Mission: Sudan

February 18, 2010

2010-02-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

OUT OF AFRICA!
I am at the Entebbee airport in Uganda, waiting for the flight to Nairobi, Kenya, where I catch the flight to Amsterdam, then Seattle, and finally to Phoenix, arriving home tomorrow night!
The internet was unavailable for the last 2 days, so I was not able to blog.
We had a couple of really nice days with the students; they are a going to be servant pastors who care about the spiritual condition of Sudan. We got a good start on Christology, and now the seminary on-site faculty will finish it for me. Remember, I lost 4 days with the delay in Kampala and the "dirtroad autobaun" from Juba to Yambio! Otherwise I think it would have been just about right.
I visited the "Hands of Mercy" ministry on the seminary campus again on Wednesday, and spoke with the director for a while, and met some of the students. They work with disabled people a few hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is a unique ministry, and I will show you some pictures.
I want to thank you for your prayers during this trip. It certainly was not a smooth trip this time. Even this morning, there was a 3 1/2 hour delay in the flight out of Yambio, and some concern at the airport if it was even coming. But through it all, the Lord was at work --- and things happened according to His timing. I think the time I had with the students was very good, and I am certain they learned a great deal about both Justification and Christology. Along the way, you were able to pray for (and help in various ways) people and their needs. Thank you for your concern for the worldwide spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and your support of this trip.
I am planning a slide presentation to overview the trip this Wednesday at OASIS (6:30-7:45pm); along with Q&A. You are welcome to come and join me in the sanctuary for this!
Finally, just pray now that the Lord will bless the seeds of His powerful Word, and these men will be formed into Lutheran Pastors! And pray that I get home safely!!

February 16, 2010

2010-02-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

The big test on the Doctrine of Justification by faith is over! Of those who passed, the average score was 81%. Most lost points because of the lack of complete answers in the essay section. Three students will be taking it over tomorrow afternoon ---- they need to study more and write more in the essay section. I don't think any failed because they didn't understand it (maybe one did), but because they failed to give complete answers and think carefully on the true/false section. I was a little worried they would not understand it- it is important doctrine, but I don't think that is the case. I think it was test taking ability, and not lack of understanding.

On the church coumpound here is a social ministry called "Hands of
Mercy." They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for about 3 hours each day, to work with disabled people in the community. The teach the Small Catechism,
sing, work on English, and have some sort of craft (like beading).
They then serve lunch to the people. I visited it yesterday and
took some pictures; I will return on Wednesday to get more
information from the leader, Pastor Joseph Otto. I hope to share
this project with you and we can consider if and how we might be able
to further support it.

My days are almost over --- tomorrow will be the last full day of
teaching. Since it is Ash Wednesday, we will begin with a chapel
service. I plan to preach on Ephesians 2:1-10. Then we will
continue to study Christology. This is a hard doctrine for the
students to learn --- there are many theological terms/ideas that
they have never learned before. But they will get it!

Thank you for your prayers, and please continue them!

February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

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!

February 9, 2010

2010-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today was another full day teaching. We continue to study the doctrine of Justification by Faith. Today we spent a lot of time with Romans 1:16-17, and how we believe that righteousness is "from God, by faith" as opposed to "in us, by works". The Bible is so clear, but yet so many still teach the "in us, by works" in one way or the other.

In talking with the students again today, the concerns remain high about being away from their families. There is somewhat of a drought here, and the crops are not growing as they should. That causes a great deal of worry. Health issues remain high; one of the students, Daniel, has not been feeling well since returning from break. Another one had to take his wife in for treatment, and is worried about the outcome and the expense. The political situation is a concern, as they look forward to elections next year to see if Sudan splits into two separate countries or not. And there are rebel terrorists along the border who still raid, steal, rape and kill poor villagers. There are many concerns, yet the people I am with see it as a mission field and they are eager and excited to share the Gospel in the midst of all these difficulties! Their mission mindedness is exciting to see, and how they will work with the meager means and things they have to advance the Kingdom of God! Keep praying for this emerging, and struggling, church body!!

February 13, 2010

2010-02-13T06:52:00.001-08:00

Things are really come to a crawl on the weekends here. I led a bible study on the Sunday scripture lessons to the local pastors and students this morning, and that was about it! The students use Saturday to wash their clothes, let them dry, and then iron them. Some go to the market; and all of them are studying for the test on Monday!

