Category: Sudan

I arrived Yei on Tuesday 21^st October, after being confirmed Ebola free in Uganda. I needed to wait for 21days before being issued with a visa to enter South Sudan. It was a great time of ministry in Kampala. Only what God can do. More on this later.

The Training on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for head teachers, school fellowship patrons and matrons in Yei started yesterday. Our expectations were exceeded, with a very impressive opening day.

A total of 145 teachers, 84 of whom are Head Teachers from 89 different schools within and outside Yei attending the first day.

This is a unique opportunity presented to us for Kingdom exploit. May God break into a these hearts here, their homes and ultimately, entire schools from this training.

Getting one or two or more teachers saved in all the schools in South Sudan is in the destiny of our mission here. Their direct connection with Jesus is a great need. Even so LORD!!!

The feedback we got from 10 teachers after the introductory session, was enough proof that they connected well with the introduction.

We were initially concerned that they may struggle to understand the facilitator- Glen Totten, a senior staff pastor at Water of Life Community Church USA.

Please pray with us for the next two days, for a mighty presence of God that will usher in radical conversions among these teachers.

Pray that this training will present the right platform for the gracious Kingdom break-in and break-through we seek within the schools represented by these teachers.

Please pray for enduring fruit and an inside-out healing from trauma related issues for all the participants.

May Jesus get His due from this training and what follows after.

Early in 2011, I used this blog to introduced Kuku Mahadi, a dear friend and disciple of the Lord Jesus, who has an undying passion for his people in the Nuba Mountains. A detailed story of his kingdom journeys was told by a darling sister, Shannon Morgan – Through Hell To Jesus

Last year, Kuku and a few friends, some of whom are students in different secondary schools in Yei and all from various tribes in the Nuba Mountains, felt led of God to go start a church (Cush for Christ Bible Church a.k.a Restoration Centre), with the vision of taking the gospel back to their vastly unreached peoples in the Nuba Mountains.

They started their meetings under a mango tree and now, a proper shelter is needed as members are well over 120 adults, many of whom are Muslim converts. 

The joyful testimonies of these Muslim converts witness to God’s abounding presence and power among these brethren. Of note is the conversion of Kuku’s mother.

She was a Muslim. Fleeing the ongoing war in the Nuba Mountains, she arrived Yei to the warm embrace of friends and family. Safety was on her mind but God had much more.

She entered a church for the first time, the Sunday following her arrival in Yei. To the amazement of Kuku, who didn’t even know his mother was in church, until he was asked to introduce the new comers. 

Kuku witnessed his mother accept the Lord Jesus there. Now, his entire family, who are taking refugee in Yei are saved.

What a dream come true!

Construction of their church hall is ongoing and funds are needed for building materials to finish the project. We solicit your kind contribution towards this.

There’s also an overwhelming need for training these young focused leaders, in many areas of life and ministry. 

They acknowledge they can’t accomplish their mission independently. If God is stirring your heart to connect with such a young church with a great vision, please don’t hesitate.

Fueled with a passion to reach their people with the gospel, they intend to make a short-term mission trip to the refugee camp in Yida, where civilians mostly Nubians, fleeing the war between Sudanese government forces and rebels from the North Sudanese People Liberation Movement (SPLM-North), are taking refuge. 

Some of these lads were once refugees in Kenya and Uganda, during the Sudan/South Sudan civil war that ended in 2005. They understand the challenges and pains of refugee life.

A population of over 74,000 people, over 18,000 families from many tribes without access to the gospel are now gathered in this refugee camp in Yida. What a strategic spot for Kingdom exploits!! 

God, in His sovereign power, continues to use difficult situations, like displacement of peoples on account of wars or natural disasters, to relocate them where they could be more easily accessed with the gospel. Will we seize the moment and make the many opportunities around the world, like this one, priority Kingdom business?

The aim of these young Nubians from Cush for Christ Bible Church in Yei, is to reach this camp with the gospel and witness Christ to individual families and people groups there. 

Trips like this are at the core of our mission and discipleship strategy. Com’on Jesus!!

