With the deteriorating state of my father's health and his passing away in July, these past eight months of my life that I have spent in the United States have been difficult. Yet not only has the Lord provided me the strength to endure, but joy along with needed times of rest. After making the decision about six months ago to pursue long term service with AIM, I have now been appointed as a long-term missionary with Africa Inland Mission.
In my previous post, I quoted Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
As I am thinking about and preparing for my next steps to return to Africa this verse frequently comes to my mind. I love to imagine what my future on this earth will look like as I plan according to how I believe God is leading. When I am faced with a change of direction or a different course, I have to admit that it is sometimes painful to accept it. But after the initial shock of the unexpected change in plans or current circumstances, the Lord reminds me of His faithfulness to direct me according to His perfect plans. What wonderful news it is to know that our God sees the bigger picture and will guide us according to what is best as we place our faith in Him! With all the uncertainties, this truth has brought me tremendous peace. Over my time in the United States, I see the Lord continuing to shape my vision and circumstances for future ministry. Some aspects of the plans have remained the same while other parts have changed, and most likely there will be more change to come.
Initially, it was my desire to return to South Sudan to work with the unreached Toposa tribe. I imagined returning a month or two after the Sudanese referendum scheduled for January 2011, but as is typical there have been a few changes in plans. When AIM's South Sudan unit leader did an exploratory trip to a neighboring tribe of the Toposa, known as the Boya, he was warmly welcomed by this unreached people group which has no church or missionaries living among them. According to the older generation of the Boya, whom have little knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus, there is a great need for people to come and teach the Word of God. It is typical for people to request assistance in finances, development, or medical care, but it is unusual to ask for workers to teach the Bible. For this reason, if the door remains open to work among the Boya people, I am eager to do so. When I attended Africa Inland Mission's candidate week, I was hoping it would be a possibility to get the green light for pursuing a return to Africa in mid-February or early March. When not faced with that option, but rather January 2011 or July 2011, I was disappointed. As I prayed about what to do, I truly felt that the Lord was calling me to pursue the later date of July for a number of reasons, despite what I wanted. As I made the decision to go with it, peace filled my heart and I began to joyfully anticipate what the Lord would do during my time here in the United States.
I do believe that the Lord has me where I am for a reason. I am involved with a Sudanese church here in Omaha, where I preach about once a month and I truly enjoy being part of their community. Also, I have the opportunity to meet certain friends every week where I can continue practicing my language skills as well as talk about Jesus with them. Furthermore, I am realizing the need to have a wider support base for my return to Africa and I believe the additional time I have will allow me to reconnect with those who have partnered with me or desire to do so. Over this period of time, please continue to pray.
Prayer points:
-Pray for the peace of Sudan. The upcoming referendum allows the Southerners to vote for either unity or independence. Many believe that either outcome of the vote will lead to problems. There are still certain regions that lie on the border between the North and the South which are in dispute.
-Pray for the unreached of South Sudan. There are numerous people groups who do not have the Gospel. Pray not only for workers to reach these peoples, but for open hearts to receive them.
-Pray that the Lord to use me as He wishes during my time here in the United States. I do not want to overlook any opportunities that the Lord has placed before me here.
-Pray for preparations of my return. For those who the Lord is calling to partner with me, may He stir up their hearts to pray and possibly give in finances.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Concluding this Chapter
I am so grateful to the Lord for how He allows His peace to rule in our hearts as we continue to follow the path which He sets before us. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct your paths," It is a reminder to me that no matter what I face, Christ can be glorified through my reliance on Him.
Nearly two years ago, my father had been diagnosed with chordoma, a slow growing bone cancer. They performed surgery and removed the tumor. About a year later, they found that the cancer had returned. Despite this difficult news, I knew the Lord had called me to Sudan and was at peace about going out into the field so I headed out to Sudan. At the beginning of March this year, I received news that the cancer had spread more extensively than previously thought and that my father's health would likely deteriorate quickly. By the recommendation of the doctor, I decided to return early and arranged a flight to return to Omaha on March 19th. I am now back in Omaha and with my family.
