In Africa

South Sudan Becomes Independent

Last month, on July 9th, South Sudan attained independence and became the world's newest nation. With much excitement and hope the people in South Sudan celebrated their independence. Sudanese around the world joined with their communities to celebrate as well. Remarkably, there were no major incidences of violence reported in South Sudan during the celebrations despite the concerns that many had.

Africa Based Orientation

On July 15th I arrived to Nairobi Kenya along with a group of others singles and families who were going out to serve as long term missionaries with AIM. A few days later we headed out on a bus to Machakos, Kenya for three weeks of ABO (Africa Based Orientation). A typical day at ABO included breakfast, followed by prayer and devotions. After devotions we usually had a representative from one of AIM's mobilizing regions to share about the missionaries and the work being done in their specific region. Prayer for the region followed. Being in South Sudan, I am part of AIM's Central Region which also includes the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, CAR, DRC, and Chad.

After talking about the regions we had a lecturer for the day to discuss a subject. Topics include staying healthy, security, religion in Africa, cultural differences, worldview, ethnomusicology, HIV/AIDS, and others. Most of the lecturers who spoke about religion or African culture and perspectives were themselves from Africa. Although I was initially not looking forward to the orientation, I found many of the sessions to be interesting and helpful for understanding why things are done the way they are in Africa. Although Africa is an enormous and diverse continent with thousands of people groups, there are many surprising similarities among them. No doubt there are exceptions, but much of what we were taught I observed to be true among the different people that I have known and worked with from many African countries. Here are a few examples:

Because Africans in general will do their best to avoid shaming themselves or bringing shame upon someone else, they tend to be very indirect when communicating criticism or sensitive information. Another difference is that personal property is seen very differently in Africa than in the west. If something that belongs to me is not being used and someone else has need of it, then there is often the expectation that I should share it until I need it again. The wellbeing of the community is often valued over the right of one individual. Therefore the one who is perceived to have more is expected to give more.

These differences often make it a challenge for missionaries or westerners coming to work among a people who's worldview and culture is very different from their own. Having an understanding of these differences helps missionaries not only to cope, but to be a more effective witness for Christ when working in such a culture.

Heading to Torit

Currently, I am at Matoke Inn in Kampala Uganda where I have spent nearly a week. This is one of my favorite places to come through and relax while in Africa. The compound is full of trees and plants that attract a variety of species of beautiful birds and butterflies. It has been great getting to see Phil and Linda here whom I stayed with in Torit. Phil was my former unit leader in Sudan, but he has since taken leadership of the entire AIM Central Region based in Kampala. Tomorrow morning I will fly from Uganda to Torit, South Sudan, my next destination. There is much that I am excited about. I look forward to coming back to the church, seeing friends from my previous time in South Sudan, as well as connecting with the Boya people living in Torit and beginning the language learning. If things go as planned I will make my first visit to Boya territory in mid September with Phil who will be coming up to South Sudan for a short time and Clement, a Boya Christian. There will likely be challenges ahead, but I know that the One who calls us is faithful to carry out His good work in us as we walk with Him.

-Praise the Lord for a peaceful celebration.

-Please pray that I will find a friend in Torit who comes from the Boya community and will be able to help me with the language learning.

-Pray for our upcoming planned trip in September to visit the Boya community so that we would connect well with the people.

-Please pray for wisdom for the leaders in South Sudan to properly govern the new nation peacefully.