I am out of Africa! I have completed 3 of 5 legs of the journey home: Yambio, Sudan to Kampala (Entebbee), Uganda, then to Niarobi, Kenya and now in Amsterdam. The trip has been very smooth and uneventful, which is good. I think the layovers are more tiring than the flights themselves! If the Lord wills, I will be getting home late Friday night.
The students were sad to see me leave; and I was sad to leave them. They are a good group of men who love the Lord and have a passion for His Church. Over the next several weeks I will highlight one each week in worship so you can get to know them a little bit also.
Thank you for your prayers and concern --- The Lord has answered them in some wonderful ways!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
February 17, 2009
Today was the big Genesis Test! Because of the timing of getting it printed, I just tested them over the first 22 chapters of Genesis. The Seminary President thinks they did alright; I think they could have done better. I don't think they are used to taking tests --- there was a lot of anxiety and they misread a lot of the questions.
We heard today that the rebel terrorist group "The Lord's Revolutionary Army" based in Uganda (I think) seems to have the upper hand in the Congo. That caused a little stir around here. This whole week has been focused on Peace in Sudan. They are having prayer services throughout Yambio, with the grand finale tomorrow morning. If this report about the rebelsis true, then prayer is in order!
I heard a BBC Africa broadcast today saying 40% of Kenya's prescription drug supply is counterfeit. The drug that is attacked most often is the malaria medicine. They say it comes out of China and India. Kenya is looked to as one of the leading countries in East Africa, one of the more advanced and developed countries. If it's 40% in Kenya, then I wonder what it is here in Sudan, a severely underdeveloped and war torn country. They say it is hard to even recognize the counterfeit drugs. It is hard to even imagine the concept of counterfeit drugs, isn't it?
Tomorrow is my last full day here, if the Lord wills. I am not sure if I will be able to get to the internet because of the big peace rally. I will try. Please pray that I have a safe and uneventful flight home on Thursday and Friday. If the Lord wills, I will see you Sunday for the "Parable of the Unmerciful Servant"!
We heard today that the rebel terrorist group "The Lord's Revolutionary Army" based in Uganda (I think) seems to have the upper hand in the Congo. That caused a little stir around here. This whole week has been focused on Peace in Sudan. They are having prayer services throughout Yambio, with the grand finale tomorrow morning. If this report about the rebelsis true, then prayer is in order!
I heard a BBC Africa broadcast today saying 40% of Kenya's prescription drug supply is counterfeit. The drug that is attacked most often is the malaria medicine. They say it comes out of China and India. Kenya is looked to as one of the leading countries in East Africa, one of the more advanced and developed countries. If it's 40% in Kenya, then I wonder what it is here in Sudan, a severely underdeveloped and war torn country. They say it is hard to even recognize the counterfeit drugs. It is hard to even imagine the concept of counterfeit drugs, isn't it?
Tomorrow is my last full day here, if the Lord wills. I am not sure if I will be able to get to the internet because of the big peace rally. I will try. Please pray that I have a safe and uneventful flight home on Thursday and Friday. If the Lord wills, I will see you Sunday for the "Parable of the Unmerciful Servant"!
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 16, 2009
The accident I was telling you about yestereday was much more serious than I first heard. 7 people are either dead or in the hospital. It involved a motorcycle and a car veering into pedestrians. The family from Saura lost the husband, and the wife has broken legs in the hospital. It is a tragety. Please keep these people in prayers.
We finished the book of Geneiss today --- all 50 chapters! We highlighted the life of Jacob and Joseph, but I was able to hit the main storyline and show them the Christological conenctions. Tomorrow is a test on Genesis 1-22; and some general overview themes of the book as review. Wednesday is the day of prayer here in Southern Sudan, and then final class.
I talked with a student named Nelson Samuel today. He has two children, Felix is 4, and Margaret is 1. He was a motorcycle taxi driver before coming to the seminary. He would like to become a pastor and go back to his congregation and build the church (it's in disrepair) and add a school. The students here are committed to the work of the Kingdom of God and they are making some huge sacrifices to be here. He asks for prayers for his family, for his seminary training and for his home church.
I have asked the students to write a greeting to you at Trinity and each week I will show their picture and read their greetings. I think it will be a good way to connect names and faces and pray for these believing students here in Sudan. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan is a young and struggling church and these students will be the future leaders of this church body.
I don't know if you have heard, but Roxanne and my sister-in-law Suzanne are now back home and Suzanne is recouperating from her suurgery. She was in grave danger for a while but the Lord has pulled her through and put her on the road to recovery! Thank you for your prayers and please continue to keep her in your prayers!
We finished the book of Geneiss today --- all 50 chapters! We highlighted the life of Jacob and Joseph, but I was able to hit the main storyline and show them the Christological conenctions. Tomorrow is a test on Genesis 1-22; and some general overview themes of the book as review. Wednesday is the day of prayer here in Southern Sudan, and then final class.
I talked with a student named Nelson Samuel today. He has two children, Felix is 4, and Margaret is 1. He was a motorcycle taxi driver before coming to the seminary. He would like to become a pastor and go back to his congregation and build the church (it's in disrepair) and add a school. The students here are committed to the work of the Kingdom of God and they are making some huge sacrifices to be here. He asks for prayers for his family, for his seminary training and for his home church.
I have asked the students to write a greeting to you at Trinity and each week I will show their picture and read their greetings. I think it will be a good way to connect names and faces and pray for these believing students here in Sudan. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan is a young and struggling church and these students will be the future leaders of this church body.
