When Plans Change: Trust God!

We had hoped to return to South Sudan this month, but several circumstances have made us believe God is calling us to remain stateside for now. The recent Ebola outbreak has created challenges and uncertainty regarding international travel and re-entry into the United States. At the same time, the Tonj region of South Sudan is experiencing significant insecurity, making it difficult and potentially unsafe to travel to the villages where much of our ministry takes place. Two days before we had planned to depart, Zeke suffered a torn retina and is currently undergoing treatment and recovery. While we are disappointed not to be with our South Sudanese team and the communities we love and serve, we trust that God is directing our steps. We are grateful that our team and missionaries continue to faithfully lead the ministry on the ground.

Rather than traveling to Africa, we are making plans for a road trip to California this summer. We see this as an opportunity to reconnect with supporters, churches, and friends who make this ministry possible. If we are passing through your area, we would love the chance to meet for coffee, share an update, answer questions, and thank you personally for your partnership. We are also eager to connect with new individuals and churches who may have a heart for serving vulnerable women, children and villages in South Sudan.

Although our travel plans have changed, our mission has not. Thank you for continuing to pray, encourage, and stand with us as God opens new doors for ministry.

Media with a Mission!

One of the exciting areas of growth at In Deed And Truth Ministries is our Media Training Program. Three years ago, we developed a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip young leaders with practical skills in photography, videography, AI-generated music, writing, social media management, and mentoring. You can check out their contribution through our Facebook and Instagram pages.

@indeedandtruth

@idatsouthsudan

However, our goal is not simply to provide vocational training. We believe that skills without the Gospel fall short of God’s purpose. For this reason, the program follows a model similar to our Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training, integrating biblical discipleship into every lesson. Alongside technical training, students explore spiritual themes such as reflecting the image of Christ, viewing life through God’s perspective, walking in His light, and keeping our focus on Him.

Since the program began, six students have enrolled in this challenging course of study. The training requires commitment, perseverance, and the successful completion of numerous practical assessments. This month, we celebrated a major milestone as our first student completed the program and received his certificate. We are especially encouraged not only by his growth in media skills, but also by the spiritual maturity and Christlike character he has developed throughout the journey.

Leadership From Within!

As Community Health Evangelism (CHE) continues to expand into new communities, we are strengthening our leadership team to support this growth. Last month, we were excited to promote one of our outstanding CHE champions, David Diir, to the new position of Deputy Program Manager.

David was born 26 years ago in the village of Pawel to a farming family. Life was difficult, marked by hunger, sickness, and financial hardship. Several times he was forced to leave school because his family could not afford the fees. Determined to continue his education, he worked on neighboring farms until he earned enough money to return to class.

As a young man living in a cattle camp, David became involved with a group planning cattle raids against rival clans. Everything changed when he heard the Gospel being preached by Pastor Kharlo at Calvary Chapel in Pawel. Deeply convicted, David gave his life to Christ and left his former path behind.

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Since joining our team as a CHE Trainer in 2022, David has consistently demonstrated integrity, leadership, and a passion for serving others. We are grateful to see God raising up leaders from within the communities we serve. Please pray for David as he steps into this important role and helps communities flourish as God intended.

 

Our New Mailing Address

We are grateful for your faithful partnership in the ministry God is building in South Sudan. To better serve our partners and strengthen the security of all mailed gifts and correspondence, we have established a new permanent secure bank lockbox mailing address.

Please update your records and use this address for all future mailed donations, checks, and correspondence. This secure lockbox is professionally managed through our banking system, allowing donations and ministry mail to be processed safely, efficiently, and confidentially. New Permanent Mailing Address:

IDAT,
PO Box 844667,
Los Angeles, CA 90084-4667

Our previous PO Box will continue forwarding mail for the next year to ensure a smooth transition. However, if you use your bank’s online bill pay service for recurring donations, we kindly ask that you log into your bank account and update the mailing address as soon as possible.

We also invite you to consider using the new secure ACH giving feature now available through our website.  ACH donations help reduce processing costs and provide a safe efficient way to support the ministry consistently.

Your generosity continues to bring hope, healing, medical care, and the love of Christ to vulnerable families and children in South Sudan. Thank you for standing with us in this mission.

Expanding the CHE impact

With the continued rapid growth of our Community Health Evangelism (CHE) program, we recently completed a census of IDAT’s 138 CHE villages and discovered that we are now impacting approximately 110,000 people through health education, the gospel, water wells, community schools, and church planting. Over the past decade, this growth has reflected steady, faithful multiplication across the region.

We were also encouraged to learn that there are now 8,880 fully active Community Health Evangelists serving diligently in villages across the area.

