Fruits that Last
Strengthening Bonds with Egypt
Visiting our students and alumni strengthens our personal connections with them and with their churches, while deepening our understanding of their cultural contexts. In addition, while visiting their countries, we offer nonformal training workshops to help the church community grow through practical resources. These visits are not one-sided. Our team also learns and is encouraged by the way our students apply what they’ve acquired in their ministries. These encounters enrich the ABTS community as faculty return with insights that shape our teaching and remind us that learning is mutual.
This May, a team from ABTS traveled to Egypt for this purpose. The team included our Academic Dean, Walid; faculty member Kees; Director of Peacemaking and Non-formal Training, Bassem; and Senior Academic Coordinator, Sisil. In addition to spending time to encourage our students and graduates and better understand their context, the team held two open house events to introduce church leaders to our programs and conducted five non-formal training workshops.
This was the first time Sisil travels to meet students and graduates after being used to supporting their journeys for many years at ABTS. Sisil was very inspired and encouraged herself and shared about the trip:
Gabriel, Walid, Haroun, Bassem, Kees and Sisil
I was glad to see that the training sessions were well-received, with participants showing genuine interest and engagement. However, what stood out most to me were the testimonies of our students. On the first day, I was encouraged by Haroun, our graduate, who had to flee his homeland Sudan due to the war. Like many Sudanese, Haroun felt marginalized, mistreated, and misunderstood. Yet, he responded not with anger, but with grace. He is working hard to transform the way local communities view Sudanese refugees, promoting acceptance, healing, and mutual respect.
Another inspiring moment for me came from Gabriel, our Certificate in Ministry student. I saw the change in him. Gabriel shared how ABTS helped him realize that he has a voice and the ability to search for answers. He even encouraged others to pursue theological studies, so they too could be shaped in the same way.
Later I met our graduate from 2018, Eman. I loved how she is continuing to study and is pursuing a degree in trauma healing in addition to her theological studies. Her desire to help youth grow in a healthy and grounded way stood out as a powerful example of integrating faith and ministry.
It was also extremely special to reconnect with alumni from many years ago. It was touching to see how inspired they were as we shared about all the changes happening at ABTS. We also had the joy of meeting the alumni’s children, which helped deepen our relationships and gave us a glimpse into their lives today. One of my favorite moments was gathering around the table for dinner and fellowship. It was a beautiful time filled with warmth, laughter, and stories. Everyone shared about their current ministries and how their time at ABTS continues to influence who they are. As memories of campus life surfaced, the rooms were full of joy and gratitude. The whole trip reminded me of the fruits of our work, and that the fruit is lasting. Even after all the years, our alumni still remember ABTS and what they learned here.
Moments of encouragement, gratitude, and meaningful connection marked our time in Egypt, strengthening our partnership with local churches and deepening our understanding of the realities our students face. We returned from this visit encouraged and inspired, thankful for what God is doing through the lives of these leaders, and hopeful for the fruit yet to come.
As for the ABTS faculty, their recent visit to Egypt was a deeply humbling and eye-opening experience. Though they are the ones entrusted with teaching, they went with the intention of learning from the lives, faith, and perseverance of their students and alumni. They believe that theological formation does not happen in isolation; it is lived out in the real and often difficult contexts their students inhabit. They listened to Sudanese students who have been forced to flee the war and are now navigating life as refugees in Egypt, displaced, vulnerable, and often living in poverty. Yet, in the midst of these hardships, they witnessed a quiet strength and a resilient faith. These students are serving faithfully in local churches and communities, holding fast to their calling with integrity and grace. The team also met students and graduates who, while pursuing theological education, must remain discreet about their faith for their safety. Their stories reminded the faculty that ministry in contexts like these is marked by courage, wisdom, and deep trust in God. Visiting them where they live and serve helped the team see afresh the vital importance of contextual theology, one that listens, learns, and walks alongside. In going to them, they were not merely observing their reality; they were being shaped by it.