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!"
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Reading your blog updates is a reminder of how abundantly blessed and rich we really are. Thank you for all your hard work in Yambio working with the students and keeping us updated. May God continue to be with you throughout this journey and keep you safe and healthy.
ReplyDeleteWe all are truly blessed living in the United States. Your trip to Sudan has truly open our eyes to the hardship of the poor people of Sudan and all over the world. We live in a country of abundance. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family, and all the people of Sudan, especially your students and their families. Doug and Jane
ReplyDeleteThinking about all of the things you miss made made me think about what we miss. We miss you! We wish you were here with us, you so richly bless our lives here with your ministry here. On the other hand were so happy that you can spend this time enriching their lives be being with them, fellowshiping with them and teaching them. We pray for you everyday! Rob, Melinda and Sarah.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Sarah talks about you and your trip to Sudan everyday
Reading your blog makes our problems seem small by comparison and is very humbling. You, the seminarians and all the people of Sudan are in our prayers daily. May the Holy Spirit work through you to open the minds and hearts of the students, to hear and understand the word of God and build faith in Jesus Christ throughout the region. Doug I.
ReplyDeleteSAFE and HEALTHY; we pray for these for you in particular but also for your students and all Sudanese. It is unimaginable that they must deal with bike riding, gun toting drug hazed rebel soldiers and third world diseases.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you meant to mention your lovable staff in that list, too! Or not. :) Peace, health and creature comforts are gifts of God that should be remembered often. We're thankful for this opportunity to be reminded of them.
ReplyDeleteI have shared parts of your blog with Sunday school classes and every group that I have led. We have prayed for you, the students, your families and your other prayer requests. I do pray for peace in Sudan. I pray that God will use you, your teaching, and the students to shine His light into the darkness and bring His peace. Ruth
ReplyDelete"How beautiful are the feet of him who brings Good News..."
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to protect you and the students! I'm praying for healing for Abel.
Barb and Robert Augsdorfer
I feel guilty complaining about the very cold weather we are having when the people you are with are suffering so much. It had made me stop and think of all the blessings I have, a warm house, plenty of blankets, food, and yes, even long johns to wear!! We continue to pray for your health and for the health and safety of the people around you. We will add Abel and Jackson to our prayers. Stay safe and it won't be long and you will be eating Big Macs and fries again.
ReplyDeleteMary Z