First blog from Sudan

Dearest friends and family,

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” (Hebrews 11:32-33)

The teams steps of faith
Before our team even arrived in Sudan two of the people that would have joined the team had serious health issues that stopped them from joining us. Carol from South Africa was forced to stay home and played an important role praying for us. Daniel from Germany helped transport all our supplies, wood and cupboards into Sudan and then had to be flown out because of a serious lung infection. So the four of us worked together completing all the tasks I had planned. Markus and Clayton were stretched in their capabilities and skills as they had to put together the cupboards and install a new door without Daniel our carpenter. Lidi was a star as many days she was left at home to clean, bake bread in coal oven, wash clothes and prepare meals for us.

The Kindergaten
It was really exciting for me as the team finished the cupboards and doors. The Lopit teachers helped me clean and prepare the supplies for the cupboards and it was wonderful to register children and to re-open the Kindergarten. I was surprised how much the teachers had remembered and how they have been so committed in my time away. It was also a joy for me to work with these beautiful children again.

Obtaining the promises in Ohilang
I was also thrilled to be able to take my team to visit the church that is growing in Ohilang. Markus was given the opportunity to preach and one of the bible students, that is being trained in our Lohutok bible school, translated for him. I held pictures and props for him as he shared about Noah and the Ark being their salvation and how Jesus Christ is our Ark. There are many children and men coming to the church and a small handful of women. Joshua the leader of the bible school is encouraging me to reach out to the women and children in this village.

My steps of faith
The team completed the tasks in the Kindergarten as well as helping the other missionaries here with various tasks. I am thankful to God for them and their friends and family that supported them in prayer. They left on the 28th June and I am now living alone in my village. My first night many friends in my village came to visit me to see how I was. I was really encouraged that some of the leaders in the village came to offer to redo my fence . It is hard for me but I know for sure that God has called me to reach unreached kingdoms for our Lord. My heart really breaks for the people of Sudan and especially these people in the Lopit mountains.

Pray that the people here would turn to Jesus in faith?
On the 25th June one of the students “Babiano” in the secondary school where I am also teaching suddenly became sick with a strange sickness that no one in the clinic could discover. I went to visit him as he lay in a coma and sat with his family and prayed for him. Sadly he passed away on the 30th June. I went to the burial and I wept deeply with them. They let me share on the first day of their three day ceremony. I shared that I knew the pain of losing someone and that it is only Jesus that could help them through this. Please pray for them that they would turn to Him at this time.

Can you stand with me in faith for a vehicle
I have been using my bicycle as I travel between the Primary school, Secondary school and Kindergarten. It has been helpful as I teach bible classes in the Primary school and Secondary school and manage and assist the teachers in the Kindergarten. However it will not be safe for me as a single female riding to Ohilung for the weekends. This vehicle is being sold by missionaries in Kijabe Kenya and the advantage is that is already registered in Sudan. According to Stephan a fellow DIGUNA missionary with me here in Sudan, who has driven it into Sudan, says it is in very good condition. The price that they have agreed for me as a missionary is 6000 Euro’s which is way below their selling price. I have prayed about it and feel it would be very beneficial for my future ministry in Sudan. Please pray with me for God to provide the funds needed.

Thank you for your love, prayer and support.

God bless you

Cath