August 2010 News Update
Warriors,
What a joy to be part of Kingdom work in Sudan for the past 17 years. We have appreciated your standing along side of us and interceding for us on so many different occasions. Just this past month has been one of those times where it was evident that we were being prayed for.
Abraham Maper and myself took a trip up to the Malakal and Baliat areas of Sudan where we were blessed to be able to train about three dozen church leaders from those two areas. Our first training was in Baliet – a three hour speedboat ride up the Nile and Sobat rivers. That is if you are on the “speed” boat and not the local transport boats. Unfortunately Abraham and I got separated at the boat docks and wound up on different boats. God knew what he was doing though, as I was able to get there in time to begin classes that afternoon and all day the next day. Abraham on the other hand spent about 28 hours on the river (less his nighttime sleeping) getting to the training. While I worried, prayed, fretted, prayed, couldn’t sleep, prayed….Abe was slowly making his way up the river and wound up spending the night at a village where God sent a man, who was a fellow Dinka, to find Abe and give him a large bed with a mosquito net for the night. The story was utterly amazing when relayed to us by Abe the afternoon he got in.
The next day John Moncol found out early in the morning that we would need to be leaving that day, instead of the following one, because there would be no boats available after that. So, we got to teach that morning, then hopped onto a speedboat while the rain pounded down on us in the open boat. Three hours later, soaked and cold, we pulled into Malakal. We knew that if we wanted to teach the 25 or so leaders here that we would have to make that trip then. It wasn’t as scenic as the trip up but we were both thankful that God provided a quick boat for us to be in time to teach this other group of leaders.
After a good night’s rest, and tea and mandazis at a little local shop, we headed out for our trip to the Nuer church that meets in a mud-walled, zinc roofed school that is literally the very last building on the edge of Malakal. There was nothing past that building but bush and cows. Unfortunately it had poured that day before and the roads were a mess. Mud was two feet thick and in many places vehicles could not travel at all. We had a friend take us as far as he could (though it turns out that Ding had him turn down the wrong road and we walked an extra kilometer beyond what we would have). It was probably a three kilometer walk through some of the thickest, stickiest mud I have ever seen. Abraham claims that our boots weighed 15 kg each and I don’t think he was off by too much. After the training, which was awesome, we walked back in a driving rain to a spot where a vehicle could reach us. By that point I had some really nice blisters on my feet from the gum boots that I had purchased to traverse the muddy roads of the area.
The training was held in a small room packed to the brim with young Nuer men and women (two very godly women) who were so excited about the things they were being taught. We went from morning till 5 pm that day and when Abe and I got back to our room we both collapsed.
The next day Abraham did the teaching and preaching all day. I stayed back, let my blisters heal, and caught up on the notes for my next day’s teaching. After Ding and Abraham got home from another long trek through the mud we all decided we would rent a hall the following day that was in town where access would be easier for everyone. What a very wise decision (though we still had to go through muddy trails to get to the hall). Once again we taught from morning until 5 pm in order to finish the course. When it was all over we were all appreciative of what God allowed us to do and the sweet fellowship we enjoyed during those days.
That evening Abe and I could not find our names on the flight manifest which caused some unease but by the next day it had been sorted out and we returned, via Juba, to Rumbek. A very long day indeed as we didn’t get in until 5pm.
As we were flying home we decided that we needed to do the same training in Akot that following week – so we did. We had about 14 of our young leaders attend the two very long days and this time Abraham did the translating for those who only knew Dinka. By the time these sessions were finished I was walking on clouds and enjoying the rich blessings that only come from above – knowing that what we did was pleasing to the Master and beneficial for all of those young Sudanese leaders.
But the blessings did not end there. While we were in Akot we finalized plans with Justin, a young man who will be here for at least another year, to begin the formal Bible school. On Monday he taught his first class using the BTCP curriculum that is being widely used in S Sudan these days. This is a two year course that will prepare young leaders to be effective gospel presenters and disciplers for Kingdom work. At this point we are all excited and praising the King for His grace in allowing us to be part of his work.
