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.
