Mission to Juba, Sudan - Day 2

Outdoor meeting on dusty day 2 of Juba mission.

It was a typical day one of stratified evangelism: excitement, confusion, anticipation, disappointment, amazement, joy...and, today, lots of dust!! Much happened, and below is a taste of just some of it.

In the morning, six teams scattered throughout the city. Meetings were held in government ministries and departments, a clinic, nursery schools, markets, and secondary schools. Some teams got lost and others couldn’t find their venue. Others received more than they expected—one team was expecting to minister to 300 secondary students, but found 1300 ready to listen. There was great excitement as the Foxfires did their South African dances and after a testimony and strong exhortation to turn away from the destructive things of the world, and turn to Jesus, at least one hundred students boldly raised their hands.

In the afternoon, teams travelled out to their evening rally locations. Set up was running a little late, and one team popped into a nearby school while they waited for the PA to be ready. They came across a group of about 15 children whose work was being marked by their teacher. The teacher gave the evangelists a chance to speak to the kids, two of which indicated they wanted to receive Jesus. The evangelists then found a classroom with about 60 children and nearly all responded to the message. The Headmistress also invited them back to her office, and heard the gospel. She wasn’t ready to make a decision, but invited the team back to the school to minister there again to the students and to her tomorrow!

Local youth raise their hands to indicate a decision for Christ.

As these afternoon rallies commenced, a dark storm loomed in on the city, much like the one which threatened the Opening Rally. It looked sure to wash out the open-air meetings, and lightening was frequent. However it produced a very strong wind rather than rain, whipping the dry dust which covers Juba, and causing what sometimes looked like a dust storm. People watching had to turn away and close their eyes, and those singing, dancing or preaching got grit in their mouth and eyes. It was very unpleasant to be outside, but thankfully many people braved the conditions and remained at the meeting.

One of the venues was in a huge, chaotic, colourful market called the “Old Custom Market.” The gusty wind threw up rubbish which covered the ground and stuck obstinately to those in the audience. However the energetic choir did a great job of drawing the attention of almost 2000 people. One of the first people to respond to the gospel message was a Catholic nun in full dress! Over 200 others also responded and were counseled.

A group of women who've just responded to some very Good News.

The Youth Rally was a little disappointing, being set in what someone described as “the beach in Juba” – just dust and sun. About 150 school kids and passersby gathered and truly enjoyed the Foxfire program, despite the swirling and buffeting dust which swept across the ground. As one of the foxfires preached, a man in military uniform approached, rather menacingly. He smelt of alcohol and was quite disruptive to the message. He was drawn aside, but nonetheless he responded with great tears and emotion after the altar call was made. We are hoping he will return tomorrow as he promised so that we can find out more about his story.

Other teams had a great first morning tag-team preaching in the street and drawing sizeable crowds without a sound system, whilst others found some of their audience sitting in trees just like Zacceaus.

From rough estimates, it seems that over 1000 people came to the Lord today! There is much rejoicing in heaven! Another wonderful blessing was the pastor who popped in at dinner time, and donated US$100 to the mission!

- Vanessa Khlentzos
(Pan African Communications,
African Enterprise)