"My Graduation" by John Chol Daau

June 19th, 2004 was added to one of my great days as I graduate for my two years diploma at Daystar University I have a reason to pay a great honor to God and praise His name because of this amazing success to graduate with the diploma of GPA 3.28 in two majors (development and management) completed in two years a program that takes many people more than two years of study.

Moreover, it was a day that was marked by great joy and happiness as thousands of people came over to witness the success and achievement of their daughters, sons, friends, relatives and colleagues. Ululations, shouting and screams of joy with great handclaps were the culture of the day to the congregation that has gathered for more than 5hrs to listen to speeches and witness the awards of the degree and diploma certificates. Alleluias, congratulations and blessings were the sentiment uttered by
individuals meeting the graduates allover the corridors of Daystar. Cameramen were allover and it was an unexpected experience for me to see many people and friends wanted snaps or memory photos with me. I being dressed in my clergy uniform together with other three prepared it more distinguishable among many making it easier to others who were motivated to award me handshakes which were the tradition of my day. Another unique moment was marked by being me alone in development and management as I received my diploma certificate.It was a colorful occasion and each event has something to tell and register in my memory.

Among the 430 graduates from Daystar University this year were 8 Sudanese including me. Among the eight seven graduated with degrees in which Rev. Manasseh, Mr. Kuol Bol, Mr. Aping MalelA kony previously known as Alfred, Mr. Mabe Nyele, Mss Pauline Adhong Malok graduated with their degrees Majored in Development while Baneiku in Communication, Mr. Alex in Business Administration and my self with Diploma dev and Management Some Sudanese like over 200 of them including the Minister of Health for New Sudan who was the chief guest to Sudanese graduation ceremony came from
various places to witness the 8 students graduating from Daystar. However, it wasn’t a matter of a relative or friends graduating from Daystar but the name of us being Sudanese graduating had drawn many of Sudanese residents in Nairobi to attend the graduation. It was such a wonderful time to see such a unity and belief of Sudanese individual who did just attend the graduation just because of having heard their fellow countrymen/women graduating from Daystar.

As we assembled to celebrate our day with our Sudanese friends and Kenyans, words of encouragement were uttered by the invited guests. I could remember the Minister saying “having completed studies with good grades and the ability to practice the skills at the field of work are different things altogether” Others encouraged that unity of Sudanese must be seen and demonstrated in us. Others could express with passion that much more is expected from us as we join hands to rebuild and reconstruct the war torn
country of Sudan Others have also uttered that the SPLM and NGOS around in south Sudan should design flexible systems that will open up opportunities to the graduates

I personally and other the graduands have expressed our readiness to serve the Sudanese people as servant leaders but not bosses I could remember my self promising that we the graduates shall offer a maximum use of the skills and knowledge we have acquired from Daystar and we should exert all the efforts to see great things happening in Sudan. Daystar has sharpened, equipped and built us in every aspect and I therefore
could promise that we can do something contributing to the expansion of the gospel as well as to the progress of our national development. This is in accordance with the theme of our Daystar Class of 2004 that is moulded at Daystar, equipped for Africa and to serve the world Appealing to the Sudanese community should we be given the chances and opportunity to serve, that there must be cooperation and join of hands to serve our country Sudan faithfully.

Therefore I have a reason to praise the name of the Living God and to honor Him with all my heart, my strength, my desire, my thought and my life. I have a reason to say thank you to my friends who have been praying and interceding extensively throughout my studies.
I have a reason to say thank you to all my friends, colleagues, relatives who did offer me with words of encouragement throughout the period of my studies Above all I have a reason to say thank you to the donors for your generosity giving finance throughout the two years program I have a reason to say glory to God for all the protection and for turning many impossible things to possible things even four days before my graduation day I have seen His faithfulness when we were car hijacked on Jogoo road in Nairobi while coming from distributing my graduation cards although cell phone and little cash was taken yet He spared life. Many are in my hearts in which I knew Him faithful.

Finally continue remember me in your prayers as I continue seek the Lord and honor his name for everything He entrusts to me

Blessings,

Rev. John C. Daau