Journeying forth ...

Journeying forth…

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.”         Ps 22:27-28

We are on our way out of South Sudan.  Our research is finished … which isn’t to say that we know it all or that all researching of South Sudan is complete.  However, we have looked at many places west of the White Nile and are writing up our recommendations for personnel placement and ministries.

In the previous post, we talked about the journey to Kapoeta and meeting the Toposa people.  We secured our vehicle in Kapoeta with the IMB family ministering there and flew out on an MAF flight (Missionary Aviation Fellowship).   

This was an unforgettable exit from South Sudan.   Upon hearing the single engine prop plane overhead, we hop in the car and head for the airstrip.  Stopping near the plane on the grass/dirt strip located near the center of Kopoeta town, we proceed to carry our few pieces of luggage over to the small aircraft. 

On airstrips like this one, the pilot will buzz the field before landing to ensure that the goats and cattle scatter away from the landing area and that the people stand a safe distance away. 

 

 As the engine noise dies away and the propeller stops, people begin to crowd in closer trying to catch a glimpse of those fortunate enough to come and go on this wonderful mode of transport.

The two pilots, upon exiting the plane, glance over the structure and proceed to help load our belongings.  Many gather around the plane interested in the activities, the sights and sounds of air travel -- dreaming that one day, perhaps they would be boarding this small plane and flying to distant places. 

 

After the luggage is secured we gather around in a circle, and one of the pilots leads in prayer.  HOW COOL IS THAT!!!  MAF pilots are missionary pilots -- flying goods and missionary personnel to remote areas and sharing God’s love to the ends of the earth.  After prayer we board the plane while the pilots make sure the spectators move back to a safe distance before starting the single engine propeller craft.

 

The flight was great – uneventful – which is great.  

We are now back home in Nairobi, finishing reports, cataloguing pictures, writing recommendations and replanting -- for a time -- ourselves in this place.  Having seen and learned much, we still have more to tell; so the blog posts about South Sudan will continue for several weeks yet.  There is much to do and more prayer is needed for the people of South Sudan so that --- “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord”