February 14, 2010

Baguga, Sudan is an area of jungle about 30 minutes outside Yambio. There is an unmarked trail off the main road that leads to it. The trail you take is fit for walking and motorcycles only --- a car would have a difficult time. Baguga is about 15 minutes down the trail, an area along the side of the trail. We used a motorcycle to get there. One of the students went with me to translate. There is a Lutheran congregation that meets in Baguga, and today I was able to worship with them. Their worship building needs a roof, and some floor work (and benches), so until they can accomplish the needed work, they meet outside under large shade trees. There were 20 people there today, worshipping the Lord. I was able to share the Gospel through the story of the Transfiguration of Christ with them, and brought greetings from Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park, AZ. I gave them as a gift some of the musical instruments that TLC's music department sent with me, and they were very appreciative. The chairman of their congregation also greets us at Trinity, and will pray for us.

Baguga is also the location of a large Lutheran school. It is a two room brick building, windows without glass, unimproved dirt floors, and no chairs/benches for the children to sit. They told me that the school has many children. Each classroom did have a chalkboard. On one of the chalk boards, I noticed the word "photosynthesis". They must have a good science program!

At the Baguga location is also the site of the future HQ of the ELCS. A large cement building was started a few years ago, but construction has since stopped. The building is now in bad shape. It appears to be designed for the front doors to be in the middle, and a wing on either side. One entire wing has collasped, the other wing is supported by 100s of sticks. Proper support for the large wings was never built. Obviously, they had some trouble with the contractor, and that has brought the project to a standstill. The guards report frequent theft of materials. If the ELCS decides to continue this project for its HQ, it will take virtually a renewed effort. The collasped side will have to be torn down. It is one of the challenges that this new Church body will have to face.

Today the students have started to make videos for you. They are excited to share their stories with you; to tell about their families and their hopes in ministry. I plan to use these in upcoming worship services so you can meet the students, and hear the excitment in their own words. They understand the vastness of the mission field here in Sudan, and they eagerly want to help "make disciples" through the Word and Sacraments!