What I Do

Teach...

English, Agriculture, & Biblical Counseling at Bishop Ngalamu Theological College.  BNTC is a small college run by the Episcopal Church of Sudan, currently comprising of 16 male students.  Its purpose is to train church and community leaders in theology and community development.   


Biblical Counseling to deacons within the ECS.

Farm...

I am assisting in the birth, implementation, and future planning of a farm project at BNTC.  The goal is to give students a chance to put what they learn into practice, to allow for experimentation with new plants and methods of cultivation, to help provide food for the school, and to demonstrate practices of ecologically sustainable farming to the greater community.

I also use our own land as a demonstrative and experimental plot to test out assorted plants, animals, and methods of farming in sub-Saharan Africa.  Various areas of interest are: fruit trees; green manure cover crops; deep mulching; living/edible fencing; composting; moringa; and raising ducks and/or other small livestock and poultry.

Build Relationships...

Sudanese are relational people. Much of what my teammates and I do is to spend time with people - attending celebrations, ceremonies, and funerals; working in gardens together; eating and drinking as we talk; and just generally sharing life. Relationships are powerful and we grow and change in formidable ways as we engage in them - so investing time in really getting to know someone and be known is high on our list of priorities.

Learn Language...

The predominant tribe in our area speaks Moru, and the trade language is a watered down version of Arabic known as Juba Arabic.  There are few resources in either language, but armed with two rudimentary dictionaries, a notebook, and pencil, I make my rounds of the town sitting with whoever has time and inclination.  With an assorted daily fare of pointing, writing, listening, gesticulating, observing, and speaking...I slowly but surely venture into the wonderful world of communicating across foreign lines.

Part of learning language is using language.  With the help of several friends in town, I have begun translating Bible stories into Moru to teach them to the children in my church.  Chronological Bible storying is an interactive method of telling, teaching, and discussing Bible stories with others than enables them to learn basic truth about God, humans, and life; store this truth in their hearts; and be able to then go and teach it to others.


And...

I have now (as of August 2011) finished two years building a foundation for ministry in Sudan, and am very excited to be planning my return for a five year term starting in September.  My plan is to stay at the homes of several Sudanese friends for three month-long chunks so I can boost my language, and learn more about people's lives and culture.  After that, I will continue teaching at the Bible college, and help facilitate the planning and running of a longer-term agricultural program there.  I hope to continue teaching the children at my church and eventually help in the training of Sunday School teachers.  

In Africa, it is often said, the Church is a mile wide but only an inch deep.  People are open and believe in a spiritual world, but as with all of us, it is hard to see how the gospel relates to our daily lives and struggles and how it truly changes us from the inside out.  As I get more involved, I am praying for the Lord to open the doors for a small-group Bible study and discipleship ministry with women.  As God's Spirit helps us understand and obey His word, and as we encourage and challenge one another, that is where we see real and lasting change and growth.  And this is my hope for myself and the Sudanese people.