If you’d love to make this trip with them or feel led to support their cause, kindly contact Kuku Mahadi – kukukatu@yahoo.com; +211-955-513768; +211-954-321366 or contact me.

Please pray for the leaders of this young church, for deeper intimacy with the Lord and abounding fruit.

May the Lord Jesus continue to receive His due from our corporate labours. Amen!

It’s been eight years since my first visit to Sudan, now South Sudan. Today, we celebrate our second Independence and as usual, there’ll be jubilation, many speeches laden with promises, ideas, suggestions, hope and dreams.

On 8th January 2005, South Sudanese all over the world seemed to hold their collective breath all day. Many spent time in prayers and fasting, interceding and hoping the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) would finally be signed the next day and bring an end to 21years of war.

God heard!

We’ve moved on since then and survived various critical moments in this Country. I was here when the news came, “Dr. John Garang is dead” Who can forget the pain of that season?. It’s a great privilege for me, to be connected with this land at this time in its history. I cannot trade it for anywhere else.

Several issues stir my spirit as I pray and dream of this land today, musing over its vast untapped potentials and speculating the many how, who, when, where and why, of inescapable matters in the destiny of this land and my ministry within it. I dare to raise just one in this part 1.

Ethnicity. Can we be truly detribalized?

Whenever we seek to find an answer of conscience, there must be some common ground, an accepted value system or an ultimate rule by which we judge our conduct and choices. Tribes, from which our cultures emerge is it. 

Thus, no man is without a culture and its accompanying biases.We have where we truly feel that sense of belong. Where we are us and the rest are they.

As our individual and collective efforts lay the foundations of this new Country, we cannot but ask some very honest and painful questions on tribalism. The ugly flowers of tribalism are not hidden here.

It’s even in places of worship and our continued pretense and feigning ignorance will only make room the deplorable fruits to emerge. The body of Christ in South Sudan must not just speak but act by showing good examples.

It is easier to skirt around the issues, getting close enough to ask questions about why the SPLA went to war, or on Islamization or problems with the North or even query the issues that sponsor chinks within denominational affiliations among churches. But one vital matter capable of stalling our development spiritually and otherwise, is tribalism.

At the root of tribalism is a prideful heart. Oh, how God hates the proud and thus resist them!!

The question, “Where are you from?” is investigating your ethnicity and your answer determines among other things, your rights, your gains or losses. Your advantage or disadvantage, your limits, regardless of merits or the rule of law.

This is not a problem unique to South Sudan. Check your local community and you’ll see it there.

As a Nigerian with deep passion and concern for God’s purpose in South Sudan, I’ve commented several times that Sudan and South Sudan mimic Nigeria in many ways. A close look at the world map will give you a few clues, before you dig into history and get wowed.

Do we love South Sudan or do we love our micro tribal countries within it? Is our allegiance to this liberated land because of a common national identity? What is that identity?

As long as the answer is qualified by some other ethnic possibility, however good that may seem, we will never serve God’s causes in this land with all our hearts nor be able to fully lift it  from the ashes of war.

Does this mean we will always agree on everything? No! But we must develop systems and structures based on equity and respect for one another while creating civil ways to negotiate, debate and implement truth-motivated changes.

What I say today to South Sudanese, I say to all.

This must not slip by us- As long as tribalism or racism is not addressed intentionally from the grassroots, we’ll be at best a country but never a Nation.

I dream of a Nation, whose core values under God, are rooted in the invisible, more than the visible. In truth, morality, accountability, justice, genuine love for fellow men and for God not mere religion.

Should my tribe or nationality undermine my good intentions or limit my aspirations as I dare to dream and serve Christ’s cause in a place like South Sudan? No!

On account of God’s eternal purpose for which He unleashes great grace, ordinary men accomplish extraordinary things for Him. In time, we understand how and why all that happened, occurred.

May the dreams we bear find their place in Thee o South Sudan!!

May all who seek your progress and peace find same for themselves and those they love.

May the roots of the gospel grow deep in Thee and give Jesus His due in our day!!

