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August 2011 Newsletter

Yesterday we attended the memorial service for Elizabeth’s son, Sebit.  It was comforting to see so many neighbors caring for her family.  We shared that many people across the globe were in prayer for the family.  One of our pastors shared from the bible and the local ECS pastor also shared some words of encouragement.  We were able to pray together and acknowledge our trust in the Lord as the body of Christ surrounding our brother and sister in their time of need.  Please continue to pray for this precious family.

I’ve come to appreciate the vital role and impact Sunday school has in a child’s life, especially in light of one of the kids death this last week.  This lively ministry has it’s own character and charm in Sudan.  As all Sunday school’s around the globe, it is begging for volunteers!!  We operate as a two man crew, already spreading thinly our staff and volunteers to cover the many necessities of church with Sabet, I and Donato cover the Sunday school every week.  It has developed into a wonderful time of sharing and caring.  Here’s a recap of our class today.

 

 

 

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Today has been very difficult.  One of my Sunday school children died, his name was Sebit and he was 7 years old, the son of one of our employees, Elizabeth.  She cooks for the national staff and pastors every day.  Sebit was tending to the goats, a typical chore for a boy his age, when he fell from the bridge that crosses the Tonj river.  He died instantly when his head hit a rock. 

The culture here is so hard to understand at times.  Danger lurks everywhere and allowing your children out of your sight for a minute is quite challenging.  Death seems to linger in the streets and in the air.  At times it feels there is no escape; it’s so common place and accepted as part of life.

I spent the afternoon and evening with Elizabeth, weeping, praying and trying to make sense of it.  Outside a group of men worked tirelessly digging the small grave and making a bamboo coffin.  Inside the small dark mud hut at least 15 women crouched on the floor, some were silent, some lamented while grief hung in the air invading us all.  Wails could be heard approaching as more people received news of the tragedy.  Anguish wracking through the bodies of relatives as they drop to the dirt, writhing in sorrow.   A silent prayer, “Holy Spirit help us to know what to say and what to pray.  Nothing feels helpful and worthwhile in this moment.”   

I witnessed the love and care of this small boy as neighbors and family bathed the body, wiping away the blood and evidence of death, clothing him in his Sunday school best and wrapping him in crisp white linens.  All that remained was a shell for his spirit had departed.  The Sebit that ran and laughed and took care of his young brother in Sunday school last week was no longer there.  HE was gone.  Gone to be with his Lord, for that I am confident and grateful; grateful for the opportunity every week to teach these precious little ones about Jesus. 

“Goodbye Sebit, we love you and we will see you again one day in heaven sweet one.”

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers.             1 Peter 3:12

The much awaited ambulance arrived safely at Mombasa port in Kenya and Sabet plans to return to Sudan driving the ambulance!  This process needs covering in prayer in several ways:

1. Timely clearance from the port and safe delivery to Nairobi.
2. Agum to be able to travel back to Sudan with missionaries returning from R & R.
3. Sabet to be able to make the journey alone, clearing two borders without objections. He must clear Kenya within a month so as not to lose the customs bond.
4. For Sabet’s safety, North Uganda and parts of Sudan are notorious for rebel groups and bandits.
5. Pray Sabet could be back before the Tenwek Hospital Eye team arrive to do cataract surgeries in September.

We appreciate your love and prayers for us.  We need them.