Exploring Unity State - part 3

 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance  in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. “  Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV

Meet Mathew and his wife Sarah.  He is a Nuer believer and the pastor of Leer Baptist Church. 

As a young boy, Mathew and his family fled to Kenya during the years of war in South Sudan.  He finished his schooling in Kenya and received seminary training at the Baptist Seminary in Kenya. Returning to his home area of Leer, now as a Christian adult, Mathew saw numerous ways he could show the love of Christ to his own people.

 Leer town has two primary schools; each catering to over 2,000 students with over 100 pupils in each class. This is at the primary level! Mathew saw the need for an additional primary school. So he started one on the Baptist compound where the church is located. Currently the school caters to children in grades 1-5; many of whom are orphaned. The teachers, all young men from the church, volunteer their time as there isn’t enough financial support to pay them. Through the donations of believers, Mathew was able to build a three room classroom block. 

Someday he would like to finish this block and start another three room block as currently the two lower level classes meet outside under trees. (A grand situation except when it rains!) 

If you look closely you may be able to see the disparity of ages. This happens all across South Sudan. You will find a large age span in the classroom. This is due to differing circumstances. Some children start school at a late age, some must sit out a year or so due to being needed at home for various reasons. Some children end up working at cattle camp herding cattle, and others lack the money to begin or continue their education.

We had the opportunity to bring several cases of Nuer Bibles up to Mathew.  These were gratefully received. The school children gladly forded the very large ditch in front of the Baptist church property to help carry the bibles to a storage room at the school.  We didn’t have to carry a single one!  

Take a look at Leer Baptist church.  We couldn’t go into the building as it is unsafe.  The heavy rains have weakened the mud walls and it is feared that the roof will fall. The church is continuing to meet; now they worship outside the building.

Mathew and his family were great hosts. We stayed at his house and ate with his family.  Through him we were able to see Leer town and get some insight to the Nuer people and their culture.   Mathew dialogued with us about Nuer cultural rites such as marriage, brideprice, initiation, family responsibility, ghost marriages and other areas of Nuer life.  Patiently he answered our questions as we tried to find the cultural bridges to the Gospel message and barriers to accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.

We got to know Mathew’s children a bit as well.   Our Kindle was a source of entertainment and learning with Sudoku, Crossword and Dots and Boxes being favorite games to play.   Debbie and Jok are enjoying a game of Dots and Boxes inside their little house where we all stayed. I think he won!

Join us in praying for Mathew and his family as they live and minister among the Nuer people. 

Pray that God would encourage Mathew and the young men who teach at the Baptist Primary school.  Pray that they may see the impact they are making on young lives.

The needs are great among the Nuer people, both physical and spiritual. Pray that as God calls out workers to minister among the Nuer, many would hear and be obedient to the call.