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. (Ps 87:3)

South Sudan Oye!!!

In South Sudan today, the celebration of independence is
over and the World’s attention has shifted to other issues like Libya, Somalia,
the weather, sport etc. The freshness we feel as the world’s newest State is
faded, in fact, some people in Sudan don’t know the difference between then and now.

The news out of South Sudan has been worrisome to me lately.
There’s an urgent call for intercession for the peoples in Southern Kordofan
and more recently, Blue Nile states in Sudan.

The border demarcation after independence of the South puts
these states in the north, though most of the people there feel more belonging
to the south; having fought alongside the Southern Army against the North
during the civil wars.

I have a handful of disciples in Yei from this strategic
region of Sudan. A region comprising of many unreached peoples dwelling on
hill-tops and mountain-sides; terrains difficult to access with the gospel.

Since late last year when the signs of fracas began to be
seen there, we’ve been praying and asking the Lord to intervene. I was moved by
the tears and sadness of these young kids as we prayed for their families and
friends, saying, “God not again!!”

Today, the numbers of the dead and the displaced shown in the
news media are speculative. Certainly, thousand are dead and hundreds of thousands
are displaced. Many women and children are once again running for dear life in
these mountainous region sandwiched by the north and south. Lost boys and girls
are once again in the making.

Emmanuel
Jal was a child soldier during the civil war. A lost boy. He made
a beautiful documentary of his life’s journeys called Warchild. He’s currently using music
to educate the world and draw attention to the needs in South Sudan.

I’m reflecting on his words as a 7year old boy in this documentary
and wondering how many kids are currently hiding in fox holes or lying down somewhere far from home with their empty bellies facing the sky. I’m wondering how the Church can help, beyond offering prayers. Any
ideas?

I’ve come to understand this war to be more than Muslims
versus Christians or Arabs against blacks. It’s a battle between the Kingdom of
light and that of darkness. It’s a battle for the loyalty of Peoples, Tribes
and families, to Christ or Satan. 

God still rules in the affairs of men. He’s in control!! It’s
just the wonder of how and why He, as the ultimate umpire, lets the enemy score
points that make the game seem unwinnable, that continued to baffle me until I understood another reason The Book of Revelation was given. Jesus won in the end. Halleuliah!!

Please can you educate a kid around you this week on the challenges faced by their peers in South Sudan? You can also get them to pray for those who’ve lost their parents to the new war in that area. You can gather a group this week to pray for the peace of Sudan (north and south).

More lost boys and lost girls are in the making again, but Abba’s seeking them out.

“Into the hovels of the poor, Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks: “I’ve had enough; I’m on my way To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.” Psalm 12:5 MSG

Imagine the vast number of returnees from the North who once
had paying jobs but resigned to go home and start a new life in the South.
How will the Government of South Sudan absorb them? Imagine the strain this is having
on the fragile economy and the consequences thereof.

Many undergraduate Southerners who felt unsafe in the North
had to leave school and return to the South.  As I write, all the government owned Higher
Institutions (just two or three) in South Sudan are closed and may remain
closed until the modalities for their operation are sorted out. These were
formally being run from the North.

So, pending when they reopen, what will these students be
doing?

We need Jobs: Education
without a platform for expression of knowledge gained aimed at economic
strength will lead to frustration. School-leavers must have a place to work and
earn a living or learn how to create jobs for themselves. South Sudan is awash with
idle hands and blank minds now.

Education
and job creation are the cornerstones to a foundation for building a dynamic,
peaceful, and prosperous nation. As such, the church should be committed to
purposeful investments here.

South
Sudan is waiting and so is heaven, for us to connect at the right places and
with the right people, for Jesus to take His place in every sphere. How?

Are you
Kingdom-minded enough to risk your resources, grace and gifting in a place like South
Sudan? Are you an expert in micro financing and entrepreneurship? Do you have a nose for business in
new territories?

-Teaching us how to invest and also provide us with a platform to start.

-Teaching us how to sacrifice and modeling it amongst us.

-Teaching us how to save and share the benefits.

