“How do you have a relationship with God??” Teresa’s cousin
asked her. Their grandmother had sent
her down to our compound to hide when there was potential trouble in the
village. Most of the village goes to hide
in the bush when this happens. But
Teresa and her family had no man to stay with them in the bush, and they
(understandably) didn’t want to ward off the wild animals themselves.
So their grandmother had sent down two cousins to stay with
Teresa on our compound. We were in Torit
at the time, and I was praying that God would use this time of uncertainty to
show people the contrast of darkness and light, and that they would be drawn to
the light. Teresa’s two cousins then
asked her to teach them about the Bible.
They began doing Bible study and I was helping Teresa
prepare for it. One day, Kemira (one of
her cousins) asked her how she could have a relationship with God.
“Our sin separates us from God,” Teresa explained, “but
Jesus died as a sacrifice, to take away our sin. Everyone who believes in him and repents is
reunited with God.” My heart is
rejoicing that she is boldly sharing the Gospel among her own culture!
Did you know that South Sudan is one of the few countries
left with no running water, no power grid, no roads and very few cell phone
towers? We have to leave the country
every three months to go to the doctor, get the car fixed, get medical, food,
and refresh with Western friends in Uganda.
We’re enjoying the comforts of the US, as well as time with
family. My (Amy) parents are coming to
Kansas City for Thanksgiving, and we’re all going to celebrate with Justin’s
family. God has faithfully provided the
finances for Ezekiel to join a co-op, take roller skating lessons and art
lessons! Caleb is enjoying sweet time
with friends here as well, and Justin and I are enjoying homeschooling both of
them each morning.
As we prepare to return to South Sudan and enjoy life in the
US, our friends in Lopit are struggling for food this year. The rains have washed most of the gardens
away, and the insects are eating what is left over. We have been told that the road between our
village and that of our teammates is now blocked by a river that is waist
deep!
Please pray that God provides food, and that these precious
people recognize that their Creator is the only one who provides them with
food, water and rain. Pray that they
come to know their Creator, and that they would hunger and thirst for the
righteousness that God offers to all of us through Jesus Christ.