Using new data collection tools, we are now better able to measure the health impact CHE is having and early results are deeply encouraging. In households that receive CHE lessons mosquito net use increased from 7% to 89% while regular hand washing rose from 34% to 89%! These improved practices are also strongly associated with lower rates of malaria and diarrhea in surveyed homes. In April alone, our CHE volunteers visited 9,843 homes, sharing these health initiatives and the gospel. This resulted in 1,401 people praying and accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Seeing measurable physical improvements alongside spiritual transformation is a huge encouragement to our team. Simple, faithfully taught lessons through local volunteers can truly save lives!

Refreshed for Ministry

This month, we were grateful to send a team from In Deed and Truth Ministries (IDAT) to Kenya for the final phase of ‘Diploma in Pastoral Ministry’ training with Intensive Care Ministries. By God’s grace, missionaries Ben and Michael together with Sen. Pastor Mabior and TBI Director Pastor William, successfully completed their studies and received their diplomas, giving us four Bible teachers for the Tonj Bible Institute in South Sudan.

Before returning home, the team also attended the “Love the Bible and Change Africa” Conference at Calvary Chapel Eldoret.

The conference featured pastors, including David Guzik, Ken Graves, and others who brought powerful teaching from God’s Word. Our team returned spiritually refreshed, encouraged, and better equipped to continue the work of ministry in Tonj.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!! Easter is always one of the most beautiful and significant celebrations at In Deed And Truth Ministries (IDAT). In Tonj, South Sudan, Easter is not limited to a single service—it is a full weekend of worship, outreach, and powerful gospel proclamation. This extended celebration creates a unique and strategic opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ over three full days. As Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.” That truth was vividly lived out as we marched the streets once again this year.

Good Friday began with a vibrant and faith-filled march through the streets of Tonj. Approximately 400–500 people gathered at our compound and walked together to the church. The group included pastors, Community Health Evangelism (CHE) volunteers, ministry leaders, hospital staff, and many others eager to participate. As we walked, we filled the streets with worship—singing, clapping, and declaring the name of Jesus. Along the route, we stopped at five different locations to preach the gospel. One especially meaningful stop was outside the local prison, where we shared the message of hope and freedom. It was a powerful reminder of Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to preach the gospel.. to proclaim liberty to the captives.”

Another key highlight of the day was ministering in the local marketplace. This area is largely made up of Arab-run businesses, and we intentionally shared the gospel with approximately 1,000 Muslims. It was a bold and important opportunity to bring the message of Jesus to those who may not otherwise hear it. Midway through the march, a heavy storm rolled in, drenching everyone. Yet instead of stopping, the team pressed on. We continued to sing, dance, and preach in the rain, creating a powerful witness of joy and perseverance to all who were watching. The day concluded with a shared team meal, where goat was prepared as a symbolic reminder of Jesus as our Passover Lamb. Together, we reflected on John 1:29: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Saturday morning was intentionally set aside for rest and time with family, allowing everyone to recharge after the intensity of Good Friday. In the afternoon, we gathered again for our monthly prayer meeting, with a special focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Sunday brought even more reason to celebrate. The church was filled beyond capacity, with people sitting in the aisles and standing outside, eager to be part of the service. There was a tangible sense of expectancy and joy as we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. After sharing communion together and hearing a powerful message of hope and new life, we witnessed the fruit of the gospel in a beautiful way.

Following the service, the celebration continued with a march from the church to the river for our annual Easter baptisms. At the river, 287 people were baptized, publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. As each person entered the water, the gospel was preached to the surrounding community. Hundreds gathered along the riverbanks—singing, dancing, and rejoicing with each baptism. This Easter weekend was a powerful reminder that the gospel is alive, active, and changing lives.

“He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” — 2 Corinthians 5:15

Come and See!

Over the past year, the Lord has been opening doors for greater partnership and engagement, and Zeke and I are stepping more intentionally into a fundraising and partnership-building role for the ministry. Together, we will be traveling, visiting churches, speaking in small groups, and meeting with individuals who have a heart for the work God is doing in South Sudan. We are excited to see how the Lord will lead us in this new season and to WHO He leads us to.

Our desire is to personally share the stories of transformation happening through church planting, community development, and the mission hospital, and to invite others to prayerfully consider partnering with us. We believe that when people hear firsthand how God is moving, bringing hope and the love of Christ to communities that have endured so much, their faith is strengthened and their vision for global missions expands.

“Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.” – Psalm 66:5

We have vision trips planned for June, August, and November, and we would love for you to experience the ministry firsthand. These trips allow people to see the work on the ground, meet local leaders like Malook who is our hospital administrator, and witness how God is moving. So, if your church or small group would like to host us, or if you would like to learn more about partnering with us or joining a trip, we would love to connect with you.

Far-reaching Impact!

We give God all the glory for the completion and recent dedication of our new Pediatric Ward at Noah’s Place Mission Hospital. It’s now in full use and is a game-changing milestone made possible by your prayers and generosity.