I don't know if you have heard, but Roxanne and my sister-in-law Suzanne are now back home and Suzanne is recouperating from her suurgery. She was in grave danger for a while but the Lord has pulled her through and put her on the road to recovery! Thank you for your prayers and please continue to keep her in your prayers!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
February 15, 2009
Today I preached twice. The first was the English service at the seminary, and then at 11:00am in an area called Saura about 7 miles outside Yambio. At 10:55AM, we were trying to "bump start" the seminary bus... (I don't remember if "bump start" is the correct name or not, we used to push motorcycles down a hill and pop it into gear to get them started. Whatever that is called, we have to do that with the seminary bus.) The only problem is that there is no hill at the Seminary!
When we arrived, it was about 11:20, and the translating pastor and his helper were sitting outside. There was no one else there. We sat around talking to them for another 1/2 hour, and people started to trickle in. The talk of that church was that a local Sauran pedestrian was killed yesterday by a motorcycle on the road. (Note yesterday's blog!)
Finally the service started. There were 8 of us from the seminary who went, the two translators, and about 5 people. By the time the service was over, there were 40 people plus us from the seminary for a total of 48. The people just trickle in whenever they want. The church was a somewhat-brick building with windows (no glass, no shutters), a tin roof, and a badly pitted cement slab floor. It was probably 60' long. There were wasps/hornets all over the altar area (I counted 8 mud hornet nests on my side of the altar alone). Fortunately, they just hover and don't mind us. There were also the normal lizards that came in and out (slightly large than the little brown lizards that we have in Arizona).
There was a baptism of a beautiful little girl today. (The mother was up front breast feeding the baby during the baptismal service!) After the service, the mother of the baby served a meal for the pastors and seminarians. It was rice and Casava greens. They eat rice like we eat potato chips, They reach into a common pan, grab a bunch of rice, squish it into a ball, and then dip it into the greens. There never is silverware. I chose to eat the banana instead!
Regardless of all of these differences, including the language, there is something special when you know that they are singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"!
When we arrived, it was about 11:20, and the translating pastor and his helper were sitting outside. There was no one else there. We sat around talking to them for another 1/2 hour, and people started to trickle in. The talk of that church was that a local Sauran pedestrian was killed yesterday by a motorcycle on the road. (Note yesterday's blog!)
Finally the service started. There were 8 of us from the seminary who went, the two translators, and about 5 people. By the time the service was over, there were 40 people plus us from the seminary for a total of 48. The people just trickle in whenever they want. The church was a somewhat-brick building with windows (no glass, no shutters), a tin roof, and a badly pitted cement slab floor. It was probably 60' long. There were wasps/hornets all over the altar area (I counted 8 mud hornet nests on my side of the altar alone). Fortunately, they just hover and don't mind us. There were also the normal lizards that came in and out (slightly large than the little brown lizards that we have in Arizona).
There was a baptism of a beautiful little girl today. (The mother was up front breast feeding the baby during the baptismal service!) After the service, the mother of the baby served a meal for the pastors and seminarians. It was rice and Casava greens. They eat rice like we eat potato chips, They reach into a common pan, grab a bunch of rice, squish it into a ball, and then dip it into the greens. There never is silverware. I chose to eat the banana instead!
Regardless of all of these differences, including the language, there is something special when you know that they are singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
February 14, 2009
ITS VALENTINES DAY -- and Roxanne and my 15th anniversary! She is in Kansas and I am in Africa! Who would have thought?
Abel Aret is the student with Typhoid, and he seems to be doing better.. He is on a 5 day treatment that is suppose to help him. I talked to him for a while today. He is only 23 years old, and he is married and has two children. His kids are 5 (girl) and 2 (boy). When his wife was 12, they got engaged, and married when she was 14! He had to pay 2500 Sudanese pounds for her dowry ($1250). Prior to seminary he was a brick layer, so he was able to pay 1000 pounds. His father paid anoterth 1000, and his uncles each kicked in 250 to help him with the dowry. Abel is a visionary. While at his home church, he leads the effort to support the war widows and orphans with food and care. He says last year they were able to help 20 familes. In addition, he collects eye glasses for those who need them. Talking with him you can see how dear to his heart these thigns are, and how he cares about the suffering people in his hometown. He asks for prayer for his family, and for the work he does with the orphans and widows. He also asks that the Lord will help himmake it through seminary so he can be a pastor.
One of the things that I was concerned about coming to Sudan was how safe it would be here. As far as I can tell, I am relatively safe. Being one of few Americans here, (I have seen maybe 5 other caucasians, but have not talked with them to see if the are American or not) I am greeted warmly and friendly by the Africans. The greatest danger is walking on the roads (there are no sidewalks!) --- there seems to be no traffic laws at all. It is truly the "law of the biggest vehicle" at work. Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in that order. Several times I thought how close to being hit I was or someone else.
Ocassionally in the market I feel a little weird, there are always so many Africans loitering and watching --- so I am always careful and cautious when walking. Some of the market ways are very narrow, crowded, and cluttered, and they don't feel safe, so I avoid them. Otherwise, I haven't noticed any danger.
Abel Aret is the student with Typhoid, and he seems to be doing better.. He is on a 5 day treatment that is suppose to help him. I talked to him for a while today. He is only 23 years old, and he is married and has two children. His kids are 5 (girl) and 2 (boy). When his wife was 12, they got engaged, and married when she was 14! He had to pay 2500 Sudanese pounds for her dowry ($1250). Prior to seminary he was a brick layer, so he was able to pay 1000 pounds. His father paid anoterth 1000, and his uncles each kicked in 250 to help him with the dowry. Abel is a visionary. While at his home church, he leads the effort to support the war widows and orphans with food and care. He says last year they were able to help 20 familes. In addition, he collects eye glasses for those who need them. Talking with him you can see how dear to his heart these thigns are, and how he cares about the suffering people in his hometown. He asks for prayer for his family, and for the work he does with the orphans and widows. He also asks that the Lord will help himmake it through seminary so he can be a pastor.
