other parts of the ministry that the Lord has given me are going reasonably well, though I have had little time to work with my English or computer students. Things have seemed to wind down a bit, and I have decided not to pursue working with any other individuals until next year since I will be leaving Sudan for three weeks on December 22nd. I will be spending time in both Kenya and Uganda before I return to Sudan in January.
The homestay with Taban is going fairly well, though I had found the language learning a bit more difficult when I started teaching. Every evening, I found my mind shutting down and no longer wanting to converse in Arabic. Taban has decided to start digging the latrine on his compound that I plan to help him with and I was encouraged to see that some of his neighbors have also come and helped with the work. When I see neighbors or individuals working together for a common purpose without demanding anything in return, even with something as seemingly small as digging a latrine, I am reminded that there is hope in this place despite all the problems.
Upon my return in January, I am also looking to teach computer skills to Taban and William, another young man from church. Both are active members at Africa Inland Church and both have a desire to acquire more job-related skills. Also, Matai who I will be sponsoring to attend secondary school in Kenya is planning to head out soon and I am in the process of contacting the school and making arrangements for him.
I am really looking forward to seeing how the Lord will direct this second half of my term in Torit, but I can tell that it is time for a break. I am glad that I will be spending Christmas with my friends in Kijabe, Kenya.
How you can pray:
-For safety in our travels. Nearly all Central Region AIM missionaries will be going to an AIM conference in Uganda from the 6th to the 10th of January.
-For Matai as he is getting his passport and arranging for transport to Kenya. Pray also that everything would go well as we arrange for him to attend school there.
-That I would follow the leading of the Lord regarding teaching an English class for the secondary students over their year-end break.
-For continued peace in this land.
-For our continued health and protection.
