Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Rebuilding the Walls

“Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if you servant has found favor in this sight, let him send me to the city of Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.’ Nehemiah 2:5

I am currently reading the book of Nehemiah; a book about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Three years ago this month a group of 7 of us set out to explore Mundri, s. Sudan as the starting place for WHM ministry in Sudan. And now we have had a team here for almost 2 years. South Sudan is a land that has faced a lot of destruction, but in the last few years many have been coming together and have begun the rebuilding process. As I have been reading Nehemiah, Sudan has been on my heart especially with the upcoming referendum. Sudan is a nation that has seen years of war, ruin, violence, and devastation. But in our time here we have seen glimpses of hope for a future free of war and destruction. We have seen new buildings go up, plans come together for the renovation of Bishop Ngalamu College, new solar pumps replace hand pumps, the expansion of the market, preparations being made for new roads, and even articles about s. Sudan’s proposal for animal shaped cities, seems laughable, I know, but it still shows the desire for change and transformation. I am thankful that many are moving forward in hopes of a peaceful future for Sudan, but as I read Nehemiah I am also driven to prayer. Please also join me in praying for Sudan and the upcoming Referendum. Just as Nehemiah faced opposition in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, Sudan too may face opposition as they try and seek a future that is best for the people. Please pray that God would be paving the way for the nation. Pray that He would be the foundation in the rebuilding process.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Fresh Eyes

Transformation and growth happens slowly and over a long period of time. Here in Mundri it is easy for me to miss the amazing ways God is transforming this place and the lives that dwell here. Even in my own heart I can get side tracked and miss the evidence of God’s love and grace in my life. My eyes so easily focus in on the negative, the hopelessness, and the things that are disheartening. I can miss out on so much. This week a church team from Virginia has been experiencing life with us here. They have come with fresh eyes and have been sharing ways they have seen evidence of God’s kingdom coming here in Mundri. They have expressed ways they have encountered Jesus this week by moving out into the community, praying with people, being a part of our team, being brought into our relationships with our Sudanese friends, listening to stories, and through having fresh eyes that seek out the Spirit’s presence in this place. I have been living and serving in Mundri for 15 months now and sadly my eyes have become a bit rusty. But this week my heart has been encouraged by this visiting team and I feel refreshed by their perspectives and experiences here. I believe that even though I have been here for 15 months I can have fresh eyes renewed only by the Spirit and so I pray for this. I pray for fresh eyes to see how God is at work here in Mundri and in my own heart with each new day.