One of the things that I was concerned about coming to Sudan was how safe it would be here. As far as I can tell, I am relatively safe. Being one of few Americans here, (I have seen maybe 5 other caucasians, but have not talked with them to see if the are American or not) I am greeted warmly and friendly by the Africans. The greatest danger is walking on the roads (there are no sidewalks!) --- there seems to be no traffic laws at all. It is truly the "law of the biggest vehicle" at work. Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in that order. Several times I thought how close to being hit I was or someone else.
Ocassionally in the market I feel a little weird, there are always so many Africans loitering and watching --- so I am always careful and cautious when walking. Some of the market ways are very narrow, crowded, and cluttered, and they don't feel safe, so I avoid them. Otherwise, I haven't noticed any danger.
Friday, February 13, 2009
February 13, 2009
OK, there are some things that I miss!
I miss glass in windows, cold drinks, hot showers, and clean floors. I also miss paved roads and sidewalks. In addition, lights, safe water, garabage cans, bug spray, bathrooms, and a refrigerator! Not to mention the obvious ones: electricity, A/C, carpet, washing machines, TV, junk food, and easy transportation. It really shows how much the Lord has blessed us and our country!
The Governor of this state in Sudan called a day of prayer for peace next week here in Yambio. Here in Sudan the churches have to respond and go to things like this. We are about 20 miles from the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and they are at war. Southern Sudan has troops amassed along the border and you see them come and go occassionally here. Refugees from DRC are coming to Yambio but I have not seen them yet. Apparently there is a camp for them somewhere near here. It is a little disconcerting seeing a soldier with a AK-47 riding a bicycle! That is a common sight here. War is on everyone's mind, and the results of decades of war is seen in the poverty of this area. The students tell me that the rebels give drugs to their soldiers, and these soldiers sometimes go wild, shooting everyone in sight: men, women, children and animals. A lot of the atrocities are from these drugged soldiers. Please join the people of Sudan and pray for peace for Sudan.
Two other things: one of the students named Abel Aret is sick with Typhoid. Apparently the clinics here give 1/2 doses of medicine to people to stretch the supply. Please keep Abel in your prayers.
I talked with another student today: Jackson Afash. He is married, and has 12 children! 5 girls and 7 boys. In addition, his mother and 2 nephews are living with him! He boasts that he has his "own tribe!" He used to be a teacher in the government schools before coming to seminary. He asks that we pray for his family, that they have enough to eat. As with everyone I have talked to here education is also a big concern. They see education as the only hope of possibly getting out of the poverty someday. So, pleae pray for Jackson and his "tribe!"
I miss glass in windows, cold drinks, hot showers, and clean floors. I also miss paved roads and sidewalks. In addition, lights, safe water, garabage cans, bug spray, bathrooms, and a refrigerator! Not to mention the obvious ones: electricity, A/C, carpet, washing machines, TV, junk food, and easy transportation. It really shows how much the Lord has blessed us and our country!
The Governor of this state in Sudan called a day of prayer for peace next week here in Yambio. Here in Sudan the churches have to respond and go to things like this. We are about 20 miles from the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and they are at war. Southern Sudan has troops amassed along the border and you see them come and go occassionally here. Refugees from DRC are coming to Yambio but I have not seen them yet. Apparently there is a camp for them somewhere near here. It is a little disconcerting seeing a soldier with a AK-47 riding a bicycle! That is a common sight here. War is on everyone's mind, and the results of decades of war is seen in the poverty of this area. The students tell me that the rebels give drugs to their soldiers, and these soldiers sometimes go wild, shooting everyone in sight: men, women, children and animals. A lot of the atrocities are from these drugged soldiers. Please join the people of Sudan and pray for peace for Sudan.
Two other things: one of the students named Abel Aret is sick with Typhoid. Apparently the clinics here give 1/2 doses of medicine to people to stretch the supply. Please keep Abel in your prayers.
I talked with another student today: Jackson Afash. He is married, and has 12 children! 5 girls and 7 boys. In addition, his mother and 2 nephews are living with him! He boasts that he has his "own tribe!" He used to be a teacher in the government schools before coming to seminary. He asks that we pray for his family, that they have enough to eat. As with everyone I have talked to here education is also a big concern. They see education as the only hope of possibly getting out of the poverty someday. So, pleae pray for Jackson and his "tribe!"
Thursday, February 12, 2009
February 12, 2009
Today is a very hazy day, and it has been this way all day. It looks like an area close to a forest fire that is covered with a haze. It remains hot and humid as well.
Yesterday we talked about the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, and there are 14 students and me in class. Between us, there were 10 different language represented! Most people here are TRI-lingual. In their home, they learn their local tribe's language; in school they learn English; and on the streets they learn Arabic. Here at the seminary, the students talk to each other in Arabic (They call it "Arab"), and in class we talk to each other in English. It is amazing that they are tri-lingual!!
Today I talked with one of my students, Gabriel, at lunch. His tribe is just south of the capitol city of Khartoum, quite a bit north of us. He is married and has five children, two boys and three girls, the oldest is 12. He was a clothes salesmen in his village before coming to seminary. He asks us to pray for these things: peace in Sudan (war is on everyone's mind, and it has ruined the country and left it desolate), that his home church can build a building and grow, that his family remains safe and healthy while he is at seminary; and for a growth he has on his cornea (It is big enough to see while talking to him). He is not able to go to the doctor, because he doesn't have enough money. Please remember Gabriel in your prayers.