During my last couple months in Sudan, ministry was going well. I was teaching three young men computer skills as well as teaching one individual English grammar and vocabulary. Although I stopped teaching the intermediate English class at AIC since all my students who expressed interest were busy at school preparing for exams, my beginner's English course was going fairly well. The learners, which mostly consisted of adult women who had started with little to no English really seemed to enjoy the class. Also, the weekly Bible study that I was having with Barnabas, Odiya, and Abema was going well. At our final study together, the three of them agreed to continue to meeting after I left. Although I knew my ministry in Sudan would be coming to a close for the moment, I felt the Lord preparing me for future ministry there.
With the more time that I spent in Torit, there was one people group, the Toposa, which captured my attention. Like most states in South Sudan, Eastern Equatoria consists of numerous people groups, each with their own language and culture. The Toposa is possibly the largest people group in Eastern Equatoria State and still remains largely unreached. They are pastoralist nomads, often being on the move throughout the year. I first encountered the Toposa in Torit as the boys would bring their cattle and goats into the area for grazing. In Toposa society, it is the boys who have the responsibility of tending and herding their livestock. Generally, men have the least amount of work to do as their main responsibility is to keep track of their livestock. The women, on the other hand, have the responsibility of caring for the rest of the needs at home. This includes, rearing children, maintaining a clean compound, preparing food, and drawing water from the nearest source and carrying it home. Tension with neighboring tribes is common among the Toposa and cattle raiding is commonly practiced. Recently though, I was encouraged to hear that some Toposa have gone to villages of neighboring tribes to make peace with their former enemies. It is our hope and prayer that all groups involved would adhere to these agreements.
Visit to the Toposaland
With the little time that I had left in Sudan, I decided to take a trip east of Torit to visit some of those who are involved with ministry among the Toposa in order to see what opportunities there may be for me to work among them in the future. My first stop was in Kapoeta about 150 km east of Torit. Without being able to notify him ahead of time, I went to visit James Lokuuda, a Toposa pastor who works with language translation and leads a growing church in Kapoeta. I also went out to visit one of the nearby villages where James had recently planted a church. After two nights in Kapoeta, I took a small bus to the town of Narus which is a couple hours drive east of Kapoeta. There I stayed with AIC pastor James Nyika and explored the area with some of the Kenyan and Sudanese missionaries. The trip went well and I made some good connections with the people. I am now seriously considering future ministry in that area. The environment of Kapoeta and Narus is a bit more harsh than Torit's. The land is much drier and the rivers flow with water only when there has been rain. While Torit is developing rapidly, there is little construction going on in these areas. I also got the impression that political clashes and acts of violence are more frequent as well. Despite reports that Christianity dominates these areas, most people in the area do not have knowledge of the Gospel. Biblical names are commonly given to the children, yet Christ is not known among them.
On my return journey from Narus to Torit, our bus stopped at a borehole. As Toposa children outside curiously came near the vehicle and looked in the window, they noticed me and just stared and smiled. I smiled back and greeted them in Toposa. One of the boys came up to the window and I asked him his name. He responded with "Marko" and then I told him my name. I felt awkward in not knowing what to say next, but he just stood there and continued to smile at me. As Marko was looking at me, the question arose in my mind "Without the Gospel where will these people be?" I was caught up in emotion and had to hold back tears. No more words were said and we soon departed, but I can never forget the curious and innocent look on that child's face and wonder what his future will hold for him.
When I reflect upon my entire time in Sudan, I feel that it was a success. My Juba Arabic language is now at a level where I can communicate fairly with the native speakers. I also developed good relationships with the locals and missionaries. I was able to challenge and encourage the Christians to draw closer to the Lord. And I also helped contribute to the growth of career-related skills in individuals through teaching of language and computer. I feel that the connections and relationships that I built with the people of Sudan will be beneficial for future ministry there. I believe that I will be returning to Sudan soon, but for the moment I feel that the Lord has called me to take some time to seek His face about my next steps. As of now, there are some pressing prayer needs for the nation of Sudan.
Prayer Points:
-This month, national elections are intended to take place for the entire Sudan. Pray that it would be a peaceful process and that the elections would be conducted with fairness.
