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Bouncing around by motorbike on one of southern Sudan’s typically galling roads, I was surprised to see a beat-up sign for an Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Yei town. Pleasantly surprised.
It was my first time in Sudan, but I knew that the AIC was started by Africa Inland Mission. I also
Civil War in Sudan
Anyanya One: 1955-1972
War between the northern Arab government (GOS) and southern blacks who called themselves 'Anyanya.'
2nd Civil War: 1983-2005
War reignited between the GOS and southern blacks who united under the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLA/M).
knew that AIM missionaries have, with few exceptions, avoided this town throughout Sudan's half-century of civil war.
Several days later, on a bright Sunday morning, I park my Honda dirt bike in the shade of the grass-roofed church. I notice two curious sand piles dumped outside and hear a boisterous synthesizer inside. I quietly take a seat as announcements are translated from English to Sudanese Arabic.
Pastor Augustine Owot preaches on Psalms 1:1-6.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season…” he reads.
Looking around at the 45 parishioners, I get a feel for this church’s niche. There are many foreigners here— Ugandans, Kenyans and Congolese— who are helping rebuild this war-torn town. Sudan’s minorities are being reached through an English service and familiar
Swahili songs.Uncertain Peace:
In 2005 the GOS and the SPLM signed a six-year peace agreement. War is expected to resume in 2011.
Pastor Owot
“These people weren’t going to church,” says Owot after the service.
He then explains the mystery of AIC Yei. The church, he explains, was planted in 1980 by Kenyan evangelist John Akira. Twelve years later the mud-and-grass structure was flattened by a government bomb.
Now that there is peace, these Christians are rebuilding a permanent house of worship. Owot says the sand piles outside will be used to make cement.
Worshipers look forward
to a permanent structure.
“We are in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse,” he says. “So let us be prepared to welcome them. And let us welcome them by having people ready to make bricks.”
Modern Africa Inland Mission can’t take any credit for this work; we didn't plant the church, nor are we involved in Samaritan's Purse's reconstruction effort. I'm reminded of Philippians 1:6; that God's work (regardless of its porter) will carry on until the day of Christ Jesus.
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