Back to Torit

After being away for over a year, I am thrilled to be back in Torit. Even with the influx of Southerners back to their homeland and the new status of South Sudan as an independent nation, Torit feels very much the same as I recall from my last time here. As I usually walk through the town everyday, I enjoy running into friends or acquaintances and taking a moment to chat with them. My time in Torit has been great, but I believe that I will be here only for a season as I feel the Lord calling me to work among the Boya/Laarim people. In the meantime, I had been seeking out people here in Torit who are from the community and I was successful in finding a good number of Laarim youth. They agreed to meet with me and have since been doing a wonderful job helping me with learning the language. It has been great getting to know them and learn bits and pieces about the Laarim culture through our time together.

Visit to the Laarim Community

(The name Laarim and Boya refer to the same people group. I have previously referred the people as the Boya, but Laarim is the more widely recognized name.)

In September I made a visit with four others to the Laarim community. The team consisted of my unit leader Phil, my future team leader Jonathan, Pastor Joshua from Africa Inland Church, and Clement, a Laarim man working with language translation.

For Jonathan and I, this was our first visit the area. From Torit, traveled east for about 3 hours on the main road to the town of Loryok. In Loryok, we met with Joseph, the father of Clement. He was a pleasant, elderly man who was quite talkative and had good English. He went into much detail about his vision to see the Laarim community changed for the better through the assistance of the government, NGO's, and missionaries. After a short time in Loryok, we headed north with Joseph to our next stop in Kimatong. In Kimatong we were met by elders along with others in the community. We sat down together and talked about our desire to send missionaries to the Laarim people. Phil briefly shared a simple message about the problem of sin affecting all tribes and people, and how Jesus is the One who can fix our broken foundation resulting from sin. Many of the Laarim people in the group shared their hopes and desires. Although some referred to hopes for physical development of the land, there was a great emphasis on the need for missionaries to come to plant a church and teach the Bible. After our meeting in Kimatong our group headed up to Napak, the northernmost village of the Laarim. Here we met with community leaders and the chief as well as others who were visiting the area including an advisor to the governor and two county commissioners who were from neighboring counties to the Laarim. Again we shared with the elders about our desire to work with the Laarim people. The elders responded positively welcoming us to come. We then returned to Kimatong and stayed the night there. The following day we went out to see the airstrip and also made a visit the village where I have been invited to stay. We first stopped at the airstrip which had not been used for a few years and would need to be cleared. Driving along the path, Phil checked the odometer and found the length to be sufficient for a 12 passenger caravan. We then went to visit Kerenge, Clement's village between Kimatong and Napak. We again met with the elders of the area and they expressed their hope that missionaries would be sent to their people. After the meeting, they took us to the location where I could temporarily stay until a house would be built for the missionaries who would come. We then returned to Kimatong where a goat had been slaughtered and prepared for us. After sharing the meal, we headed back to Loryok where we dropped off Clement. We concluded our journey by making a short visit to Farasika in the southernmost part of the Laarim territory, quite a distance from Kimatong. There we were encouraged as we found a small group of youth who meet and pray together regularly being led by a couple Kenyan missionaries.

Looking Forward

So what are the next steps? It depends on some factors. Pastor Joshua from Africa Inland Church has said that he may be able to start ministry among the Laarim in November. If this is the case, then there is the possibility that I could go to work alongside him, possibly moving into the community around the same time he does. If Pastor Joshua does not go out in November and Africa Inland Church decides to send missionaries out at a later time, then I would likely make 1-2 week visits periodically to the community until the Lord raises up one or more coworkers for the Gospel. Clement has said that I could stay with his relatives during future visits to the community. These visits would not only assist me in my language and cultural learning, but would allow me to develop relationships with the people living in the community before I am able to get established there. It would also help to assure the Laarim community that we are committed to sending missionaries.

Prayer needs

Continue to pray for the Lord to raise up the appropriate missionaries who will bring the Gospel to the Laarim people.

Pray for wisdom for AIM and AIC (Africa Inland Church) as we plan to partner together and get established among the Laarim people. May we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Pray for me as I continue learning the Laarim language and culture here in Torit and as I go into their territory.

Pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the Laarim as they prepare to receive us. Pray the same for us as we prepare to live among them.

