We have just enrolled another student in our main training course, the Diploma in Applied Theology.  What differentiates this Diploma from the alternative Diploma in Theology course is the ‘Applied’ element which involves practical training and ministry experience in the student’s home church, under the mentorship of an experienced Pastor.  What makes this enrolment noteworthy is that Emmanuel is a member of the Africa Inland Church (South Sudan).   Many of you will know that our Principal has had a long association and involvement with the AIC in Sudan and South Sudan, beginning in 2001 when he visited Khartoum for the first time to speak at a church conference.  Over a number of years he conducted seminars in both Khartoum (Sudan) and Juba (now South Sudan), and maintains links with several of the students he taught in those years as well as others.

In the past we have tried a few ways to see if we can provide some training at a distance but none of them have worked for various reasons but now, with very good internet in Juba, Emmanuel is able to join some of our zoom classes and also do some modules by eLearning.   We are hoping we may be able to help two or three other men as well.

As well as praying for Emmanuel and the many believers and churches in South Sudan, please pray for South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation which came into being in 2011.  There is a fragile peace between warring factions within the country; a peace that is currently under threat because of treason and other charges which have been brought against the suspended Vice President, Riek Machar.  (See BBC report).  Emmanuel tells us that the streets of Juba, the capital, are filled with militia and military vehicles.

Also noteworthy is the fact that Emmanuel is one of 16 new students who have enrolled on various courses this autumn, the highest number of new students we have known in the 13 years we have been in existence. How grateful we are to God, as well as to you for your prayers for us.