I continue to nibble at the food. There is always bread here -- and if you just realize that it is normal for bugs to get caught up in the outdoor kneading process, then you can pick them out after it is baked. There is almost always a soup of some sort: goat, vegatable, fish or chicken. The have a potato type thing called "Cavasa". It is like a very, very dense cookie dough that you can barely cut, and it is extremely sticky. It really has no taste, and it is not easy to eat. Nedless to say, I am not eating a whole lot!
I decided to give my American Food to the students --- they love Oreos and Slim Jims and Werthers candy!
Yesterday we talked about the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, and there are 14 students and me in class. Between us, there were 10 different language represented! Most people here are TRI-lingual. In their home, they learn their local tribe's language; in school they learn English; and on the streets they learn Arabic. Here at the seminary, the students talk to each other in Arabic (They call it "Arab"), and in class we talk to each other in English. It is amazing that they are tri-lingual!!
Today I talked with one of my students, Gabriel, at lunch. His tribe is just south of the capitol city of Khartoum, quite a bit north of us. He is married and has five children, two boys and three girls, the oldest is 12. He was a clothes salesmen in his village before coming to seminary. He asks us to pray for these things: peace in Sudan (war is on everyone's mind, and it has ruined the country and left it desolate), that his home church can build a building and grow, that his family remains safe and healthy while he is at seminary; and for a growth he has on his cornea (It is big enough to see while talking to him). He is not able to go to the doctor, because he doesn't have enough money. Please remember Gabriel in your prayers.
I continue to nibble at the food. There is always bread here -- and if you just realize that it is normal for bugs to get caught up in the outdoor kneading process, then you can pick them out after it is baked. There is almost always a soup of some sort: goat, vegatable, fish or chicken. The have a potato type thing called "Cavasa". It is like a very, very dense cookie dough that you can barely cut, and it is extremely sticky. It really has no taste, and it is not easy to eat. Nedless to say, I am not eating a whole lot!
I decided to give my American Food to the students --- they love Oreos and Slim Jims and Werthers candy!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 11, 2009
Each Wednesday, they have chapel here at the seminary, which is a common practice in Lutheran colleges and seminaries. Like on Sunday, the worship was very traditional, with the Lord's Supper. The difference today was that the sermon was 40 minutes long! Good thing there was a fierce thunderstorm last night that dumped a lot of rain and cooled things down for this morning!
I received an email from Roxanne that said that our sister in law Suzanne is out of ICU. That is an answer to prayer! Thank you for praying for her with us!
Today I had lunch with Simon Tor, one of the students. He was a day laborer in Khartoum who the Lord called into the ministry. He is married, and has 6 children. He asked that we pray for his church, which has purchased land but they have no money to build a church yet. This is a heavy concern for him. In addition, he also asks that you pray for the health of his family. Everyone is good now, but the health care is so expensive here that everyone fears getting sick. They will not even let you in the door of the hospital until you pay some money the students tell me. Everyone I have talked with has this concern about health.
And interesting thing here is Yambio is that the banks will not exchange US currency if it is dated later that 2006. Apparently they think that it is counterfeit or something. So far I am OK, my bills have been accepted for Sudenese Pounds.
One of the workers at the seminary is Bullen (pronounced "Boo-len"). His little boy was circumcised over the weekend and now they think he may have an infection. He has received some medicine, lets pray that it works for the little boy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
February 10, 2009
If you have not heard yet, we have a crisis occuring in our extended family. Our sister-in-law Suzanne Ramsey is in ICU in a Kansas hospital. Suzanne is Roxanne's brother Dan's wife (that would be Pastor John and Vivian Ramsey's son and daughter-in-law). Roxanne is flying out today to take care of their 4 small children so Dan can focus on being with Suzanne. Please remember them in your prayers. While Roxanne is in Kansas, and I am here for another 10 days, our girls will be stayign with others. THANK YOU to all who will be watching our girls during this time of crisis!
Here in Africa we have finally finished Genesis 1-3. My idea was to spend ample time in Genesis 1-3, because in theology there is a saying that goes "all of Chrsitian doctrine is in Genesis 1-3". So we covered a lot of it, and now have moved on to Cain and Abel, and into Noah and the Flood. The morning 4 hours of classes go well --- the afternoon 2 hours get long, because it is so hot and humid here.
I talked with one of the students at lunch today. His name is Daniel. His wife died of Malaria about 10 years ago. They have 6 children, one was only 9 months old when his wife died. Daniel was a farmer prior to coming to seminary. He is one of the "lucky" ones in the sense that he only lives about 7 miles from here, and go home on the weekends. His oldest daughter is 17, and she takes care of the home and family. I asked Daniel what we could pray for him, and he said three things: 1) the continual education of his children 2) that his children do not become orphans 3) that he can get remarried. The problem with the last one is that in this culture, the "dowry" is a very real thing, and he cannot afford a wife. He said that he would need to pay at least 500 Sudanese pounds ($250) to the father of the bride in order to marry her, and he doesn't have the money, nor any way to earn it now that he is in the seminary. Please pray for Daniel!
This practice of a dowry is widespread here. In this local area, the custom is to pay money. However, most of the students say that in their tribes, you must pay with cattle. It costs anywhere between 25-50 big and healthy cattle for a wife! They said that since I had two daughters, I could probably get 100 cattle for them! Maybe Kristen and Taryn will get married here in Sudan!! :)
Another interetesting custom is about Mother-in-laws. Apparently a mother in law cannot come under the roof to her son-in-law. Even if she comes to visit, she has to sleep somewhere else. We were studying the story about Jesus healing Peter's mother in law in Mark 1, and they could not understand why his mother in law was in his house! This also seems to be a widespread practice.