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.

Soon to Be in Africa

In a couple weeks from now I should be on my way to Kenya for orientation! These past few days I have been cleaning out my room. It has been a tiring process sorting through all my old books, papers, photos, clothes, etc. Many forgotten memories come back to the forefront of my mind as I look at each I item I had put away into my closet or file cabinet years ago. One fascinating aspect of the whole process is how it has enabled me to look back over the past ten years of my life and to see how I have grown as Jesus has faithfully led me up to this point. I tend to get discouraged when I try to observe spiritual growth in my life from day to day, but when I look at the past three, five, or ten years I am reminded that growth is a process and not an instantaneous observable change. Recently I was encouraged by Philippians 1:6 which reads, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." There will probably be circumstances I face in the future that I am not yet perfectly prepared for or mature enough to handle, but because our God is faithful I am at peace knowing that He prepares us for each step ahead.

This season of preparation has truly been a good one with many meaningful memories being made. I have been thoroughly enjoying these final moments (for possibly the next few years) with friends and family who offer me their support and encouragement. Several weeks ago, a commissioning service was held for me by the Sudanese congregation. I did my best to preach in Juba Arabic and after I shared, a couple of the church leaders came up to pray for me and offer words of encouragement in English. I was then given an Arabic/English Bible and a large sum of money to go toward my mission. I often feel that I have been more blessed by the Sudanese church than I have been a blessing to them. In the same way, the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement I experience from my sending church, Emmanuel Fellowship has equally blessed me. I believe these experiences allow us a little glimpse of what heaven is like.

Across the ocean, the nation of Sudan needs our prayers. July 9th is to be the day which South Sudan officially gains independence, yet little has been resolved regarding the border areas in dispute. Though not likely affecting the safety of AIM missionaries, violence continues to plague these areas lying on the North/South border. In Eastern Equatoria State, my plans to work with the Boya people still remain unchanged. I have been corresponding with Clement, a Christian Boya man who works with Laarim language (language of the Boya people) translation. I look forward to meeting with Clement in South Sudan. I am hoping to make a few visits with him to the Boya community before permanently relocating there. Also, I am still praying that the Lord would raise up another missionary that I would work alongside to reach this people group.

Please continue to pray for me in these areas

-An end to the violence plaguing the border between North and South Sudan

-For the Boya people to be ready to receive the Gospel

-For strength and the ability to focus during my preparation for Africa and ministry. I have three 8 hour days of motorcycle lessons next week and 3 week orientation in Kenya once I arrive to Africa.

-Also, Praise the Lord that my monthly pledge support target has been reached!

May the Lord bless you!

Seeing everything come to life this spring makes me hopeful that I will not have to endure cold weather again, at least for a while. It's already less than two and a half months before I am scheduled to depart and I am getting excited. More financial support has come in I am and currently at about 87% of my monthly support target. It truly has been a process of learning to trust God to provide. One thing that has amazed me is how so many have expressed their support, surrounding me with prayer and encouragement as I share about what I believe the Lord is calling me to. It is humbling for me to recognize that all of this is not because of what I have done or am capable of doing in my strength, but rather because of what the Lord is doing as we together step out in faith.

At the end of April, I went down to visit my brother and his wife in southern Mississippi. We had a great time together. I also had the opportunity to share for a brief time at the church they attend about my plans to serve with AIM in South Sudan. It was a good experience. It amazes me when people I've just met for the first time commit to pray for me or offer support.

My days are becoming less structured now as more tasks, events, and gatherings come along the way during these last couple months I spend in the U.S. I am actually enjoying this season of variety.

Prayer requests

-Please continue to pray for me as I work through the necessary details for going out into the mission field. Also, I am still in need of more pledged monthly support within the next few weeks before I have clearance for departure and my plane ticket can be purchased. As I let the need be known, I pray that the Lord would guide those He is calling to be regular financial supporters.

-Pray that the Lord would pave the way for the Gospel to go forth and penetrate the Boya community where I am looking to eventually get established after my return to Torit in South Sudan.

-Please continue to pray for peace during this time of transition in Sudan. South Sudan is to gain independence on July 9th this year and many of the key issues between the North and the South have not yet been resolved.