Perina is the name of Charles' wife. She is the one who got sick 2 nights ago. It turns out that she has been diagnosed with BOTH malaria and typhoid. They put her on a 7 day "IV vial"; and 2 pills/day for a month. Please pray that this medicine is not counterfeit, and that it will work in her body.

Some of you may remember the bats from last year. The roof over the room I stayed in was rather tall, and it was full of bats. At night, apparently one would fall off the rafters with a loud "thud" and then you would hear the scurrying feet of the bat running across the ceiling. This year, I'm in a different room, with a flatter roof, so I don't notice the bats. Occassionaly I can hear a "thud"; but no scurrying feet! Last night, though, there was a new sound. It was the sound of pounding drums. All night long, I'd guess about a 1/2 mile away, drums were being played. It is some excellent drum playing (of course, these would all be hand drums). At first I thought it was some sort of pagan worship practice; but the students told me it was a funeral rite. When someone dies, the family and friends gather for a 3 day mourning period, and during that time, they hire drummers to play through the night to remember the loved one who died. So it sounds like I have two more nights of drums! Good thing I brought ear plugs!

Tomorrow, Sunday, I will be preaching at the church in Baguga. They describe it to me as rural, with about 20 people in worship, and about 1/2 hour away. It is hoped (I think) that Baguga will become the location of the headquarters for the ELCS. I look forward to seeing the area. One of the students will translate for me, and drive me on the back of his motorcycle! I will preach on the Transfiguration of Christ.

Finally, tomorrow (Sunday) is Roxanne and my 16th wedding anniversary! Please say a special prayer of thanks for our years together and the blessing of our girls!

February 12, 2010

2010-02-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

It's Friday night, and the students are studying for a "Justification By Faith" test first thing Monday morning! After the test, we will get started with Christology. We probably won't finish, the seminary on-site teachers will have to finish it.
Today we learned that one of the students, Charles', wife got sick last night. She is staying with a friend/or family member in the area for a few weeks. She has high fever, muscle aches, back ache, and headache. Everyone seems to think it might be Malaria. He took her to the clinic this morning. Its now almost 6pm, and we haven't heard anything yet. Please keep them in your prayers.
Some of the ways that your support is helping th students outside the classroom are: mosquito netting repair, new pens (which they needed!), a phone card so Mellow Oman could call home after his sister died, new reading glasses for two of the students, Tylenol/Motrin for the students, and funds to help Charles take his wife to ther clinic. Thank you for your support and prayers --- the needs are tremendous in every direction!

February 11, 2010

2010-02-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

We continue to work through the doctrine of Justifcation By Faith. Today we spent a lot of time on the idea of "faith" and how faith needs to "connected" to the right object: Christ! Otherwise it is a false faith and no use for salvation. Of course with that, we talked about the difference between faith and works, and how we reject salvation by works.

The normal day here goes like this:

7:30 morning devotions
8:00 breakfast
9:00 class until 1:00pm
1:00 lunch
2:00 class until 4:00
4:00 study / free time
7:00 evening devotion
7:30 supper
11:00 generator off

GOOD NEWS! Thomas Gooniko, the only single student, is now engaged! He said her name is "Nora", and he is going to bring her over to meet me tonight! They look to get married after he graduates and is ordained --- in 2011 sometime!

February 10, 2010

2010-02-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings from hot and humid South Sudan! Nothing really new is going on --- the routine of teaching is happening.

In class we were discussing how the Lutheran Reformatioin (1517) was all about a return to the Gospel and without the Gospel it would have failed. Then the discussion went to how these 14 men are part of the "Lutheran Reformation" of Sudan --- there are only +/-10 Lutheran pastors now in the entire country --- when they graduate and are ordained, they will double the number --- and be leaders in the church. It is amazintg to think how much these men are "pioneers" here in Sudan. Of course, I stressed to them the importance of the "first and chief article"-- that is, the Gospel --- in all of their preaching and teaching. I think they are understanding its importance as they learn the definitions and distinctions of this key doctrine.

Trinity's music department sent some musical instruments (small percussions) along with me. I left a nice tamborine with the church in Juba, and the remaining will be distributed from here in Yambio to the outlaying areas. Thank you to all of our musicians who helped to make that happen!

Finally, I asked one of the workers to price a fan for the guesthouse for when the generator is on and working. He went to the market and found some --- he said they were 250 sudanese pounds --- that is $100 USD! I bet they are little cheap plastic ones! If I come back, I will bring one with me!

Keep praying --- and may the Lord bless your day!

