July 2009 Newsleter

Here is a story of two pastors likened to The City Mouse and The Country Mouse. Pa’sta Ray stayed on in the BIG city of Kampala [his tale is inside] and Jimbu’ck bugged out to the bush of New Sudan. Dateline: 23JUN2009 21:30 HRS. (GMT +3) Reporting from Calvary Chapel Nimule, New Sudan – Camp Hodges, Far Reaching Ministries Your senses are awakened. The moment you step off the plane in Entebbe, Uganda the air feels hot and thick with flying termites, you lean in to hear and understand the ‘different’ English spoken here, as you enter into the crowds the smells are---well, ‘different’. As you head to the bush the lack of food varieties satisfies you nonetheless – greens and okra are a delight among the beans and rice - tortillas and meat- a surprise! Yet, of all the senses it is the sights and insights that draw you deeper into this experience of the mission. The mission – this is why you have come! The assignment is to teach the Bible to the 34 that remain of the original 56 chaplain candidates. You teach five times per day pushing a bit too long into the real heat of the day. You bring out spiritual truth and life-lessons from the history of the Book of Judges. Drawn out of that dark, dry period you see the shameless idolatry of Micah and his phony priest (Judges Ch. 17-18) and the horrific account of Gibeah and the Levite’s concubine (Judges Ch. 19-21). The depths of depravity are disturbing. However, the Book of Ruth is an oasis drawn from that same terrible time period. A real, honest to goodness love story, taught in a devotional manner with mega-themes of God’s sovereignty, man’s free-will and redemption through grace! And the men really like it! You have a good time! [details of the chaplaincy and the peace negotiations can be read on the extended UNIFYER version. Also, loads of photos, links and resource – even the Tale of The City Mouse and The Country Mouse available on Pastor Jim’s UNIFYER Blog] Editor’s Note: Karen, please include the entire article on UNIFYER version and cut out this part if we do not have room in printed version. I trust you fully to make it work. You can even choose your own fonts, background and EVERYTHING ! *********************************************************************************** *************** The chaplain candidates are under the competent leadership of combat veteran chaplains of the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). It’s a privilege to be among them. These are military men of God – the terms are not exclusive. You find out over the few weeks you spend with them that half are unmarried; most are under the age of 25 and have seen combat. Each man senses their call and duty to serve their people and their God in the military. For you see, there is a peace, but it is a fragile one. Many conversations confirm that they prefer the peace they see, but are ready to pick up the battle at anytime. The upcoming referendum and election certain to favor the formation of an independent New Sudan will be ill received by the Government of Sudan (GOS). How else can a predominantly Christian south co-exist with an Islamic north that, among many differences,

demands the “registration” of all girls entering puberty and therefore eligible for marriage in the Islamic tradition by force and oppression. As a father of four daughters, I’d take up that fight myself! There are many other differences that will lead toward the inevitable separation by February 2011, but the desire to lead a life of freedom in the Christian tradition rises to the top. The upcoming conflict will be different than the previous 20-year civil war in many ways. For instance it will not be fought in the deep south with people in refugee-type conditions. It will instead be fought in the north securing the new ‘agreed upon’ border. Another difference comes about after four years of cease-fire and peace talks complicating things a bit. Today, for instance there are no less than three armies drawn up – the GOS, a Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) made up of former GOS and SPLA troops and the SPLA which remains intact in the southern region. Defections and the lure of money will draw allegiances away from and to each side. Add to this mix the government-supported militia (jinjaweed) in Darfur while the world debates the meaning of genocide and you have some very complex issues. The president of Sudan, himself sits under indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. So, with all this tension at hand how are the people benefitting from the open door of relative peace? *********************************************************************************** ************** Your Key Verse to unlock the insights: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:2-3 Your friends in southern Sudan exude this reality. They are a bit hard to crack at first, but once you do they are jovial, witty and 100% committed to the cause of Christ. You couldn’t ask for a better friend or more committed partner in the Gospel. They send their warm greetings and thanks for your prayers and support throughout the years. So, what is most stirring? It is the calm, yet passionate faith in God and devotion to Jesus Christ that inspires your work. They see God in everything – even in their problems, which they acknowledge is from a forsaking of God in the past. This begs the question, “When is our day coming?” You see a people living each day simply and leaning on Jesus Christ for every need. The phrase “if it is provided” is common and sincere. Simple song lyrics with plenty of clapping, dancing, smiles, hoots and echoed refrains are the order of the day such as: Number One, Jesus Number One Jesus is Number One, Jesus Number One, Jesus x REPEAT any number of times you wish OR When Jesus say “Yes” Nobody can say “No”

x REPEAT any number of times you wish As you look around you see freedom of movement opening wide the door for ministry unseen here even a few years ago. While our church was experiencing the BEST VBS EVER you could witness over 100 kids sitting on 12x12 grass mats for 4 hours a day throughout the week listening to Bible lessons, doing crafts and singing songs about Jesus – lots of songs and dancing! When Sunday comes you’ll see the kids outnumber the adults 2:1 – all lovingly taught by Chaplains - yes these men teach the kids along with a few women. Women’s Ministry abounds and marches on even in Vicky Bentley’s absence. Women meet throughout the week for Basic English Language Course, Bible Study, choir and dance practice and encouragement. Rabuna Fi, Arabic for “God Is Here” is a ministry using the Word of God to bring hope, forgiveness, salvation and sanctification into the lives of women and to proliferate self-reliance through income generating activities and training as they produce beautiful native crafts, school uniforms and clothing. As you enter the weekends you experience a thriving Calvary Chapel Nimule in the New Sudan with powerful men’s, women’s and children’s ministry. Pastors James Olal, Michael Alahai, Otto Joseph Ben, Okeny Francis, Lino Manyual Bol and Bosco Oroma are each dear Brothers whom I am glad to present to us all! Then you find yourself home. Thanks for sending me! Alongside in His service, Pastor Jim