-Next January, the Southern Sudanese will vote to either remain part of the Sudan or become a separate nation. Pray that the will of the people would be heard and carried out. Pray that both the North and South would be committed to finding a peaceful means of working out all the details of whatever decision is made.
-As for me, pray that as I seek the Lord, I would have discernment in hearing His voice for the next steps of my life and ministry. Above all things, I never want to forget the importance of living for Jesus. That means, not living for a successful ministry, or many of the other good things in this life, but rather valuing my relationship with Christ above all so that my life brings glory to Him.
Nearly two years ago, my father had been diagnosed with chordoma, a slow growing bone cancer. They performed surgery and removed the tumor. About a year later, they found that the cancer had returned. Despite this difficult news, I knew the Lord had called me to Sudan and was at peace about going out into the field so I headed out to Sudan. At the beginning of March this year, I received news that the cancer had spread more extensively than previously thought and that my father's health would likely deteriorate quickly. By the recommendation of the doctor, I decided to return early and arranged a flight to return to Omaha on March 19th. I am now back in Omaha and with my family.
During my last couple months in Sudan, ministry was going well. I was teaching three young men computer skills as well as teaching one individual English grammar and vocabulary. Although I stopped teaching the intermediate English class at AIC since all my students who expressed interest were busy at school preparing for exams, my beginner's English course was going fairly well. The learners, which mostly consisted of adult women who had started with little to no English really seemed to enjoy the class. Also, the weekly Bible study that I was having with Barnabas, Odiya, and Abema was going well. At our final study together, the three of them agreed to continue to meeting after I left. Although I knew my ministry in Sudan would be coming to a close for the moment, I felt the Lord preparing me for future ministry there.
With the more time that I spent in Torit, there was one people group, the Toposa, which captured my attention. Like most states in South Sudan, Eastern Equatoria consists of numerous people groups, each with their own language and culture. The Toposa is possibly the largest people group in Eastern Equatoria State and still remains largely unreached. They are pastoralist nomads, often being on the move throughout the year. I first encountered the Toposa in Torit as the boys would bring their cattle and goats into the area for grazing. In Toposa society, it is the boys who have the responsibility of tending and herding their livestock. Generally, men have the least amount of work to do as their main responsibility is to keep track of their livestock. The women, on the other hand, have the responsibility of caring for the rest of the needs at home. This includes, rearing children, maintaining a clean compound, preparing food, and drawing water from the nearest source and carrying it home. Tension with neighboring tribes is common among the Toposa and cattle raiding is commonly practiced. Recently though, I was encouraged to hear that some Toposa have gone to villages of neighboring tribes to make peace with their former enemies. It is our hope and prayer that all groups involved would adhere to these agreements.
Visit to the Toposaland
With the little time that I had left in Sudan, I decided to take a trip east of Torit to visit some of those who are involved with ministry among the Toposa in order to see what opportunities there may be for me to work among them in the future. My first stop was in Kapoeta about 150 km east of Torit. Without being able to notify him ahead of time, I went to visit James Lokuuda, a Toposa pastor who works with language translation and leads a growing church in Kapoeta. I also went out to visit one of the nearby villages where James had recently planted a church. After two nights in Kapoeta, I took a small bus to the town of Narus which is a couple hours drive east of Kapoeta. There I stayed with AIC pastor James Nyika and explored the area with some of the Kenyan and Sudanese missionaries. The trip went well and I made some good connections with the people. I am now seriously considering future ministry in that area. The environment of Kapoeta and Narus is a bit more harsh than Torit's. The land is much drier and the rivers flow with water only when there has been rain. While Torit is developing rapidly, there is little construction going on in these areas. I also got the impression that political clashes and acts of violence are more frequent as well. Despite reports that Christianity dominates these areas, most people in the area do not have knowledge of the Gospel. Biblical names are commonly given to the children, yet Christ is not known among them.
On my return journey from Narus to Torit, our bus stopped at a borehole. As Toposa children outside curiously came near the vehicle and looked in the window, they noticed me and just stared and smiled. I smiled back and greeted them in Toposa. One of the boys came up to the window and I asked him his name. He responded with "Marko" and then I told him my name. I felt awkward in not knowing what to say next, but he just stood there and continued to smile at me. As Marko was looking at me, the question arose in my mind "Without the Gospel where will these people be?" I was caught up in emotion and had to hold back tears. No more words were said and we soon departed, but I can never forget the curious and innocent look on that child's face and wonder what his future will hold for him.