February 8, 2010

2010-02-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today we started the Doctrine of Justification by Faith (which is the Gospel). When I was in seminary, one of the professors translated a presentation from 1872 (originally in German, I presume) which laid out the doctrine in 9 theses. I am using that as the outline of what I am teaching, adding supplementary material so that they can learn it more easily. If only the orginal author back in 1872 knew where and what his theses are doing today in 2010!

The students are eager to learn, and have lots of questions trying to clarify the doctrine. It was a good day.

A coupel of days ago I asked you to pray for Rev. Nicolas' daughter, who injured her eye. She is now fine; apparently she fell on a stick or stiff grasses and she got cuts and scrapes around her eye, but not actually in her eye. Thank the Lord! And thank you for remembering her in your prayers!

February 7, 2010

2010-02-07T11:33:00.001-08:00

Today I preached at the Yambio Church here in town. There were about 100 people; I'd guess 30 of them were children. I took some videos, and I will try to get them worked into countdowns that we can use before the services so you can get a feel for how the Christians here in Sudan worship. This is one of the more "developed and refined " churches.

I talked with two men yesterday who summarize the state fo the church here in Sudan.

The first was one of the students, Philmesio, who's tribe lives on the border intersection of Sudan, Congo and CAR. He said that over the Christmas break, rebels from Congo came into the village, raided it, and took some of the men, including his older brother. They took them into the bush and shot them. He said that they were anti-Chrsitians supported by the north. Philmesio's story dramatically shows the danger that Christians here in Sudan still face. Yet they remain faithful to Christ in the midst of this persecution.

The second man is named Mellow Oman, from the tribe of Anyauk, region of Pachella, in the east central part of Sudan along the border. He says that they are so remote that there are no roads in. To get out, you must catch a flight that occassionally comes in. He is an "evangelist" there. An "evangelist" is what we would say as a "deacon" without the training. He said a pastor once flew in to train him and another man for 1 week. He serves essentially as the "pastor" but cannot do the sacraments. They use the Small Catechism as the main teaching tool, of course, besides the Bible. He is here to report to the Bishop of the ELCS about the status of the church. He says that there are 2 churches about an hour walk from each other, and both worship over 200 people each Sunday. That is a huge number for the churches here. He says that he has 80 people who need and want to be baptized, but they have no pastor to do it. He is here to plead the ELCS to send a pastor to them. (I will try to get Mellow to tell me his story on video so you can see and hear it for yourself!) Mellow's story captures the great need Sudan has for pastors. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few in this fourth largest country of the world. By helping to train pastors, we at Trinity are maximizing our efforts.

The pastors here in training at the seminary will go on vicarage this fall, and then afterwards will be pastors. Thank the Lord! They are the salt of the earth --- wonderful men full of the Holy Spirit and eager to serve the Lord. They are even expecting the next class to start in January, and they anticipate 20+ more students to begin their seminary route to ordination!

Keep praying for this struggling church body!!!

February 6, 2010

2010-02-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

I AM IN YAMBIO, finally!

Friday, in Juba, my flight was cancelled at the last minute, and the next flight would be Tuesday (maybe). So we hired a driver to drive the 300 miles on unimproved roads. It was a land cruiser type vehicle, and we needed it. The road was potholed, cratered from shelling during the war, land-mined cars and trucks littered the ditches, and 100s of pedestrians on either side. 2 hours into the 10 hour drive, our driver has a flare up of Malaria! He has a fever, chills and is delerious. The other guy in the car with us takes over driving, and within 10 minutes, the driver, now a passenger, was writhing in pain and literally confessing his sins and crying out to God --- he thought he was goiong to die! We are so remote, that all his wife, the 4th passenger in the car, can do is give him a pill of some sort. Thankfully, about 90 minutes later, we came across a military checkpoint, and there was a clinic there. About the only thing that they can treat there is malaria, so he recieved some sort of IV vial. It perked him up, and about 4 hours later, he resumed driving! It was quite an experience. We got to Yambio around midnight... by God's grace, alive!

While I was in Juba though, I saw the reason why I am here in Sudan. I went to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Juba and met Rev Simon Gatlauk. He is so enthusiastic and excited about the work of the Lord in Sudan. I took pictures and video, that I will show you when I return. The church is an open aired pavillion type thing, in a compound lined with a stick-picket fence. Rev. Gatlauk asks that we remember his congregation of 40 and pray for them.

Today at the seminary, in the middle of a meeting, one of the the Seminary officers received a phone call that his little girl got injured. Something to do with her eye. Please pray for Zareda, Pastor Nicolas' youngest daughter. I will keep you posted.