It All Belongs to Jesus

Though it has been over a year, I still have new memories and thoughts that come to my mind as I reflect upon my previous time in Sudan. Recently I had been thinking about my attitude. In any ministry, frustrations will come through interruptions. Even when I would determine in my mind to have a good attitude, it seems that the Lord would in one way or another allow my patience to be tested in an unexpected situation. There would be times where I would have a quiet evening or an afternoon to myself at the missionaries' house. I would sit down to have lunch or dinner and immediately a visitor would show up. Knowing that the most appropriate response would be to welcome them in, I would allow them in with a smile on the outside, but angry on the inside not wanting to be disturbed. At other times while I would be out at the market, a stranger or someone I hardly knew would greet me saying they would like to talk to me about something. I would try to patiently listen while they would spend the next few minutes talking about their hope to start a business or open an orphanage thinking that maybe I would like to be part of it. On the inside I would be thinking, "this person only wants to selfishly use me for his benefit." Very quickly I would find myself judging the motives and attitudes of others because I was upset that "my time" was being wasted.

Not long after such an interaction would I be reminded of my selfish attitude the Lord was calling me to repent of. Instead of making up my mind to not get upset the next time, I believe the real issue that I am learning to deal with is the need to recognize that my time and plans are not nearly as important as I make them out to be. After all, like everything else my time and plans actually belong to the Lord. He will see that my true needs are met in one way or another as I trust Him.

Appreciating Differences

I remember a time in Torit that I had gone over to visit my Kenyan friend Barnabas in his mud hut that he was renting on the compound of a Sudanese family. Some of those who lived on the compound were heavy drinkers and the environment was not a pleasant one. This was to be one of my last visits to see Barnabas since my time in Sudan was coming to a close. Occasionally we would talk about the difficulties of living in Sudan and I would sometimes mention the differences that frustrated me, but this time I distinctly remember our conversation taking a different direction. We began sharing what we loved about Sudan and its people. I was there as a missionary and Barnabas was there for business and both of us grew to love the people and the place that the Lord had led us to.

One thing that continually impresses me about the Sudanese culture is the way the people care for one another's needs. It is a common practice for Sudanese to welcome a relative, a friend, and sometimes even an acquaintance to stay with them if they are in need of a place to stay. When I asked my language helper Taban if I could stay on his compound with him and his family in Torit, he agreed without hesitation and without demanding anything in return. For the appropriate ways that I did offer help to the family in return for hosting me, they openly expressed appreciation. In Sudan, unexpected visits are almost always welcome. Even when I would stop by a family's compound to ask a quick question, I would be welcomed to sit and eat with the family. In Sudan, like in much of the developing world, relating well to one another is often more important than accomplishing a particular task on a scheduled time. People just enjoy being together.

I find that there are some aspects of Sudanese culture I prefer over American culture. On the other hand there are many things that I prefer to do the American way. Though I sometimes tend to judge cultural difference as one either being superior or inferior to the other, I pray that I would learn to see that most are simply nothing more than what they are: differences.

Barnabas and his wife Immaculate

Taban with his wife, daughter, and mother

Boya

These photos were taken by Phil, AIM's South Sudan unit leader when he made a trip to visit the Boya community in December 2010.

Clement's father. Recently, Clement informed

me that his father has a plot of land reserved for me.

Pastor Francis from Africa Inland Church in Juba. I am

hoping to work alongside him if he agrees to return as a

missionary to the Boya community.

Many people groups in South Sudan use scarring as a

form of decorating their bodies. Some scars have specific

meanings.

Preparing for a Return

Gaining Independence
It was a great surprise to many that the referendum which took place in January 2011 went peacefully and that the official results (98.83% for separation) have been recognized by the government. South Sudan will officially gain independence on July 9th 2011. As a result of these positive reports and the continued peace, AIM South Sudan missionaries have been given the green light to return to their locations of ministry and some of them are already back. I cannot help but thank the Lord for this.
There is much rejoicing in South Sudan. None with whom I had talked expected the process to go as well as it did. Neither did I. I believe the Lord has answered the prayers of the many who were crying out to Him on behalf of South Sudan. Nevertheless, we must not forget to continue praying. I have committed to pray for Sudan regularly, yet I find myself praying for this nation less frequently after seeing that the referendum went well. As I write this I am reminded of how greatly South Sudan still needs to be continually covered in prayer. It will be important to resolve the issues regarding border demarcation, citizenship, and a separate referendum for the Abyei region which lies on the North-South border before independence. Also there have been some clashes between groups in the South resulting in many deaths, mostly being civilians caught in the crossfire. Furthermore, the price of fuel and other items have increased drastically since the time of the referendum making life more difficult for those who have already been struggling to survive. South Sudan still has a long road ahead of it with numerous challenges of which any one of them if not properly dealt with could threaten its stability.

