August was a big month for me as my first teammate, Andrew, arrived to South Sudan.  Andrew came from England and has committed to working with the Laarim for the next two years.  Language learning and relationship building are a priority for him for these first six months of ministry.  He has gotten off to a great start and is picking up the language at a much faster pace than I ever have.

The beginning of September had me and a team of four youth on their school holiday traveling from Torit to the Boya Hills area for home to home evangelism in Yei village.  Three of the four youth had never been to the Boya Hills.  From Torit, we boarded a crowded Land Cruiser and travelled on a bumpy road for four hours to Loryok.  After reaching we spent the evening planning for the week of evangelism.   Early the following morning we started our 13 mile journey by foot. We reached our compound in the village tired, but looking forward to the following days. That week the team visited homes and shared the gospel with families throughout the village.  Initially when planning the trip I was uncertain how it would work out, but everyone did a great job.  One of the team members was impressed by the respect shown to them while they shared the gospel at each home.

One of the Laarim boys from the area, Lotao, joined us for the week.  Lotao gave his life to Christ early this year so I have been spending a lot of time with him.  Having this group of youth come was good opportunity for Lotao to spend time with other young believers to be encouraged and learn from them.  Towards the end of the week, Lotao commented that he is no longer afraid to share the gospel with others.  

It seems like I have been able to follow a weekly routine for awhile now.

Since the evangelism group came, Lotao and I have been meeting twice a week with children playing games and sharing a Bible story, which Lotao usually leads.  For several months we have also been meeting once a week for Bible study at the primary school in Kimatong with a few other youth and children. Twice a week I go a few kilometers outside the villages to the riverbed where the young boys and youth take their cattle for water.  Together we talk, sing, and pray, and then I share a Bible story.  I find nearly everyone at the river eagerly participating and listening intently during the story as there are few distractions in such an environment.  On Saturdays I am usually in Loryok doing shopping and meeting with the youth in the evening.  On Sunday mornings we gather together for worship and then I go back to the village on my motorbike.  There are a couple others in Loryok who are involved in the church and they are a great help, but we are also praying for someone to come who can stay permanently in Loryok to pastor the church and continue evangelism.

Now that the airstrip is open in Yei, it is much easier for us to get fresh produce and comfort foods regularly as well other useful things available within the region.  We are still facing a water problem though, as the borehole on our compound failed again after being repaired.

The first two houses are nearly done along with the kitchen/sitting area for Andrew and me.  After completing the work in Yei village, the construction crew including our friends Charlie and Clement, will move on to the next building site in Cauwa village which is about 4 1/2 kilometers to the north.  Andrew and I will remain in Yei.

How You Can Pray

-Pray for us as a team.  Whether we are building houses, learning language, or sharing Bible stories, we want to demonstrate the love of Christ in all that we do towards one another within our team and in the community.

-Pray for Lotao to continue growing in Christ and sharing his faith.  Pray for others who are joining us regularly to grow in their love for Jesus. 

-Pray for wisdom in use of our time.  The possibilities of direction for ministry in the village are numerous.  We must be intentional about seeking the Lord's guidance for what is best.

-Pray for a full-time pastor who can stay in Loryok.