February 4, 2010

2010-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Juba, Sudan!
I arrived safely into juba today from kampala. The airport is very dated, but once you get past that, they are starting to rebuild the city after years of war. The roads are new and paved, and they have power lines up. It is the capital of this providence of southeran Sudan, so it is getting a lot of attention and money.

The President of the Evangelial Lutheran Church in Sudan met me at the airport. He was in the Khartoum office last year so I didn't get to meet him then. We had lunch, and now both of us are at this internet cafe emailing!!

I am in a hotel that is costing an unbelieveable $100/night (average for this town I am told). The "rooms" are somewhat like those portable construction offices they bring to construction sites. However, they have wall A/C and running water (ie: Baths and Showers!) It is very hot here, like summer in Phoenix hot.

If the Lord wills, I will be in Yambio tomorrow!

February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today is a day of waiting for tomorrow's flight to Juba, then Friday's flight to Yambio.

The hotel I am staying at is called the "Jevine Hotel." It is $24/night, and it is like a single dorm room. It has a fan, bed, bath, 2 sittign chairs, a large end table, a shower (sort of), a small TV with about 6 channels, (did i say a fan?), and a breafast omlet and 2 pieces of bread are included. It is very clean and the staff is very friendly. It has been a good place to stay here in Kampala.

I was talking with the front desk girl named Betsy and I asked her how we can pray for her. She is very sweet and nice, can't be much more that 18 yreas old. She is a Christian since birth, and asks that we pray for her in two ways. The first is that she has a peace from God -- she didn't elaborate, but there was something troubling her. She also asks that we pray for her future, so that she can have a better life. She makes about $75 month and is saving to go to college. She wants to study "Developmental studies" she called it. She described it as going in and helping to improve outlying villages. Tuition is $350 a semester. She said her parents will help with tuition also. So please pray for Betsy, that the Lord will grant her peace and that he will direct her life.

I hope to get online in the next couple of days, but it could be sketchy. I will update the blog as soon as I can!!!

February 2, 2010

2010-02-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

This is the sixth computer and th fourth internet cafe that we have been in today trying to get this blog done! There doesn't seem t be a good connection anywhere over here today!
And now it has started to rain very hard --- we'll see if you end up getting this attempt!

I have the Sudan visa in hand; and a flight to Juba on Thursday. I still do not know what will happen in Juba . . . but the Lords does! If all goes well, I will get a flight to Yambio on Friday.

Today I was walking down the road and a man came up very quickly from behind me. I almost got nervous, but it was broad daylight and all kinds of people walking in the same directon. He ended up passing by me and then slowing down in front of me, acting nervously. As I got close to him, he turned and said that he always wanted to talk to someone like me (I took it to mean that I was white, since I was the only white person around.) So we started to talk and I asked him his name. Hs name is Zemmer Henry, and he is a mechanic in Kampala. It turns out he is a Christian, so I asked him if there was anything we could pray for him about. He asks us to pray for his family, who doesn't know the Lord. You could see that this troubled him greatly. So please pray for Zemmer Henry's family, that the Lord will work through His Word to bring the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to them!

Today we went on the public taxi system to get my flight to Juba. There are 1000s of VW van look-a-likes here that serve as "taxis". They put 16 people in each van! 5 rows of seats, three across. It is a weird experience! I think we had two kids up front and a baby on one lady's lap. So I think we may have had 19! This includes the driver and one "conductor" who is collecting money and making sure the van is filled whenever someone gets off. It sure gives a new definition of public taxi!!

February 1, 2010

2010-02-01T05:35:00.000-08:00

I am in Kampala, Uganda! The long flights are over and here I am in Kampala.

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the flights were uneventful and safe; and that I am in a hotel that is clean and has glass in the windows. I only saw one mouse in the hallway on the way up to my room. The bad news is that my flight plans have changed. I am now in Kampala until Thursday, then to Juba, Sudan Thursday night, then to Yambio, Sudan on Friday. It is disappointing, but this must be part of God's care for me. So I will use the time to further study, prepare and work on some other things.

Kampala is a pretty dirty city, with a haze in the air that smells like burning garbage. I believe that my time here is the most dangerous for me --- the traffic is unbelievably crazy, and the taxi driver they use is impatient! Any taxi ride is a thrill ride of zigging and zagging, honking and passing, and numerous close calls! I wish I were exaggerating, but I am not. The streets are full of motorcycles, cars and pedestrians. There are 100s and 100s of people everywhere. The ride from the Entebbee airport is almost an hour of this type of driving!