-Teaching us how to evaluate and spend resources.

-Teaching us how to dream and cast yours to us.

If there are any group of people in the world that should be running
into South Sudan today, it should be Kingdom-minded Christians. I recall when the
Berlin Wall fell, one ministry in the USA that was sending me Bibles and Tracts
for distribution wrote to say they are moving into Eastern Europe immediately
and as such cannot continue to send me the items. They understood what needed
to be done.

This is another Macedonian Call. Who will hear us and come
over?

The needs are many and the challenge huge. But imagine the destiny of millions resting on our decisions and efforts today.

Imagine the many thanks-giving and worship that will accrue
to God on account of our adventures in a new nation like South Sudan.

I’m dreaming of a “School-to-Farm Project” for the youths in
South Sudan. Can you dream with me? South Sudan needs the Christ we are carrying.

As the sounds of jubilant drums fade and the ululations die down,
South Sudanese at home and abroad with their well-wishers must engage the needs
that abound in the land. On everyone’s heart is a longing for one thing-
transformation.

The gospel starts the re-creation by transforming people from inside out.
But the transformation doesn’t stop until a sample of God’s new Kingdom is on
display in a particular location.

This therefore is my major motivation with every trip into this awesomely
blessed land. I long to see God honored and His Son getting His due from the
peoples of Sudan in the north and south. The news from these divorced nations
MUST change for the better on account of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church must be actively involved in nation building and be recognized as
the primary agent of transformation.

Ministry possibilities are numerous. It’s pretty much a virgin land and the
needs, if well addressed will set this nation on the right path with a
godly foundation.

Here are the first two needs:

Leadership: Real leadership is much more than authority; it is more than
having the technical training and following the proper procedures. The leaders
we need in South Sudan (in Government and especially in the churches) are people of vision
that can be trusted and followed NOT feared.

We need Kingdom-minded people who will come to South Sudan and help us
discover potential arrowheads; while developing our present leaders to be more
effective.

We MUST find a way to change the “relief
mentality” or the “give-me help-me” ideology that has bedeviled us in most
parts of Africa by raising servant leaders who will lead by example.

Constructive words like excellence,
integrity, accountability, sacrifice, righteousness, timeliness, commitment, loyalty,
unity, reconciliation, teamwork and vision MUST form the framework of this nation’s core values, the guiding
lamps of actions and daily speech.

Do you have a passion to develop leaders and see them make a difference?
You have a big job in South Sudan now.

Education: Less than 20% of South Sudanese at home are literate. The
need for education cannot be over emphasized.

We have many teenagers in primary school. That’s to be expected, seeing that
the civil war ended in 2005. But the biggest challenge is that many graduating out of
primary school CANNOT read and write well.

We need to equip the teachers with
modern day teaching techniques, we need more schools located in good learning
environment, we need skills and trade acquisition centers, we need ideas on how
to use what we have to get what we want.

Do you know Math? Can you teach English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry…? Can
you develop specialized courses that will add value to students at all levels?
What learning principles has worked for you and yours that could be a ministry
tool here in South Sudan?

Imagine what you or your Ministry/Church can accomplish in this area if
you invested time and money to build a school or furnish an existing one or
train the teachers in modern communication and learning skills; while sharing
the gospel of the Kingdom among the people.

“A man’s gift makes way for him…” the scriptures say. Your gift is our need.
We may not grow until you give it.

Dr.
John Nyikako and I met in Sudan in 2005. It was clear we had a lot in common and became
friends immediately. I admire his passion for God, obedience and commitment to Christ’s fame
amongst his people in the Sudan. Dr. John is Shilluk
by tribe.

He
was privileged to travel to Europe to study; where he acquired a Doctorate in
Agricultural sciences. It was in those student years in Germany that he met
Jesus Christ, through the ministry of the Deeper Life Bible Church; a ministry
borne out of Nigeria and led by a very well respected servant of God- Pastor
W.F Kumuyi.

