South Sudan trip

Last week Jason and Righteous traveled to South Sudan for some missions training meetings. I am so delighted that they had this Daddy daughter time together, especially since very soon we will be dropping off Righteous at college, we are not taking any day for granted. We kept in touch while they were away through videos and messages and I always looked forward to hearing about their day, what they did/what they ate etc. I will try to do them justice by writing about their trip, sharing the stories they told me.

Glancing out into Southern Sudan Righteous noticed very few paved roads.

Originally Sudan was 1 entire country that was colonized by Britain and Egypt. Sudan won its independence in 1956 but there was constant fighting between the North and South regions mostly do to their religious differences. Northern Sudan is primarily Muslim and Southern Sudan is primarily Christian. There were two Civil wars that eventually led them into two seperate countries, first from 1956-1972 and second from 1983-2005. South Sudan officially gained their independence in 2011 but has still continues to have conflicts that turns violent up to now. A month ago there was a lot of unrest and we were prepared for this trip to get canceled but we praise God for granting peace currently and pray that the instability will diminish. The National language in South Sudan is Arabic which Righteous found to be so intriguing. We have a few Arabic friends here in Gtown and they look middle Eastern. She found it fascinating to see dark skin Africans speaking Arabic. Jason also enjoyed listening to their conversations amongst themselves and because many Swahili words are taken from  Arabic.

There are 6 remaining Unreached People Groups according to the Joshua Project but some will say there is more. As Bethany Global workers we desire to partner and network with other believers across the world to equip people to share the gospel to their neighbors. Jason and Righteous traveled with Paul Hartford  (he was the President of Bethany College of Missions when Jason and I were students there and we have gotten to serve alongside he and his wife throughout the years) to join in on discussions of engaging the Unreached People Groups who remain. It was a time to listen to testimonies and equip with training and resources. Righteous said this rekindled a passion in her to be a missionary one day and be willing to go to hard places. This gave me so much joy.

During the hours of meeting all day Righteous brought her colored string and made bracelets. She made 8-9 during the 4 days she was there and ended up distributing them all out.

Righteous got to teach Blessing (a lady attending the training) how to make bracelets. 

That's my man.

Jason got to explain the process of the 7 steps of engagement to see a church planting movement. How a people group first gets "adopted" and engaged. Then all the steps on how to gain access to the people groups through strategies and platforms. Eventually the goal is to preach the good news about Jesus and lives to change. There will be an interest to start reading the Bible. Then as we read what God says through His word we are commanded to go and tell others what He says and make disciples thus replicating everything all over again.

Jason in the center, Righteous and Paul Hartford. 

On the final day they got to go see the Nile river which is a major contribution to the livelihood of the country. Jason and Righteous noticed it was heavily polluted so they did not try to drink any while they were there. I remember a song for homeschool when the girls were younger that had us memorize countries and in the song there is a part that says "the Blue and White Nile river flows to form the Great Nile River which is the longest River in the World". I thought this was epic for them to see it.

Jason looking out to the Nile River.

My hubby was surprised at how "behind the times" the airport in South Sudan seemed. There was chaos in lining up for customs, nothing was communicated clearly. Then in order to get their checked bags there was a lengthy process because there were no machines/conveyor belts in baggage claim but instead a ticket counter to collect their bags at.

I always like to know what food people eat. Jason and Righteous said there was Ugali (made from Maize flour) that had sorghum in it and truly was the consistency of play dough. There was pita bread at most meals and the sautéed leafy greens vegetables had peanuts (called ground nuts here in Kenya) in them. On their very first night they walked to a Turkish restaurant and ate a platter of meat with 6 others. 

Platter of meat at the Turkish restaurant 

Although I missed Jason tremendously I am thrilled he was able to go travel with Righteous and have this experience. 

Chatting away in our living room.

Baby Simeon brings smiles to everyones faces..

While Righteous and Jason were away me and the younger 3 invited some of our friends over for a visit. It was their first time to meet baby Simeon and they were so smitten by him. They told us that it was currently the pilgrimage- Hadj, when all Muslims that have the finances will go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia during this "sacred" time. They sent me a link on YouTube so that I can watch what is happening in Mecca 24 hours a day. They will soon be celebrating EID when lots of goats will be slaughtered in order to remember Abraham's obedience to God in being willing to sacrifice his son. Join us in praying for Muslims to have soften hearts and receive the truth about Jesus the ultimate sacrifice. 

Charis and I took our anual picture together, standing in the bathtub. The place of her birth.

Lastly Charis turned 15 on May 30th. She simply wanted to watch the Pride and Prejudice movie, eat her Dad's pilau and have brownies and ice cream. Abbigail Martin brought her awesome projector for us to use and we decorated the living room with dried flowers. What a beautiful young lady Charis is growing into.