When I reflect upon my entire time in Sudan, I feel that it was a success. My Juba Arabic language is now at a level where I can communicate fairly with the native speakers. I also developed good relationships with the locals and missionaries. I was able to challenge and encourage the Christians to draw closer to the Lord. And I also helped contribute to the growth of career-related skills in individuals through teaching of language and computer. I feel that the connections and relationships that I built with the people of Sudan will be beneficial for future ministry there. I believe that I will be returning to Sudan soon, but for the moment I feel that the Lord has called me to take some time to seek His face about my next steps. As of now, there are some pressing prayer needs for the nation of Sudan.
Prayer Points:
-This month, national elections are intended to take place for the entire Sudan. Pray that it would be a peaceful process and that the elections would be conducted with fairness.
-Next January, the Southern Sudanese will vote to either remain part of the Sudan or become a separate nation. Pray that the will of the people would be heard and carried out. Pray that both the North and South would be committed to finding a peaceful means of working out all the details of whatever decision is made.
-As for me, pray that as I seek the Lord, I would have discernment in hearing His voice for the next steps of my life and ministry. Above all things, I never want to forget the importance of living for Jesus. That means, not living for a successful ministry, or many of the other good things in this life, but rather valuing my relationship with Christ above all so that my life brings glory to Him.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Renewed Vision for the New Year
After having spent a wonderful Christmas with friends in Kijabe, Kenya and then having spent two weeks in Uganda, I am glad to be back in hot, dry, and dusty Torit, Sudan. I had a good time meeting AIM other missionaries at the Central Region Conference in Jinja and one of the highlights of my adventure was rafting on class five rapids near the source of the Nile in Uganda.
As of now, I have spent eight months in Africa and less than four months remain for me. Initially upon my return to Sudan, I intended to start teaching English classes at Torit Day Secondary school where I previously taught. Though both the headmaster and deputy master expressed their support of the idea, I had a difficult time getting things moving at the school. Due to the short amount of time that I had left here in Sudan, I decided to approach AIC about the idea. They immediately expressed their support and we got started soon after. I am now teaching two adult English classes, one for beginners and one at the intermediate level on the AIC church compound. Russ, who is an AIM missionary, has been great in helping me get things started and encouraging me in doing the class. I have found some challenges in the attendance not being consistent, but things appear to be improving as there are a few individuals coming regularly. Along with leading the English classes, I am also continuing to work with individuals on computer skills here at our compound.
Taking some time out of Sudan has also given me a renewed vision to investing in and working with the church body as well as being intentional in sharing Jesus to those with whom I interact. I began asking the Lord to lead me into and show me opportunities where I could speak His truth to the people that I interact with on a daily basis. About a week later, two young men that I see nearly everyday on separate occasions began asking me questions about sin and salvation. Both times I was able to share about what the Word of God says and encourage them to put their trust fully in Christ’s work on the cross. Though I have not yet sensed any major changes in the lives of these individuals, I am praying that the Lord would continue working on their hearts.
I am also thrilled that two young Sudanese men, Abema and Odiya have joined Barnabas and I in our weekly Bible study. It has been our desire to include in our Bible study Sudanese who love the Lord and want to grow in Christ. Both of these young men have a love the Lord and a desire to see their peers come to know Christ. I am also teaching Odiya computer skills and he has been coming to the intermediate English class regularly. I am looking start working with Abema as well.
One of the greatest challenges that I am now facing in Sudan is the high daytime and nighttime temperatures. The heat takes a great deal of energy out of a person here. I find that I often need a nap during the hottest time of the day. I am still spending most of my nights sleeping in a mud hut and the temperature inside often remains in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s into midnight. Often the only way for me to cope through the night is to lay a wet sheet over myself to keep cool. To make things more difficult, nights are seldom quiet here. Sometimes, there are overnight prayers and singing with blaring speakers from a nearby church, or other times one may hear drumming all night at a neighboring compound. In Lotuka culture, drumming is said to be a way of expressing grief and when an individual passes away, people from the community will come to the compound to drum, dance, and kick up dust with their feet from night until morning. I have found earplugs to be necessary for me to sleep some nights.
