I've already mentioned the Aweil Bible College in a few articles, but as it is another area of ministry where there is potentional for partnership with our churches in Australia I though I would write again in a bit more detail.
This might not be one of my best photos, but you can see Pastor Ronald Ruay on the right with one of the Bible college students wearing a T-shirt with the college logo and slogan. The building - made of branches, grass and mud - is vastly different from those of the Churches of Christ Theological College in Melbourne where I did my theological studies, as is the library which is carefully kept in plastic crates to protect against damage from insects and humidity. But the college has been effective in training pastors and evangelists, and as I have previously mentioned, the Government of Northern Bahr Al Ghazel has benefitted greatly by the leadership of people who have been trained through the college. This year the college has 52 new students, including 2 women, and Ruay and Philip tell me of the students' hunger to learn and eagerness to move out into ministry and mission.
Joseph and I discussed the work of the college with Ruay, Philip Akot and Yournew Wol when we visited Malek Alel and there were a number of areas we agreed to explore further. The first is the need for accreditation. The college really needs to be linked with another college which will provide accreditation of the academic awards. Those who are lecturing are looking for opportunities for further study themselves, and ultimately they would like to be able to offer degree level courses in addition to their current certificates and diplomas. Perhaps some of the pastors / lecturers will be able to come to Australia for further study at some stage, and we are also exploring the possibility of using video conferencing allowing us to teach classes from Australia. Some practical resources such as teaching aids and books for their library would also be greatly appreciated.
Awiel Bible College has a strategic role in the development of churches in the region, and those churches in turn have a strategic role in the development and welfare of the communities. Whatever we can do to strengthen and encourage the work of the college will have direct benefit to the people of Southern Sudan.
Please pray about how we might partner in this ministry, and I would love to hear any other ideas you might have.
1 comment:
Hi Steve its Ron here I just wonder if sending over books would be suitable as most of our books are in English.I would be inclined to think that theology books dont come in to many languages let alone Dinka?
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