Exploring the South East

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10.  
Things change, the plans of men fail, but God is constant.  We see life through a cloud, dimly – without understanding -- as the threads of our lives are woven through the tapestry of the Master’s plan.

We remained in Rumbek longer than we had planned in order to take some visitors to Wau (Wow - this is how we pronounce it), South Sudan’s second largest city. At the last minute, however, they could not come and we made preparations to close up the house in Rumbek and begin our final trip to the southeastern area of South Sudan.

This would be our longest driving adventure.  Day one we would head south on the 12 hour trip to Juba (Joo-Bah); day two, driving 9 hours southeast to our destination of Kapoeta (Kah-pwoh-etah). 

Stories abound of insecurity, raids by bandits, and shootings on the road which we would travel. A police commissioner was murdered last month as he journeyed down this lonely road on which we now find ourselves. We gratefully acknowledge God's protection and your intercession for safety on our journey.

A shocking sight -- as we crested a small hill, we spotted an abandoned tank -- this would be the first of three tanks spotted before reaching Kapoeta.

Along with visiting this area of South Sudan; we were to deliver our vehicle to a missionary family living outside of Kapoeta, ministering among the Toposa people.

What a wonderful opportunity of fellowship we enjoyed.  Privileged to walk with them to an evening Bible study in a nearby village; we witness their dynamic ministry as they pour themselves out to the people of the area in Christ-likeness.

The Toposa are Nilotic people, cattle keepers like the Dinka. We found them to be friendly and hospitable.  Toposa women enjoy making and wearing beaded jewelry much like the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania.




Toposa women remain traditional in their dress unlike the men who have adopted a more western style. Nakedness is often seen as Toposa don’t feel the need to follow the clothing culture adopted during the colonial era. 

The skirts Toposa women wear are short (atypical from much of Africa), very full and colorful -- sewing panels of differing fabrics together. The skirt, tied by a string at the waist sits under wide beaded belts. It is quite unique from anything else we have seen in Africa.





As you pray for South Sudan, remember the Toposa people.

Pray they would hear and accept the witness of God’s Word.



Pray the Toposa would seek peace with God and live at peace with their neighbors.

Pray specifically for the Toposa living in and around Kapoeta as this family goes stateside for several months. Pray that those who have accepted the Way, the Truth, and the Life would be faithful to live out and proclaim their witness.