All of this was possible because of you faithful who continue to intercede for us each day, week or month. We are so grateful for you intercession.
Cathy and I are also now engaged in furlough preparation – packing boxes, selling unused items, relocating mission assets, etc. This will continue for the month of September until we head to Nairobi for final furlough meetings. This is always a stressful time so ask God to give us an extra measure of unity with each other as we make decisions about what stays, where it goes, what gets left behind, etc.
Also be remembering Jermaine during these coming two months – his last two here in Sudan. His plate is full with training pastors, teaching Justin all he knows before heading out, working in the cattle camps, and planning his trip back to the States. This year has really been an incredible one for Jermaine and he has some truly amazing stories to share when he returns to the States in October.
I know this was quite a long update but it was really an action packed couple of months. Thank you for “holding our rope” and being faithful to the Kingdom.
To God be the glory,
Mark
Sudanese Sagas - January 2010
Way behind
I think this has been the longest stretch that we have gone without sending out a newsletter. Somehow this past year has just flashed by as if in a dream and here we are staring at 2010. As you will see we have been engaged over this past year with people, projects and plans. I will do my best to cram it all in this letter.
Starting out with a volunteer bang
In January we had a team come out from Dawson BC who did a terrific job of working alongside of our Dinka church folk and constructed a training center building out of two shipping containers, some wood, zinc and cement. Their work was so organized and speedy that the Dinka have not stopped talking about it until this day. We are now using the structure for training men, women and children in a variety of ministry skills.
Team
Our journeymen have continued to be a total joy with their “never a dull moment” personalities. They continue to make new friends, find, and/or create, new ministry opportunities, and bring joy to everyone they come into contact with. You really need to check out their blogs on our sudansouth.org website. They are great storytellers. This past January Jermaine joined them to re-complete the Sudan Six team and you would never even suspect that he wasn’t one of the originals. He was the final piece in a beautiful jigsaw puzzle.
The Lewises, with their three young boys, hit the ground a-running this past spring. They are now nestled into their new home in Taposaland and are making new relationships every day. They have already started a church in an area that none of us had considered before. Be praying for them as they continue to learn the language and culture through relationships that will bear fruit for eternity. Also pray that Carrie can find a good lady-friend that she can bond with and share heart thoughts with.
Training Projects
The Baptist Training Center has really made some great strides this past year. Our women’s training has gone great with about 20 women just about ready to graduate. Their second course will be starting early this year.
We have had several modules of our Bible school training during the year. This has been a testing ground to see if we are on the right track for the type of training that is indigenous and practical to daily life in Southern Sudan. We believe that it is and that it has been successful. We look forward to doing the full program this coming year.
We also have a primary school started at the BTC. There are about 60 children being taught daily under three Lulu trees. They are getting ready to put up some shelters for protection from the rains.
Plans for 2010
Beginning January 15th we will have eleven Fusion Team college students joining us for four months. They will be involved in a variety of ministries – from cattle camps to leper colonies, pastors training to women’s work, street kids to soap making. We will all be challenged during these months so be interceding when the Spirit moves you.
The week before Fusion arrives we have a volunteer team coming to head off into a cattle camp for HIV/AIDS prevention training. This is always a challenging time for those involved.
This summer we will be hosting two teams from the Nehemiah Teams – who will also be going into the depths of the cattle camp cultures. These young people will be challenged to the very nth degree of all their training. They will be here for 8 weeks of spiritual and emotional growth.
Cathy and I will go on Stateside assignment beginning in October for about five months or so. Home base will be in Merritt Island, FL.
Kids Korner
Our daughter Laura is still in Kazakhstan where she is teaching English for the Peace Corps. This past year has grown much easier as she learned more Russian, adjusted to the culture, and found her comfort zone amidst sub-zero temperatures.
Joshua is plodding along with school in Florida and still looking for a job. He really wants to move out on his own but without a steady income that plan is on hold.
