SUDAN : Adventist Students Stranded
as Rioters Move Through Khartoum

ntense rioting and looting broke out in Khartoum , Sudan , after the August 1 announcement that the country's vice president, John Garang, had been killed in a helicopter crash.

“I've been in contact with both the church's regional office in Khartoum and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency [ADRA] offices . . . and things are not good,” said Michael Porter , president of the Adventist Church in the Middle East region, on the day the rioting broke out. He added that most of the students from the elementary self-help school, located in the same compound as the church offices, had been sent home or were afraid to attend school that day. Only a few students and one or two teachers were still stranded at the school by the afternoon, unable to risk the journey home because of the unrest.

John Bullock, administrator of the church in northern Sudan , reports that there are many buildings destroyed in Khartoum , a lot of glass broken, and many cars burned and turned upside down. Riot control and military police, however, seemed to be restoring order in much of the city, he said.

“A curfew was called by officials, so that should help in securing and maintaining order,” said Porter, “In the meantime, we are in regular contact with our administrators, implementing established crisis procedures designed to protect lives.”

John Bullock and his wife, Debbie, originally from Canada , arrived in Khartoum just a few weeks before the death of Garang. “We can see Satan's hand in this—dashing hope that has arisen in the hearts of people,” said Debbie, referring to the events following the August 1 announcement. “I just don't want people to loose hope.”

On August 4, Porter reported that “things are relatively quiet but still tense. We're seeing some revenge killings taking place, but the police and military are out in force. Everything is fine with the church and ADRA.”

80,000 Baptized as Result of Sow 1 Billion
Since the church-growth initiative Sow 1 Billion was launched two years ago, laypeople and church leaders in the 13 world divisions have worked toward printing and distributing an extraordinary 850 million Bible study invitations around the world. By the end of 2004, almost 80,000 baptisms and more than a million Bible study requests had already been reported as a result of this lay-focused initiative. But church leaders say that the final impact of Sow 1 Billion will not be known for some time. They add that during the coming five years the church will continue to work toward finishing the final goal of distributing 1 billion Bible study invitations around the world.                                                                  --General Conference Global Initiatives/AR.

California Adventist Named Disney's Teacher of the Year
David Vixie, an 8th-grade humanities teacher from Paradise , California , was named the 2005 Teacher of the Year at the annual Disney Teacher Awards. He was recognized from more than 50,000 nominees nationwide for his exceptional creativity, innovative teaching style, and ability to inspire his students. Vixie, who teaches at Paradise Adventist Academy , also won the award for Outstanding Middle School Teacher.

“I teach through a literary-rich, integrated curriculum, which communicates the importance of real reading and writing,” said Vixie. “Students interact with emotional commitment, realize their value, feel respected, and develop their potential.”

“Each year Disney recognizes a group of 45 exceptional teachers like Mr. Vixie. Our hope is that every community around the country will use this as an opportunity to help good teachers become even better, and to recognize their teachers' commitment to encouraging and developing the next generation of learners,” said Terry Wick, vice president of Disney Worldwide Outreach.

Disney has committed more than $700,000 to this year's honorees and their communities and will provide extensive professional development programs for the teachers and their principals.           --Mickey News/AR.

News Note:
The Pleasant Valley Adventist Church in Boring, Oregon , has been awarded the August 2005 eChurch of the Month Award. The church's Web site can be viewed at http://www.pvcsda.org . For more information on eChurch Awards, go to http://www.plusline.org/article.php?id=4695