Despite the fact that sleeping in a mud hut without electricity is not easy during this season, I am still finding my nights at Taban’s place worthwhile as I have also developed a good friendship with Lodule, an 18 year old Sudanese who came from Juba almost a year ago to run the shop on the compound. I spend most of my evenings with him at the shop. Because he has no English, we converse in Arabic and I find after each month that passes that I am able to communicate a little bit better with him.
Please pray for:
-my time with Lodule. Pray that he would be drawn closer to Christ through our conversations.
-the English classes. Pray that the Lord would direct me in leading the classes as well as for the students who are coming.
-our Bible study and that we would continue to grow in Christ through our time together.
-restful nights and energy for us all to keep going strong during this season.
-our safety and protection.
As of now, I have spent eight months in Africa and less than four months remain for me. Initially upon my return to Sudan, I intended to start teaching English classes at Torit Day Secondary school where I previously taught. Though both the headmaster and deputy master expressed their support of the idea, I had a difficult time getting things moving at the school. Due to the short amount of time that I had left here in Sudan, I decided to approach AIC about the idea. They immediately expressed their support and we got started soon after. I am now teaching two adult English classes, one for beginners and one at the intermediate level on the AIC church compound. Russ, who is an AIM missionary, has been great in helping me get things started and encouraging me in doing the class. I have found some challenges in the attendance not being consistent, but things appear to be improving as there are a few individuals coming regularly. Along with leading the English classes, I am also continuing to work with individuals on computer skills here at our compound.
Taking some time out of Sudan has also given me a renewed vision to investing in and working with the church body as well as being intentional in sharing Jesus to those with whom I interact. I began asking the Lord to lead me into and show me opportunities where I could speak His truth to the people that I interact with on a daily basis. About a week later, two young men that I see nearly everyday on separate occasions began asking me questions about sin and salvation. Both times I was able to share about what the Word of God says and encourage them to put their trust fully in Christ’s work on the cross. Though I have not yet sensed any major changes in the lives of these individuals, I am praying that the Lord would continue working on their hearts.
I am also thrilled that two young Sudanese men, Abema and Odiya have joined Barnabas and I in our weekly Bible study. It has been our desire to include in our Bible study Sudanese who love the Lord and want to grow in Christ. Both of these young men have a love the Lord and a desire to see their peers come to know Christ. I am also teaching Odiya computer skills and he has been coming to the intermediate English class regularly. I am looking start working with Abema as well.
One of the greatest challenges that I am now facing in Sudan is the high daytime and nighttime temperatures. The heat takes a great deal of energy out of a person here. I find that I often need a nap during the hottest time of the day. I am still spending most of my nights sleeping in a mud hut and the temperature inside often remains in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s into midnight. Often the only way for me to cope through the night is to lay a wet sheet over myself to keep cool. To make things more difficult, nights are seldom quiet here. Sometimes, there are overnight prayers and singing with blaring speakers from a nearby church, or other times one may hear drumming all night at a neighboring compound. In Lotuka culture, drumming is said to be a way of expressing grief and when an individual passes away, people from the community will come to the compound to drum, dance, and kick up dust with their feet from night until morning. I have found earplugs to be necessary for me to sleep some nights.
Despite the fact that sleeping in a mud hut without electricity is not easy during this season, I am still finding my nights at Taban’s place worthwhile as I have also developed a good friendship with Lodule, an 18 year old Sudanese who came from Juba almost a year ago to run the shop on the compound. I spend most of my evenings with him at the shop. Because he has no English, we converse in Arabic and I find after each month that passes that I am able to communicate a little bit better with him.
Please pray for:
-my time with Lodule. Pray that he would be drawn closer to Christ through our conversations.
-the English classes. Pray that the Lord would direct me in leading the classes as well as for the students who are coming.
-our Bible study and that we would continue to grow in Christ through our time together.
-restful nights and energy for us all to keep going strong during this season.
-our safety and protection.
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