This summer our family was able to meet up in Turkey for a sailboat cruise among the Greek and Turkish islands. It was an unbelievable time of being together, enjoying a part of the planet we hadn’t seen, and relaxing with friends. God abundantly blessed our family with this time.
The Future ?????
No one is quite sure what to expect in Sudan this year. In the south this year there were more people killed than in Darfur. Tribal clashes are on the rise, unrest is just below the surface, and there is growing discontent with the small amount of development that has taken place since the signing of the peace a few years ago.
National elections are scheduled for early April but no one is sure they will actually happen – or if they will in any way be accurate. The recent census was pretty much a disaster. Our team will covet your intercession this year.
Top Praises
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The Lewises have moved into Taposa land and are doing well.
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Jermaine joined our team and is really stepping up in leadership roles.
Top Requests
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Pray for our journeymen to “finish strong” and to leave behind a legacy that will glorify Christ for years to come
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For a team coming from Jermaine’s home church coming in May to train pastors and work with youth
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For the Fusion and Nehemiah teams to be glorifying to God in each challenge they will face and each task they take on
Huge thanks to John and Jane Canfield for their always valuable advice and assistance with the website and newsletters we put out. Check out the website at www.sudansouth.org anytime you get a chance. John is getting ready to redo it in a new format so this is something to really look forward to.
Hope you all have had a joyous holiday season, celebrating the King’s birthday with great cheer, and have moved into the new year with grateful and gracious hearts.
In His service,
Mark and Cathy
How did God bless us in 2009?
One of the things we teach in our pastors training is that each week they should ask their congregations, “How has God blessed you this week”, or “How has God shown you His love this week”. As I was thinking about that this past week down on the Kenyan coast I began remembering how God had abundantly blessed Cathy and I this past year and wanted to share some of this with you…who have been so faithful in interceding for our team.
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Jermaine Edwards joined our team and “completed” us
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Dawson BC came out with a team and constructed a structure for our Training Center
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Our women’s training program got started at the BTC (completed first year in December)
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Our family had an incredible get-together getaway in the Mediterranean.
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Jamie and Laura developed a wonderful program to help schoolgirls stay in school longer
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Whitney and Jennifer designed and implemented an indigenous HIV/AIDS awareness program that has already been used in other countries in Africa
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Andres and his church helped to get a local youth center up and running after being dormant for many years
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The Lewis family arrived on the field and are now having an impact in Taposa lives
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Our alliance of churches have united to work together for Kingdom work in S. Sudan
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I now have a new knee, thanks to modern medicine, and it’s doing well
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Two of our journeygals started a work among a leper colony outside of Rumbek
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Idlewild BC came out and trained pastors, women, did medical work and built relationships with local Dinka
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Forest Meadow came out and helped us begin the oral Bible school training program
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We started a primary school at our BTC with help for our alliance partners and our church leaders
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One of our newest churches in Rumbek baptized 24 believers
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Two of our journeygals completed their first woman’s literacy class
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We went into some cattle camps to bring HIV/AIDS training and to teach the Good News
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We traveled to some of our other work in Leer, Malakal and Nasir to encourage the leaders there and to make plans for the future
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We were able to chat with our daughter in Kazakhstan on Christmas eve – just by chance
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Our son finished another year of college
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Jermaine and Andres did a lot of training with the youth in Abinajok
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Cathy’s mom is slowly healing from her bout with shingles
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Kirby Woods BC came and did youth work and a sports camp in Rumbek
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Jess Jennings came and laid the groundwork for future Nehemiah Teams to come our way
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We had a great prayer retreat that reminded us of how good God has been to us and helped focus us on what was ahead
Obviously this list could go on and on but we wanted to remind you, and ourselves, of each of the prayer items you have interceded for on behalf of Kingdom work in Sudan. It has been you who have been our greatest blessing this past year and we thank you deeply. May God continue to be gracious to us as wee serve together in 2010. To HIM be the glory,
Mark and Cathy, for the Sudan Team
