Ekram Kachu, a deacon at Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines and an inquirer under the care of the Presbytery of Des Moines has been accepted into University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Ekram and her husbandMukhtar, who has just returned from Iraq where he was a translator, have four children—Kuku, Kani, Kalarga, and Kume. They will be leaving their extended family here in Des Moines to take up residence at the seminary.

The Rev. Dr. David B. Madsen, pastor at Cottage Grove Avenue Church had this to say about Ekram:

“I believe she is the first Sudanese woman to enter seminary under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I suspect she is also the first person of color to become a seminarian from our presbytery. Currently Ekram preaches once a month at the Arabic worship service (4 p.m.) at Cottage Grove Avenue Church. Undoubtedly she will have to switch languages for her preaching (and other) class(es).”

Prayers are requested for Ekram and her family as they make this faith journey to Dubuque.