On a lighter note, in the local market here in remote Yambio, and even when I was in Kampala, Uganda, I see a lot of Tshirts that have Barak Obama's picture on them!
Here in Africa we have finally finished Genesis 1-3. My idea was to spend ample time in Genesis 1-3, because in theology there is a saying that goes "all of Chrsitian doctrine is in Genesis 1-3". So we covered a lot of it, and now have moved on to Cain and Abel, and into Noah and the Flood. The morning 4 hours of classes go well --- the afternoon 2 hours get long, because it is so hot and humid here.
I talked with one of the students at lunch today. His name is Daniel. His wife died of Malaria about 10 years ago. They have 6 children, one was only 9 months old when his wife died. Daniel was a farmer prior to coming to seminary. He is one of the "lucky" ones in the sense that he only lives about 7 miles from here, and go home on the weekends. His oldest daughter is 17, and she takes care of the home and family. I asked Daniel what we could pray for him, and he said three things: 1) the continual education of his children 2) that his children do not become orphans 3) that he can get remarried. The problem with the last one is that in this culture, the "dowry" is a very real thing, and he cannot afford a wife. He said that he would need to pay at least 500 Sudanese pounds ($250) to the father of the bride in order to marry her, and he doesn't have the money, nor any way to earn it now that he is in the seminary. Please pray for Daniel!
This practice of a dowry is widespread here. In this local area, the custom is to pay money. However, most of the students say that in their tribes, you must pay with cattle. It costs anywhere between 25-50 big and healthy cattle for a wife! They said that since I had two daughters, I could probably get 100 cattle for them! Maybe Kristen and Taryn will get married here in Sudan!! :)
Another interetesting custom is about Mother-in-laws. Apparently a mother in law cannot come under the roof to her son-in-law. Even if she comes to visit, she has to sleep somewhere else. We were studying the story about Jesus healing Peter's mother in law in Mark 1, and they could not understand why his mother in law was in his house! This also seems to be a widespread practice.
On a lighter note, in the local market here in remote Yambio, and even when I was in Kampala, Uganda, I see a lot of Tshirts that have Barak Obama's picture on them!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February 8, 2009
Today was the day of worship here in Yambio. I preached at church on the campus of the seminary. They have two services, a 9AM English service and a 10:15 Zande language service.
At 9:05, we left the breakfast table to head for the 9:00 service! It probably got started around 9:25. It is extremely unstructured; I wasn't sure if I was preaching at the English only or both services until I got there. The assistant pastor asked me if I was going to lead liturgy, and I told him no one told me if I was suppose to or not! And then, right before we walked out of the sacristy and into church, he turned around and asked if I had chosen the hymns for the day! Again I said no, but then the worship leader, a guy who plays the drum, came in and said that he had already chosen hymns! Finally, we were ready to go out!
They worship in traditional Lutheran Worship, using the blue (1981) hymnal "Lutheran Worship". We used p. 135 today.
There were about 30 people at the 9AM service, and about 100 people at the 10:15 service (which got started around 10:40AM. In the later service in the Zande language, all the men sat on one side, and the women on the other. The children sat in the front rows in front of the women.
It was certainly different than what I am used to, but it really puts into context the passage in Revelation that "every people, language, nation and tribe" will worship the Lord! I saw that first hand today!
At 9:05, we left the breakfast table to head for the 9:00 service! It probably got started around 9:25. It is extremely unstructured; I wasn't sure if I was preaching at the English only or both services until I got there. The assistant pastor asked me if I was going to lead liturgy, and I told him no one told me if I was suppose to or not! And then, right before we walked out of the sacristy and into church, he turned around and asked if I had chosen the hymns for the day! Again I said no, but then the worship leader, a guy who plays the drum, came in and said that he had already chosen hymns! Finally, we were ready to go out!
They worship in traditional Lutheran Worship, using the blue (1981) hymnal "Lutheran Worship". We used p. 135 today.
There were about 30 people at the 9AM service, and about 100 people at the 10:15 service (which got started around 10:40AM. In the later service in the Zande language, all the men sat on one side, and the women on the other. The children sat in the front rows in front of the women.
It was certainly different than what I am used to, but it really puts into context the passage in Revelation that "every people, language, nation and tribe" will worship the Lord! I saw that first hand today!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7, 2009
Today is a light day here in Yambio. A bible study on the Sunday lessons this morning, and the rest of the day is free for the students to do homework, laundry, and R&R.
Today, I'd like to ask you to pray for two things: a pastor's wife named Ann, and the students by name.
Ann is the wife of one of the pastors in the area, and he was at the bible study this morning. After the study, he stood up and asked us to pray for his wife. He said she was attacked 2 days ago near their home. It was an attack by a form of satanic witchcraft called Soro. After the study, I talked to him about it. Soro is practiced locally here by some in the Zande tribe.... however it is widespread in eastern central Africa they say.
Apparently, Ann was outside her home sitting and talking to some women of the area, and a man walked by, greeted them, and then waved at them. In that action of waving and greeting, a demon is released and it attacked Ann. (The man was intentionally targetting Ann.) It made her throat swell and gave her chest pains. Without local treatment, they believe she would have died. She could not open her mouth, she had chest pains, and her arms did not work. The women she was with immediately made some sort of leafy tea and tried to get her to drink it. But she could not open her mouth. Finally, they forced it open and she drank, and they think that is how she recovered. The pastor believes that God worked through the medicine to save his wife.
The man who did this to Ann apparently gets some sort of power from Ann and will use it to kill animals, since it is a hunting ritual. They say that Soro has the power to kill people. Apparently this is a wide spread and somewhat common event. They say it happens at the market frequently. If someone is suspected of practicing Soro, the police can arrest them, they said, and he is beaten with sticks until he confesses!
