Mission to Juba, Sudan - Day 3

DRC team leader preaches to soldiers at military barracks.

Wow, what a day. Despite continued logistical difficulties, many of the teams had very fruitful meetings around the city today.

One team went to a military barracks (getting lost on the way…). The soldiers looked tired and nervous, probably because of the approaching referendum and the toll which years in the bush takes on a person. Our DRC team leader shared passionately about the effects of war on a nation and an individual, and that the military’s main role was to protect its people not exploit them. He boldly challenged them to examine whether they were motivated by the love of God, or anger and a desire to revenge, which would only bring danger. Around 35 of them came forward for prayer, and we have been invited to return again for the next two days. Please pray for the continued fruitfulness of these meetings, and for open doors into other barracks.

In the afternoon a different team went to a very large, colourful, smelly, bustling dirty market which accommodates thousands of people selling various wares. Children were searching through the piles of rubbish surrounding us, and many were excited to see us back again. The choir had already set up and quickly drew a small crowd. They were unperturbed by the number of drunk and mentally disabled people who joined them up the front, dancing wildly. It was clear that the general person in this area really struggled, and responded eagerly when shown love and compassion.

Juba kids playing on rubbish pile.

A Kenyan evangelist spoke about God’s true way for those who are lost – Jesus. The hundreds who had gathered to watch the choir didn’t dissipate as so often happens when the music stops, but listened quietly. When given a chance be “found” again by God through the life and death of Jesus, a huge number swelled forward towards the preacher. I wondered how many times these people had heard the gospel explained so clearly and simply. A handful of counselors struggled to take down the details of those who had responded. Even without this large group of over 100 people, the crowd had grown tremendously because sellers had closed their stores and joined the event.

Our Ethiopian evangelist made the most of this increasing crowd of people, describing how Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be “born again” by the Spirit, not by the flesh. He described how it is easy to be “religious” and do “Christian” things, but not actually be born again. When invited to come forward, only three brave people stepped forward into the centre. However, their boldness clearly inspired others, who also joined them until another 40 people were standing before the evangelist for prayer.

Mission gathering in Old Customs Market.

Many other very successful meetings took place around the city today, but we continued to have logistical difficulties, particularly with lack of sound systems, and a shortage of counselors. We’d greatly appreciate your continued prayer for these aspects of the mission, and thank God with you for the wonderful way He is touching lives in our midst.

- Vanessa Khlentzos
(Pan African Communications,
African Enterprise)