FROM R.K.’S CORNER
In 2012, when Matthew arrived back in South Sudan after a lifetime as refugee in diaspora, he came to a scorched land, physically and spiritually. He returned empty-handed with a broken people to a broken land caused by a three decade long war perpetrated by Khartoum’s Muslim forces which had left 3 million dead and 5 million in refugee camps abroad.
This did not deter Matthew, who carries a passionate vision for his country—South Sudan will rise from the ashes and become a Light to the nations by the power of God’s Word and the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! True peace will come to South Sudan when his nation acknowledges and embraces the Prince of Peace!
In the seven years since his return, he has been in full force about the Father’s business. He has planted two churches in the capital city of Juba, has discipled and trained new believers in Biblical leadership and then commissioned them to pioneer churches in the cities of Wau (to the northeast) and Abyei (in the northernmost part of the country). An evangelist at heart, he has conducted crusades in several states, and every year brings a team from his church to Uganda where he ministers to believers among his countrymen in diaspora. He reaches thousands by broadcasting weekly Bible teaching by radio, and he regularly gathers other pastors and ministers for intercessory prayer and fellowship.
We have been in partnership with Matthew and helped sponsor him since 2008 when I met him as refugee in Israel, while he was pastoring a group of fellow countrymen. The Bridge, in conjunction with our local church, sponsored Matthew’s three year Bible College education in Israel before he returned to South Sudan.
I present you with the below update report with thanks to God, to our Bridge supporters, and to our friends and readers:
MATTHEW’S UPDATE REPORT
The vision for 2019 was clear: The hearts of the South Sudanese people are like the dry bones in the valley mentioned in Ezekiel 37:1-7. Can these dry bones live? Yes, says the Lord, but only through revival of the power of the Word of God! So, throughout January, our church fasted and prayed for the Kingdom of God to be preached in our country. The theme for the year is Isaiah 11:9, “for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” This has set the tone for our outreaches and conferences this year.
During the month of fasting and prayer, I stayed for 10 days at William Levi’s ministry, Gordon Prayer Mountain in Nimule. Doors opened for me to preach the Gospel on the radio which reaches all Southeast states in our country and the northern parts of Uganda. I preached in English and Arabic at the same time and covered many topics: repentance, knowing God, faith in Christ, eternal life and the Kingdom of God. The theme was Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The response was great—many responded with testimonies that gave glory to God!
In February, five of our leaders and I from our Elohim Shalom church in Juba and our affiliate church in Wau, conducted a five day crusade, and four day leadership conference in that city. Wau, pop. 150.000, is located 400 miles Northwest of Juba. It was an open air crusade in Freedom Square, a field located next to the city’s largest mosque.
Thousands came, many received Jesus Christ in faith, and there were many testimonies of healing and deliverance from witchcraft and oppression. The local pastors responded well to the teaching of the Word of God and were refreshed and encouraged. I gave out four boxed with books on Biblical topics, but many more are needed, as there is a great hunger to learn more about the Lord. They asked me to stay longer—we will return soon, God willing!
In the Spring, the construction of Elohim Shalom Church was completed, and we celebrated the move into the new building. It is a great blessing for us! The church building is in use, not only for weekly services, but for many activities during the week: prayer and Bible study, leadership meetings, youth group activities, and Sunday school. Thank you, Bridge, for helping us accomplish this!
In May, we had a conference for Mothers by more mature women who were teaching younger women Biblical ways to be Godly women, good wives and mothers. The Bridge has helped several of the women to start micro businesses. Right now they are selling food, and making a profit which helps their family be lifted out of abject poverty. 10 percent of the net profit goes to the church.
We are also engaging the youth in our church and teach them how to be active participants in the Kingdom of God by engaging in regular evangelism outreaches in the city where they serve people in need. There are many children in our two churches in Juba. Next year, we are planning to open a school for the children with a Bible based curriculum.
In June, The Bridge helped us buy a SUV vehicle to help transportation of people and goods in the church. During the week it is used as a business to make money; the weekly profit of $100.00 will go towards buying another vehicle next year.
Every year I bring some of our leaders in Elohim Shalom in Juba with me to Uganda, where we conducted evangelistic outreaches and conferences in several South Sudanese churches in diaspora. When we visited this Fall, many families received Jesus Christ as Savior, and were baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. We encouraged them to return home to South Sudan with the Good News.
We thank God for the support from The Bridge who has helped us with the finances to build our fellowship, and has supported me and so many of other projects and outreaches!
“Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” 2. Timothy 4:2