Finding a well-defined ministry as is often expected of missionaries entering the field can be difficult in areas like South Sudan where planning and structure, as we know it in the West, hardly exists. I am learning, as one missionary in Uganda told me, that although many emphasize the need to be flexible in Africa, accepting the fact that your work may often seem ambiguous is probably more important. After spending nearly two months in Torit, I could not agree more. I have not yet begun working in a defined ministry here.
Yet, there is some positive news regarding a good ministry opportunity. A little over a month ago, I had met Luka, a prison guard who had been leading a church service in the prison for inmates. I was amazed by Luka’s heart to reach out and preach Christ to the prisoners, as well as his desire to minister to others who are hurting and in difficult circumstances. Luka and I had been looking into the possibility of teaching a Bible class to some of the inmates so Phil and Linda soon found us some Bible teaching material geared toward prisoners. About a month later after not hearing from Luka for awhile, I feeling a bit discouraged. But, he has since contacted me and said that he had been out of town visiting some of the other prisons. Now that he is back, Luka seems more eager than ever in getting this class started. I recently visited the Sunday service at the prison and seeing the hunger that these inmates had for the Lord has made me all the more excited about getting started with this class. I am now waiting to hear back from Luka as he gets everything approved by the directors of the prison.
In the meantime, the Lord seems to be putting me in circumstances and places everyday where He gives me opportunities to encourage and pray for individuals. I also find that I am able to learn a little bit more of the Juba Arabic language every day. Often I walk down to the marketplace where I am frequently greeted and invited to sit down with one of the shop owners or people wandering around the area with little to do. Many times as I am invited to sit, one of the people will bring me a soda free of charge, even though I may have never made a purchase with them. We then usually end up talking about life in America or Sudan, etc. in a conversation that usually ends up being a mix of English, Arabic, and sometimes Swahili. Through these times, I have met a number of people who have opened up about their hardships and prayer needs and I have been able to pray with them and give them a word of encouragement. Other conversations arise where I am able to speak about what it means to know Jesus rather than just identifying oneself as a Christian.
Recently, I had met Mohammed, an Ethiopian former M who has been suffering from joint pain. He has had me pray for him and his health a number of times because he said that he feels better when a Christian prays for him. Although he speaks no English and limited Arabic, he insisted on coming to Church with me on Sunday. We attended Africa Inland Church together the following Sunday and just last week he came again with another Ethiopian man. He is hungry for the Lord and really wants to learn the Bible, yet I have not found someone who speaks his language and is willing to regularly help disciple him or at least interpret for him. Everyday that I see this man, he looks healthier and stronger, and every time he attributes his improving health to the Lord Jesus.
I have also been developing a close friendship with Patrick Taban, a Sudanese believer who attends AIC. Toward the end of June, I did a one week home stay with Taban so that I would get some good practice in Arabic and also would be able to experience life with a Sudanese family on their compound. Taban lives on the compound with his wife, brother, sister, and mother, as well as a friend of his and his family. The time went so well together as I had found many people with whom I could practice Arabic that I am considering doing another stay with Taban and his family for a longer period of time.
I have also been grateful for the fellowship that we have here on our compound. Verena, who is a theological educator, has gone up to Melut in Upper Nile to teach in the university there, so I remain here with, Phil, Linda and Catrin. Nearly every evening, we have dinner together and a time of prayer afterwards. It is wonderful being part of the family here, though I do frequently think of and miss my family back in the U.S.
The longer I have stayed here in Torit, the more I have grown to love this place. Although we face frustrations, misunderstandings, and hardships every day, I cannot thank the Lord enough for bringing me here to minister and experience life with the people of Sudan.
Prayer needs
-Pray for Mohammad to grow in his faith and that the Lord would provide someone who speaks his language and is willing to disciple him.
-Pray that the Lord in His timing would open up the door for the Bible class to get started in the prison.
-Pray for divine connections as we continue to building relationships with the people of Torit and that the hearts of the people would be receptive to the Lord as we spend time with them.
-Continue praying for good health and our safety. I have been getting sick frequently, but I have fully recovered each time.
