Hillsdale’s history department will host Uganda missionaries Prince Sabena and his wife, Heidi Walberg Sabena, today at 11 a.m. in Lane 235B. The couple — a native Ugandan and the daughter of Congressman Tim Walberg — will speak to Visiting Professor of History David Rawson’s History of Africa class, and anyone else who is interested in attending.
“I felt that it was important to think about African history in terms of what’s happening there right now, and the best way is to learn from people in the field doing things,” Rawson said.
Sabena and his wife are home on a year-long leave in the United States, where they got married and traveled the country to connect with supporters of their ministry. They will return to Uganda next month.
Prince Sabena said he aims to enlighten students on a holistic picture of modern Africa.
“We try to give a picture of what Africa looks like in a more holistic sense, what is it from what you might see in the media, from a religious perspective, economic perspective,” he said. “Our goal is to give people interested in Africa a better view of Africa, and the process of the main issues of Africa.”
Prince met his wife while she was doing missionary work at the college at which he was a student Bible study leader. Today, Heidi continues ministry work as she teaches classes in the Sabena home to college-aged students and young professionals about a faith-based life. Prince Sabena works as the managing director at Trinity Tours and Travel.
“The business is for profit but it’s also a way to mentor and train young Ugandans in skills, and it’s a way to employ them and show them how to live responsible, fruitful lives in their community,” Prince Sabena explained.
Prince Sabena also partners with Spring Arbor University, at which Rawson is a professor, to allow students to study in Africa for two weeks every year.
“They’re able to get a better awareness of Africa,” Sabena said. “It’s also good for our people in Uganda to learn the culture in the eyes of the students. It gives them the opportunity to know about American culture, and it’s always helpful to get exposed to a different worldview and a different way of life.”
Students in Rawson’s class are excited to enhance their learning experience with the visit. Senior history and politics major Corey Voorman said Rawson makes the effort to immerse students in African culture, and this presentation will be no exception.
“I have found the class incredibly engaging,” he said. “In panels we present on certain topics, and we try to understand the cultural aspects. Rawson brings in African instruments every week. You’re never too old for that kind of cultural immersion.”