While in the United States
Since candidate week in November, I have begun the process of raising support. Currently, I am at almost 60% of my monthly pledge target. Considering all that I wanted and needed to do in preparation for long-term ministry in South Sudan I made the decision to leave my job in December. Since then I still find that I have plenty to do everyday, but I thank the Lord that I now have more time and energy to do it. I am glad to be part of a Sudanese church here and I appreciate the friendships that have developed through it. I am also regularly spending time with refugees from Darfur, a region in the western part of North Sudan. They have been helping me with the Arabic language and I have been helping them with English. I so greatly desire that these people would see the love of Christ and His truth through my actions and words.

An Assignment
I am usually a bit hesitant to give too many details when it comes to plans for a specific ministry assignment due to the fact that in the mission field, especially in an area like South Sudan, direction of ministry can change in a moment's notice. Nonetheless I still would like to share about where I believe the Lord is leading.

When AIM's South Sudan unit leader, Phil, did an exploratory trip to visit the Boya people group in June 2010 he was well received. This community that Phil visited had no church or missionaries among them, but they continually expressed their desire to him for missionaries to come and teach the Word of God to the people.
With such a response from the community, Phil went to visit the area again in December. This time he went along with two Africa Inland Church pastors from Juba, South Sudan's capital city which is about a 3-4 hour drive west of Torit. The two South Sudanese pastors, Joshua and Francis, along with Phil met with the same Boya community Phil previously visited and again the people welcomed them to come to teach, preach, and share the Word of God. Pastor Joshua made the request that if they, Africa Inland Church Sudan, were to send someone, then the community would need to build accommodations and provide food for the missionary. With this request, the leaders accepted and said they would begin construction soon. Phil also mentioned my name as AIM's likely first missionary and applause erupted from the leaders. He told them that I would need their support of friendship, language learning, protection, place to sleep, etc. and the leaders responded saying they look forward to all these things. Last I have heard is that pastor Francis, a young married man, is seriously considering relocating from Juba to the Boya area as a missionary. If he agrees to go, it is my hope to work alongside him in reaching these people for with the Gospel.
Phil has encouraged me to make my main focus on the youth and children for evangelism and discipleship. He has also encouraged me to look into chronological Bible Story training before coming. Because most Sudanese in the villages are illiterate, they are skilled oral learners. In oral-learning cultures, much knowledge is passed on from generation to generation through the telling of stories. Though many of the Boya may not be able to read the Bible, they definitely have the capacity to learn and understand it.

Though I do expect that the work will be very difficult with many spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges, I must admit that I am incredibly excited about this possible opportunity to be part of bringing the Gospel to these people. I do believe it is God's will that I go to South Sudan so I am praying that this door to join the Boya community would remain open. At the same time I know that my future is not in my hands, but in the Lord's. Therefore I trust in the One who sees the whole picture and directs each one's path for His glory.

Prayer needs:

-Pray for the transition of South Sudan to independence. Pray for the specific North/South issues of citizenship, border demarcation, and the Abyei referendum which needs to be held, but has been delayed due to a disagreement over who will be eligible to vote in it.

-Pray for peace among the people groups and political groups in South Sudan. Pray for economic stability and God-fearing leadership.

-Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of the Boya people to receive the Gospel and also that the Lord would raise up Sudanese who will go to the people with His message.

-Pray that the vision for sending out missionaries would continue to grow and become a reality in Sudanese churches.

-Pray that I would not be blind to the opportunities the Lord has set before me here and now as He prepares me for future ministry. I want to be obedient wherever the Lord places me.

Appointed As a Missionary

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.