March 2012 Newsletter

Bush Pastors Graduate!

Joe and Nancy Losee with Graduating PastorsAfter decades of conflict eased, In Deed and Truth Ministries began to disciple bush pastors in Tonj, South Sudan in 2009. As part of the vision the Lord gave Sabet, most of our support and care for these men of God is in developing their level of understanding of the bible and assisting them in Kingdom work.

We met Joe and Nancy Losee in Kenya in 2008 where they were serving as missionaries for 10 years teaching pastors living in rural areas. They were praying for opportunities to go into the interior of South Sudan with the foundation course they had developed. For years we prayed the Lord would provide a biblically based curriculum and the right people to support Sabet so this program could be launched. With such a history of war, insecurity and harsh conditions we were not sure what to expect. Three years ago, Joe and Nancy visited Tonj and what spoke to them the most was how the Holy Spirit was at work during decades of civil war, despite no bibles, radio, books or school. The hunger for understanding God’s Word was evident in the heart of the pastors who had requested for Sabet to bring missionaries to teach them but during the war it was so remote and dangerous that few came. Joe and Nancy committed to helping us launch the school and came to teach alongside Sabet. They were also trained in the curriculum we are using called BTCP (Bible Training Center for Pastors) which a ministry in Kenya translated into Dinka.

Despite many setbacks and initial drop-outs, God’s love and plan has been transforming the lives of these precious pastors. Sowing seeds into this ministry has been a lot of work with many challenges but we are reaping great fruit.

Pastor Judah sharing the gospel with a patientMany supporters have helped us in watering those seeds through pastor sponsorship and volunteer teaching. We are now witnessing amazing results of this labor of love first hand. Last year one of the pastors planted a church in a village after a patient was touched by the Holy Spirit during a daily evangelism in our medical clinic. At the end of this year our first class of 13 pastors will graduate.

In Deed and Truth Ministries is walking this path with each pastor, enjoying the part in continuing the work that God has already begun. At the end of each term the pastors return to their villages and churches excited to put into practice what they have learned. This term the focus is on Teaching Principles and Methods. Using the book of Ephesians they learnt how to prepare a lesson plan for the entire book which is to be taught verse by verse in their churches during the summer break.

Prayer Requests!

  • Pray for the Kingdom Assignment Sudan team visiting from Australia to help with medical outreaches and Maloney programs.
  • Pray for Sabet in Juba working on Agum’s adoption, the family residency and his new South Sudan passport.
  • Pray for Dr. Stick’s final month of surgeries and our clinic staff.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21