I have applied for the Sudan Visa, and they told me to come back to get it at 3pm ... so that doesn't appear to be a problem. The flights into Yambio are the issue it looks like.

Thanks for the prayers! I continue to pray for you and thank the Lord for your support!

January 30, 2010

2010-01-31T06:59:00.001-08:00

I have completed 2 of the 5 legs of the trip in good shape! The flight to Minneapolis and then to Amsterdam was uneventful and smooth! I now have a 3 hour layover, and then off to Entebbee in Kampala, Uganda. In Amsterdam, Roxanne and I were able to "yahoo.chat" so that was nice for us. When I arrive in Uganda, and get through customs, it will be after 9pm. Then Monday will be trying to get the Sudanese Visa. Thanks again for all of your prayers and kind words. I thought about those on the trip over and thanbksed the Lord for all of you!!!!

January 28, 2010

2010-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

I will be leaving Saturday, 1/30/10, at 8:15am to begin my second trip to the Concordia Lutheran Institute of the Holy Ministry in Yambio, Sudan. This is the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan. I will be teaching two key doctrines while I am there: Christology (WHO Jesus is) and Justification (WHAT Jesus has done for us). Please pray that the Lord will bless the teaching and the learning, so that these two doctrines will guide and influence the ministry of these future pastors!
The travel time there is 5 days. On Saturday, I leave Phoenix to go to Minneapolis; then to Amsterdam; then to Kampala, Uganda. (If my time-change math is right, I will be landing during our 11:30 service --- which is the 9pm hour in Uganda.) I spend a day there to pick up a Sudan Visa (please pray that goes smoothly); then the next day I fly to Juba, Sudan; and finally, the next day, I fly into Yambio, Sudan. The Juba layover is different than last year, and it is adding an extra day of travel for me. I just figure the Lord has something planned for me while I am there.
My suitcases are packed! I have 110 pounds in 2 checked bags; and another 40 pounds in carry-on. The good thing is that just about all of it will stay in Africa! I will bring back only a lightly packed carry-on bag ---- it makes for easy travel, but it also flags me at the airports because I have no bags!
My hair is short! Kristen and Taryn had a fun time cutting my hair! They took a long time doing it --- making fun of me with crazy hair styles before they finally finished!
I want to thank Pastor Frusti (7:30) and Pastor Self (10:15) for the impromptu “send off prayer” at the end of the services. That was unexpected and very nice. Thank you for doing that! I appreciate all of your kind words and well wishes over this past week; and thank you for all of you who have given above and beyond financially to help make this happen! Whether we are the ones who send or the ones who go, we are all involved in world mission (Matthew 28:18-20)! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP!
One note of clarification. I had someone ask if the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in Sudan is part of the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The answer is a resounding “NO!” The word “Evangelical” is a word that means “Gospel/Good News”; and is used in many of the official names of even LCMS congregations. In the USA, the ELCA uses the name, but they have drifted quite far from scripture and Lutheran theology (in fact, the LCMS does not even recognize them as a Lutheran church body any longer.) My observation is that overseas, national church bodies use the name “Evangelical” exactly opposite: they use it to mark themselves as deeply committed to the Bible and Lutheran theology. If the churches in Sudan were associated with the ELCA, I would not be able to participate. I hope that clarifies it a little. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan is committed to Scripture and Lutheran theology.

Leaving soon!

2010-01-09T11:46:00.001-08:00

I will be leaving again for Sudan on January 30, 2010.

February 20, 2009

2009-02-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

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!

February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

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"!

February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

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!

February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

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"!

February 14, 2009

2009-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

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.

February 13, 2009

2009-02-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

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!"

February 12, 2009

2009-02-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

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!

February 11, 2009

2009-02-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

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.

February 10, 2009

2009-02-10T05:33:00.001-08:00

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!

February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

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!

February 7, 2009

2009-02-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

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

February 6, 2009

2009-02-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

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.

February 4, 2009

2009-02-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

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!!!

February 3, 2009

2009-02-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

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.

February 2, 2009

2009-02-02T06:15:00.001-08:00

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!

February 1, 2009

2009-02-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

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.

January 31

2009-01-31T15:45:00.000-08:00

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!

January 20

2009-01-20T11:57:00.001-08:00

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!

January 19

2009-01-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

I will be traveling to Sudan, Africa on February 1, 2009 to teach 17 pastors-in-training.