Swift Messengers, "Go swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers" Isaiah 18:2.

A team of 10 from Idlewild Baptist church (plus a whole army of prayer warriors stationed at home) did go to the people described in Isaiah 18. They ministered in a week of special Easter activities to the Dinka people of Southern Sudan, Mar 15-30.

Many Dinka heard of the life, death and resurrection of Christ for the first time through the "Jesus Film", which was heard in their own language, Dinka Agar. Also "The Passion of the Christ" was shown and narrated by one of the local church leaders. For four nights the airstrip was transformed into an open-air theatre, where hundreds gathered spellbound by the movies.

A very special Easter service was held at Akot Medical Mission, which included a dinner. Because of the scarcity of food, this was a big blessing for the locals. The children participated in an eggs-traordinary event, which was a big hit--- their first Easter egg hunt! They retold the Easter story by finding the special eggs with the hints inside (donkey, cross, crown of thorns, etc). The colorful baskets, eggs, candy and toys were quite a novelty for children who have never received a toy.

The week of ministry also included medical clinics at the jail and army barracks, one at a remote bush village and one at a cattle camp. Hundreds of Dinka were treated and also heard stories of the greatness of our God. The Dinka are always receptive to hearing of the hope of a better life, but this season was especially powerful.

The kingdom was not only grown numerically, it was strengthen by deepening its roots. A pastor's conference and a pastor's wives conference was held at the hospital for local church leaders. Also, the hospital staff were especially appreciative of the medical classes that were offered by the team. They clapped and beamed over receiving certificates with their names on them.

The team was awestruck at the amazing things God has done in this remote area. What are seemingly insignificant things to us, are great blessings to people who have nothing. We all came away asking, why do we have so many material blessings? The answer is, so that we can bless others.

-Praise God for His generous gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
-Thank Him for the blessings we enjoy of living in a free country, with plenty of everything.
-Ask God to show us how we can bless others out of our abundance.

Thank you for praying for our team. God certainly answered your prayers.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen". Ephesians 3:20-21.

Nhialic abi thieei (Dinka for God Bless You),

Ann Rao