This is serious enough where this trained pastor took 2 days off work to be with his wife, and asked all of us to pray for her. The Zande students here believe it is very real also; and those outside the Zande tribe acknoweldge that it is real and satanic. I told the pastor (his name is Peter) that I would ask you to pray for Ann also.
{Note: As I re-read what I just wrote, I can hardly believe I am writing this! But this is a totallly different culture! To us, this is very much a superstitious event. The Semianry President (from Kenya) told me privately that he dismissed it also as local superstition. However, it is real to Pastor Peter and his wife Ann. I don't know what to make of it. Anyway, we can certainly pray for Ann and thank the Lord that He spared her from any further harm.)
The second prayer request is for the studnets of the seminary. These men are making huge sacrifices to be here. All but one are married with lots of children. One has 13 kids! They are away from their familes for a long time. One of the interesting things is that when they introduced themselves to me, everyone of the married men said somethign like this: "My name is ____; and I am the husband of one wife." Afterwards I asked them about it, and apparently polygymy is widespread here. Being "the husband of one wife" sets them apart as Chrsitians in this culture.
These men all know English, in fact all children are trained all the way through school to know Englsih. English is the common language among all the various tribal languages that are also spoken. They are converant in English, can read it, and understand it when spoken. It is not like most of us with Spanish, in that we know a few words or phrases. I do not have to speak slowly or use simple words when teaching.
We meet for classes in the church on the seminary campus, that also worships on Sunday with about 400 people. ( I will see worship for the first time tomorrw, as I am preaching at that church.) It is a brick building with shutters for windows and no electricy. They sit on homemade wood benches that have a 12" inch wide table for them to write and set their books. I have a little stand and a chalkboard to use for teaching. We meet Monday -- Friday from 9am -1pm for the first session; break for lunch, and then back in class from 2:00-4:00pm. Then they are to study until it gets dark, around 7:30pm. Since the generator has been broken, anything later than 7:30 is by candle light. (The seminary president and I have kerosene lamps. However, they attact the bugs and then the bats!)
Here are the names of the seminary students. Please pray for each by name:
Charles Kazmilio
Simon Tor
Thomas Gooniko
Philmisio Yaari
Jackson Afash
Daniel Wakinako
Gabriel Mayik Yor
David Majuang Dieng
Gibson Oliver
Thomas Nassia
Ezra Elisama
Twinomugisha David
Nelson Samuel
Abel Aret
Today, I'd like to ask you to pray for two things: a pastor's wife named Ann, and the students by name.
Ann is the wife of one of the pastors in the area, and he was at the bible study this morning. After the study, he stood up and asked us to pray for his wife. He said she was attacked 2 days ago near their home. It was an attack by a form of satanic witchcraft called Soro. After the study, I talked to him about it. Soro is practiced locally here by some in the Zande tribe.... however it is widespread in eastern central Africa they say.
Apparently, Ann was outside her home sitting and talking to some women of the area, and a man walked by, greeted them, and then waved at them. In that action of waving and greeting, a demon is released and it attacked Ann. (The man was intentionally targetting Ann.) It made her throat swell and gave her chest pains. Without local treatment, they believe she would have died. She could not open her mouth, she had chest pains, and her arms did not work. The women she was with immediately made some sort of leafy tea and tried to get her to drink it. But she could not open her mouth. Finally, they forced it open and she drank, and they think that is how she recovered. The pastor believes that God worked through the medicine to save his wife.
The man who did this to Ann apparently gets some sort of power from Ann and will use it to kill animals, since it is a hunting ritual. They say that Soro has the power to kill people. Apparently this is a wide spread and somewhat common event. They say it happens at the market frequently. If someone is suspected of practicing Soro, the police can arrest them, they said, and he is beaten with sticks until he confesses!
This is serious enough where this trained pastor took 2 days off work to be with his wife, and asked all of us to pray for her. The Zande students here believe it is very real also; and those outside the Zande tribe acknoweldge that it is real and satanic. I told the pastor (his name is Peter) that I would ask you to pray for Ann also.
{Note: As I re-read what I just wrote, I can hardly believe I am writing this! But this is a totallly different culture! To us, this is very much a superstitious event. The Semianry President (from Kenya) told me privately that he dismissed it also as local superstition. However, it is real to Pastor Peter and his wife Ann. I don't know what to make of it. Anyway, we can certainly pray for Ann and thank the Lord that He spared her from any further harm.)
The second prayer request is for the studnets of the seminary. These men are making huge sacrifices to be here. All but one are married with lots of children. One has 13 kids! They are away from their familes for a long time. One of the interesting things is that when they introduced themselves to me, everyone of the married men said somethign like this: "My name is ____; and I am the husband of one wife." Afterwards I asked them about it, and apparently polygymy is widespread here. Being "the husband of one wife" sets them apart as Chrsitians in this culture.
These men all know English, in fact all children are trained all the way through school to know Englsih. English is the common language among all the various tribal languages that are also spoken. They are converant in English, can read it, and understand it when spoken. It is not like most of us with Spanish, in that we know a few words or phrases. I do not have to speak slowly or use simple words when teaching.
We meet for classes in the church on the seminary campus, that also worships on Sunday with about 400 people. ( I will see worship for the first time tomorrw, as I am preaching at that church.) It is a brick building with shutters for windows and no electricy. They sit on homemade wood benches that have a 12" inch wide table for them to write and set their books. I have a little stand and a chalkboard to use for teaching. We meet Monday -- Friday from 9am -1pm for the first session; break for lunch, and then back in class from 2:00-4:00pm. Then they are to study until it gets dark, around 7:30pm. Since the generator has been broken, anything later than 7:30 is by candle light. (The seminary president and I have kerosene lamps. However, they attact the bugs and then the bats!)