John
and I shared a lot about our journeys in the narrow way and how we ended up in
Yei. I’ve continued to be amazed that this man, who speaks at least five major
European languages perfectly and had a very successful job in a University in
Europe, could leave that seemingly successful life to return home to a war
thorn village in South Sudan to pursue God’s call.

Dr.
John’s determination to see Jesus get His due from his people led him to
acquire a piece of land in a village called Pisak, some 13miles away from Yei.
He relocated right there into the bush, where he focused on planting assorted
vegetables.

My first visit to the farm in May 2006 was memorable. I met with his first set of workers who were using a few hand tools and watering
cans, laboring over a pretty wide portion of the land. I’ll never forget their joy when we prayed
for rain that evening after a delay that threatened the crops and without warning, the heavens opened over us immediately.

By
2008 when we made the video clip, the place had been transformed. They’d
successfully cultivated 5acres of vegetables (the goal was for 10acres) which was being harvested
and sold in the markets in and around Yei. His vision was and still is God-sized, Kingdom focused and purpose driven. It’s a progressive tale of God in action with a willing
man.

Dr.
John once said to me, “…the money we need to evangelize this land is not
in Europe or America, it is right here and I will prove it.” He’s right,
he’s seen it, dreams it and now, he’s living it.

But
here’s the twist. Unfortunately, in 2009, this almost successful story
of Eden Keepers Farms of South Sudan died prematurely in the village of Pisak
where it was located. Buried under the stinking debris of envy, jealousy and
bitterness of those that thought John was “becoming too big too soon in their
land” and unwilling to bend to their caprices. So, they asked him to
vacate the land, which had a bore hole with overhead water tank, a Green house,
10hp irrigation pumping machine, livestock, living-in quarters for staff among
other stuff. It was a devastating blow.

Nevertheless,
the vision is alive and well. Dr. John has since moved his ministry, African
Revival and Restoration Ministries northward to Malakal in Upper Nile State,
his home state where he is re-strategizing and building from scratch. This time
around, his primary focus is first making and building Disciples of Christ with
a passion for Kingdom advancement and then, engaging the farms with then, to
supply needed grains and vegetables from the very fertile lands of South Sudan.
Here’s another dreamer, with a success story in the making.

Sometimes,
waiting for and waiting on God could be the most active and
productive things we may be doing, while God busies Himself with redecorating
our present setup. “God will not always do what we want but will forever do what is right.” Timothy Olonade

As
you enjoy this amazing video clip, imagine with me what can come out of South
Sudan, if you partner with people like Dr. John, persevere like him and pray
with/for him.

When I watched and listened to
Chimamanda Adichie‘s presentation (see below), on The Danger of a single story (thanks to
Butch Maltby’s FB post of it two days ago), I thought of Sudan; its peoples,
potentials, the possibilities and of course, the false perspectives largely
generated and fueled by media hype based on both imaginary and real problems of
the now divided Country. Sudan is awash with single stories.

I connected with Chimamanda’s views
immediately on two fronts. First as a Nigerian that makes frequent trips
outside my country and then, as a missionary working cross culturally in a
Nation like South Sudan that’s recovering from the ruins of war. The lessons
from her presentation go beyond the scope of this blog. You may not finish
reading this article but PLEASE listen to Chimamanda’s powerful presentation to
the end.

Most times when people hear I’m a
missionary in Sudan, their immediate reaction is that of shock followed by pity
and they ask-

“Why Sudan?” A question that needs
the tale of many short stories to fully address.

“Oh how’s it there?” (Beautiful, rich and rewarding)

“Are they still
fighting?” (No!)

“Do they understand English?” (Some do…)

“I hear there’s hunger
there.” (In a few places…)

“How’s Darfur?”  (It’s
far from my location… I don’t know.”)

“I hear there are killings,
rapes, abductions, genocide and all manner of diseases.” (Yes, just like at home…)

The questions can be as many,
amusing as well as annoying sometimes.

As my ministry enters a new phase
which involves mobilizing young disciples from other Nations to come
alongside me as we engage the harvest in other Nations, the lessons from this
scripture is very instructive.