The new pediatric ward is a perfect example of how this ministry continues to grow by the grace of God. With growth come challenges; more patients means more staff required. We always strive to raise up and train individuals already serving with IDAT, offering them full scholarships. The average cost to train a clinical assistant to become a nurse or midwife is $15,000 and we currently need 6 new staff. Growth also highlights the need for more equipment. We need more oxygen concentrators as we increase the inpatients of our neonatal ward. Pray for wisdom as we look for new talent, raise money to send them to school and add the equipment needed to effectively serve our patients.

This expansion strengthens our ability to serve thousands of at-risk children and pregnant mothers each year, bringing both physical and spiritual restoration. Every healed child reflects God’s faithfulness and your steadfast commitment to IDAT. Thank you for helping build this beacon of hope that is serving the most vulnerable of South Sudan’s children.

From Pain to Praise!

Recently we received a powerful testimony from Assunta, one of 8,880 Community Health Evangelism (CHE) volunteers serving IDAT. Her story reflects the many ways we see God move through prayer in our communities.

For three months, Assunta suffered from a painful eye condition that left her vision blurry and made daily life very difficult. She visited several health facilities seeking help, but the treatment that was recommended was beyond what she could afford.

As a CHE member in Lul village in the Alur Region, Assunta shared her struggle with her CHE team, along with family and friends. Together they lifted her need to the Lord in prayer, trusting that God hears the cries of His people.

Then, on the second day of the new year, God answered. When Assunta woke up that morning, the pain was gone and her sight was restored—her vision clear once again.

Today she rejoices not only in the healing of her eye, but in the goodness of God revealed through the prayers and encouragement of the CHE community.

Back in Tonj

Zeke and I are back in South Sudan! After five flights and two full days of travel, we finally arrived in Tonj. Despite the long journey, from the moment we landed, we hit the ground running and headed straight to the new ward for the opening ceremony.

It was an honor to officially open and dedicate the new pediatric ward. Standing in that space, praying and celebrating all God has done, reminded us that every mile traveled is worth it for the lives being touched and transformed. It is incredible to witness all that God is doing through His people here in Tonj.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

This trip marks 27 years since my first trip to South Sudan in February 1999. I could never have imagined back then all the Lord had planned for Tonj and my role in His plan.  And what a joy to share this with Zeke, now officially retired, as he is stepping into this new and exciting season of life and ministry with great expectation and a heart ready to serve in full-time missions.

This year, we still have three more trips scheduled: June, September, and November. If you feel led to join us on one of these trips, we would love to hear from you. We are praying for people who want to share in the vision God has placed on our hearts and walk alongside us in this work and to see His faithfulness firsthand on display.

New Ward

Our new pediatric ward is officially opened! We are filled with gratitude to African Mission Healthcare (AMH), a longtime partner of IDAT, who came alongside us and shared in our vision and need for a new pediatric ward.  So glad that Lewis and Kenneth could represent AMH and attend the new ward dedication service. This long-awaited expansion marks a major step forward at Noah’s Place Mission Hospital, in how we care for mothers, newborns, and children in the Tonj community.

Previously, maternity, pediatric, and neonatal patients shared the same space, increasing the risk of cross-infection and limiting our ability to provide specialized care. With the opening of this new ward, each patient group now has a dedicated area, improving safety, reducing length of hospital stays, and ultimately lowering mortality rates.

Our inpatient capacity has grown from 31 beds to 50 beds. This increase allows us to serve more families with greater dignity, compassion, and medical excellence. Each year, we witness lives transformed as people encounter not only physical healing, but also the hope of the Gospel.

Pastor’s Training in Kenya

In 2022, In Deed and Truth Ministries launched the Tonj Bible Institute (TBI) with a vision to equip local leaders for effective ministry and church planting. Since then, we have been partnering with Intensive Care Ministries (ICM) to offer a Certificate in Church Planting and a Diploma in Biblical Studies. Alongside these programs, we have intentionally been training four individuals from IDAT to become future teachers who can sustain and multiply this work.

This month, our four trainee teachers traveled to Kenya for the fourth of five intensive training sessions. The team included our Senior Pastor Mabior Bona Bol of CC Tonj, William Majok TBI Director, and IDAT missionaries Michael Herzinger and Benjamin Beard. During this intensive, they received in-depth instruction in preaching skills, the prophetic books, the poetry books, and a verse-by-verse study of the book of Revelation.

Their final intensive session will take place in April. We praise God for the faithful support and partnership of ICM in helping us train our pastors and now these teachers, who will, in turn, raise up pastors to lead our rapidly growing church plant program. This investment in leadership is laying a strong biblical foundation for the future of the Church in Tonj and beyond.