Here are the names of the seminary students. Please pray for each by name:
Charles Kazmilio
Simon Tor
Thomas Gooniko
Philmisio Yaari
Jackson Afash
Daniel Wakinako
Gabriel Mayik Yor
David Majuang Dieng
Gibson Oliver
Thomas Nassia
Ezra Elisama
Twinomugisha David
Nelson Samuel
Abel Aret
Friday, February 6, 2009
February 6, 2009
Yambio, Sudan!
There is so much to talk about! I have been in Yambio for about 30 hours -- the flight from Uganda to Sudan was about 3 hours, and it was full. However, i got all of my bags on and it was only $40 more. This was one of the biggest concerns, since the small plane has weight limitations. Since the flight was full, the pilot asked me to sit in the co-pilot seat! I had the best view in the plane!
Yambio is truly a village. There is no electricity, only generators. It is surrounded by 1000's of thatched roof, mud walled, dirt floored huts. These huts are peoples homes --- they cannot afford nor easily get building materials, so the huts are built for homes for families and extended familes. (On the flight over from Uganda, these huts were scattered across the landscape --- in clusters of 3-10 or more. Some were so remote that their nearest neighbor must have been miles away. ) Yambio is a village of huts, with the brick buildings being governement, Nato, Unicef or religious groups.
The Seminar is on the edge of town, a large piece of property with huts and brick buildings. Unfortunately, their generator broke down a few weeks ago! There is no power! No lights! No running water! I am trying to think of it like remote tent camping in 100 degree heat!
The seminar officials sat down to discuss the schedule with me, and I was thinking I would have a pretty easy 30 hour class on Genesis... similar to an OASIS class. It turns out that they want me to take 54 hours on Genesis, 6 hours a day. And they also want me to lead a Saturday Bible class, preach each weekend I am here (one out in the remote areas), and lead seminary chapel! That's okay with me though, I am not here to put my feet up! The first six hours of class was today, and we are only barely into Genesis chapter one!
At the guest house where I am staying, I think there is a colony of bats, right outside my window, and grand central station for rats in the ceiling tiles. And of course, the continual vigilance of malaria laden mosquitos! So far though, no bites!
The bottom line is that the Lord is good, and so far this trip has been very, very smooth. The Lord has prepared the way and the stuidents are eager to learn. They really really appreciate all the books and resources that I brought.
There is so much to talk about! I have been in Yambio for about 30 hours -- the flight from Uganda to Sudan was about 3 hours, and it was full. However, i got all of my bags on and it was only $40 more. This was one of the biggest concerns, since the small plane has weight limitations. Since the flight was full, the pilot asked me to sit in the co-pilot seat! I had the best view in the plane!
Yambio is truly a village. There is no electricity, only generators. It is surrounded by 1000's of thatched roof, mud walled, dirt floored huts. These huts are peoples homes --- they cannot afford nor easily get building materials, so the huts are built for homes for families and extended familes. (On the flight over from Uganda, these huts were scattered across the landscape --- in clusters of 3-10 or more. Some were so remote that their nearest neighbor must have been miles away. ) Yambio is a village of huts, with the brick buildings being governement, Nato, Unicef or religious groups.
The Seminar is on the edge of town, a large piece of property with huts and brick buildings. Unfortunately, their generator broke down a few weeks ago! There is no power! No lights! No running water! I am trying to think of it like remote tent camping in 100 degree heat!
The seminar officials sat down to discuss the schedule with me, and I was thinking I would have a pretty easy 30 hour class on Genesis... similar to an OASIS class. It turns out that they want me to take 54 hours on Genesis, 6 hours a day. And they also want me to lead a Saturday Bible class, preach each weekend I am here (one out in the remote areas), and lead seminary chapel! That's okay with me though, I am not here to put my feet up! The first six hours of class was today, and we are only barely into Genesis chapter one!
At the guest house where I am staying, I think there is a colony of bats, right outside my window, and grand central station for rats in the ceiling tiles. And of course, the continual vigilance of malaria laden mosquitos! So far though, no bites!
The bottom line is that the Lord is good, and so far this trip has been very, very smooth. The Lord has prepared the way and the stuidents are eager to learn. They really really appreciate all the books and resources that I brought.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 4, 2009
I HAVE THE SUDAN VISA IN HAND! That has always been the wildcard. I guess in the past it has taken 2 full days, but it only took me 6 hours and 50 dollars! The Lord has heard our prayers! Today I am putting some finishing touches on the study on Genesis by reading some new resources that I have. I leave for Yambio, Sudan at 6am tomorrow, and depending on which route they take, I should be there no later than 1pm. My contact here in Kampala is named Pascal, and he is from Sudan. He describes Yambio as an "advanced village." :)
I have been in Kampala, Uganda for 36 hours. It is certainly a culture shock. It is the capitol of Uganda, and there are a lot of people! I found an internet cafe abut 1/2 mile from my hotel. It is a back room in a building of shops that has 8 very old computers. The connection is very slow, so there is a lot of waiting and rebooting. It costs about 50 cents for 30 minutes. But what a blessing this is! It is quite comforting being able to email Roxanne and the girls, and update this blog!
I understand that there is internet in Yambio, so I hope to continue updating this blog. Thanks for you prayers -- the Lord hears and has answered them!!!
I have been in Kampala, Uganda for 36 hours. It is certainly a culture shock. It is the capitol of Uganda, and there are a lot of people! I found an internet cafe abut 1/2 mile from my hotel. It is a back room in a building of shops that has 8 very old computers. The connection is very slow, so there is a lot of waiting and rebooting. It costs about 50 cents for 30 minutes. But what a blessing this is! It is quite comforting being able to email Roxanne and the girls, and update this blog!