“Now there was no
iron-worker in all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, For fear the
Hebrews make themselves swords or spears: But all the Israelites had to go to
the Philistines to get their ploughs and blades and axes and hooks made
sharp;” (1Sam 13:19-20)

I’ll be aiming at helping young
people locate their purpose in God’s global agenda while on the trips, deal
with broken parts of their past or present life experiences and guide them as
they find platforms to sharpen their gifts and skills outside their comfort
zones. Chimamanda’s presentation no doubt gives insight for constructive
imagination in cross cultural missions.

Learning of and knowing a people
first hand can never be compared to reading about them, watching them on TV or
hearing stories about them. Though a two or three weeks visit may not give one
the opportunity to fully harness the depths of a people’s culture to make a lasting
impact, but any willing and teachable heart can learn valuable lessons if preconceived
ideas are first laced with grace.

Most news from Sudan over the years
has been bad news and that’s the challenge highlighted by this great rendition.
Bad news is always the news. How will a foreigner know that it’s not
always as bad as the media portrays it or not reported as terrible as it really
is?

Seeing that journalists can’t
always access some places with untold stories of unimaginable pain and poverty
or of great innovation in rural settlements and the triumph of good over evil
occurring in the remotest of places, we make do with whatever we hear or see as
the truth; told by another whose prejudice may unwittingly poison our
perception. A personal trip will always help more than harm, all things considered.

As a disciple of Jesus with the
knowledge of a single story of here or there, you may need to enrich your
perspective with a planned cross cultural trip when you can afford it. Your
life may be radically changed forever. You owe yourself that favor… that adventure.

If you are interested, I recommend
South Sudan to you. Why?

You’ll be contributing towards the
building of the youngest Nation on earth today with Christ kingdom rule as the major goal.

Armed with firsthand information on
this Nation’s immense needs now, you’ll be able to pray with insight, give
purposefully and partner more productively with other ministries.

Why not come alongside us and pay a
visit to South Sudan. Chances are that you’ll be delivered from the danger
of a single story. Enjoy Chimamanda’s presentation.

Sudan will likely be in the news more often for the next 14months. We trust the Lord that it will be for all the good reasons.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which took effect from January 1^st 2005 shared power between the rebels from South Sudan called Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) and the government in Khartoum.

The CPA was to divvy up the region’s oil wealth, most of which is in the South and set a timetable for elections which is slated for April this year and a referendum on Southern independence, scheduled for January 2011. This model offered and offers a way forward for Sudan, a way out of the gruesome civil war that lasted over 20years, a way for prosperity, for freedom and ultimately, for God’s breakthrough with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Stand with us in prayer this season because impious politicking in high places and war plots in other areas are being conceived for execution. They will fail!! These are trying times for many Sudanese and those with vested interest in their land. We are commanded not to be ignorant of the plans of the devil. He is planning, we must be praying; not out of fear, because we fight from victory not for victory. Jesus said, “It is finished!”

Sudan, strategically set in the midst of 9 neighboring countries stands at crossroads yet again and I’m calling on all lovers of peace, progress and prosperity to stand in the gap with us. 

1.      Pray for healing from the hurts and pains of the many wars and regional strife.

2.      Pray for the emergence of more peace makers not just peace keepers.

3.      Pray for peaceful elections in April 2010 and a smooth referendum in January 2011.

4.      Pray for purposeful leadership from the government house to the classrooms.

5.      Pray for the peaceful resolutions among the warring tribes in the South, East, and Darfur.

6.      Pray for the manifestation of the power of God in signs and wonders among the peoples of Sudan, leading to radical conversions and deliverance from the powers of darkness.

7.      Pray that the emerging Christian youths, especially those in school, catch the vision of a godly and glorious Sudan.

8.      Pray that Message Bearers engaging the Sudan be fruitful and faithful in their assignments as they disciple many and plant churches.

9.      Pray that the Lord of the harvest will more than ever before, thrust laborers into the huge field of unreached peoples in the Sudan.

 10. Pray that news coming out of Sudan will bring to God the praise and the worship due Him.