I understand that there is internet in Yambio, so I hope to continue updating this blog. Thanks for you prayers -- the Lord hears and has answered them!!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February 3, 2009
I have arrived in Kampala Ugandawith no problems. The prayers were heard and answered: I think every item on Jan's prayer sheet came true exactly as written! I am in the process of getting a Visa from the Sudanese Embassy. I am staying in a retreat center that is small with a bed, desk, and mosquito netting only. I woke up today to the sounds of Islamic chanting being blasted through loudspeakers in the town! My flight to Sudan occurs Thursday AM--- I should be there by 1PM if the Lord wills.
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009
After nearly 5000 miles of traveling, I have arrived in Amsterdam,Netherlands. Both flights were quick and uneventful. The Lord has answered our prayers for safe travel!! The next leg of the journey will take me from Amsterdam to Entebbe, Uganda. Its amazing to think that I traveled those 5000 miles in a few hours; it would have taken missionaries in centuries prior weeks and months to make that same journey!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February 1, 2009
Today is the day that my dad's trip starts. He woke up 2:00 AM so he could finish packing and get a head start on the different time zone. We left for the airport today at 5:00 AM, and his flight left the airport at 7:50. He is bringing approximately 80 pounds of classroom materials, and 10 pounds of his personal items. One of his bags made the weight limit by only 1/2 pound. He will continue to update as often as possible.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
January 31
Because of the unknown status of the shower situation in Sudan, I cut my hair short so I won't have to worry about washing it so frequently. I will leave for the airport tomorrow morning at 5:00. I will travel to Minnesota and then to Amsterdam. After that I will fly into Antebbe and then on a little puddle-jumper I will land in Sudan on a dirt runway. I will send updates at every available moment, so continue to check in!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20
My name is Dave Bolte, and I am the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park, Arizona. The Lutheran Heritage Foundation has asked me to teach at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan's (ELCS) seminary. I will be teaching the book of Genesis to the 17 "pastors in training".
My trip is part of my congregation's commitment and passion to "Share the Living Water of Jesus Christ with a thirsty world." By helping to train, equip, and encourage these Sudanese pastors, we are Advancing the Gospel into all corners of the world! What a joy for us to help make disciples of "all nations"! Thank you to Trinity Lutheran Church for all your support, prayers, and work in making this mission trip happen!
The seminary is located in southern Sudan near the towns of Baguga and Yambio. Sudan has recently been torn by war and conflicts; the north is now controlled by militant Islam and is a dangerous place for Americans; the south tolerates Christianity and is moderately safe.
In preparation for this trip, I needed to get 7 vaccinations (Meningitis, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio) as well as take the Malaria medicine Malarone.
I will fly from Phoenix to Minneapolis, to Amsterdam, and then to Entebbee, Uganda. In Uganda, I will need to acquire a visa to enter and work in Sudan. (I understand a visa takes 48 hours.) From Uganda, there is a flight that will take me into Sudan. I leave February 1, 2009, and will return February 21, 2009.
This blog is created to allow you to track my trip and pray for my work in Sudan. My daughter Kristen is the "blog master"; and any chance I have to get to a computer I will be sending her updates which she will post here to this blog. I have heard that there is an "internet cafe" near Yambio, so I hope to take advangtage of that on a daily basis. If technology allows, I will be sending pictures for the blog as well.
Please pray for me and this trip. Ask the Lord to grant me safety, and that His Word will go forth to further train and equip these pastors in their spiritual formation. I pray that the Holy Spirit will not only deepen their knowledge of Genesis (its content and doctrines), but that He will also form them into bold and lifelong witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Pray that the the ELCS grows and many will come to know and believe in Jesus and live as His disicples!
My trip is part of my congregation's commitment and passion to "Share the Living Water of Jesus Christ with a thirsty world." By helping to train, equip, and encourage these Sudanese pastors, we are Advancing the Gospel into all corners of the world! What a joy for us to help make disciples of "all nations"! Thank you to Trinity Lutheran Church for all your support, prayers, and work in making this mission trip happen!
The seminary is located in southern Sudan near the towns of Baguga and Yambio. Sudan has recently been torn by war and conflicts; the north is now controlled by militant Islam and is a dangerous place for Americans; the south tolerates Christianity and is moderately safe.
In preparation for this trip, I needed to get 7 vaccinations (Meningitis, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio) as well as take the Malaria medicine Malarone.
I will fly from Phoenix to Minneapolis, to Amsterdam, and then to Entebbee, Uganda. In Uganda, I will need to acquire a visa to enter and work in Sudan. (I understand a visa takes 48 hours.) From Uganda, there is a flight that will take me into Sudan. I leave February 1, 2009, and will return February 21, 2009.
This blog is created to allow you to track my trip and pray for my work in Sudan. My daughter Kristen is the "blog master"; and any chance I have to get to a computer I will be sending her updates which she will post here to this blog. I have heard that there is an "internet cafe" near Yambio, so I hope to take advangtage of that on a daily basis. If technology allows, I will be sending pictures for the blog as well.
Please pray for me and this trip. Ask the Lord to grant me safety, and that His Word will go forth to further train and equip these pastors in their spiritual formation. I pray that the Holy Spirit will not only deepen their knowledge of Genesis (its content and doctrines), but that He will also form them into bold and lifelong witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Pray that the the ELCS grows and many will come to know and believe in Jesus and live as His disicples!
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19
I will be traveling to Sudan, Africa on February 1, 2009 to teach 17 pastors-in-training.
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