South Sudan and Union Gospel Mission Update

Suffering was not just a consequence
of Jesus' obedience and mission.
It was the central strategy of
his mission. --John Piper

I had the privilege yesterday to sit in on a meeting of SIM Sudan missionaries and several area pastors/church representatives. What an amazing thing God is doing through the people of SIM in Sudan, and thier commitment to wise change in this one small corner of the world.

South Sudan is a new nation, but it's people have been suffering for many, many years. Now that the joyful celebrations have quieted down, good works can be expanded in this deeply hurting place. The SIM folks are coordinating and spearheading numerous projecs aimed at Education & Leadership Development. SIM will soon be opening a secondary school in Yabus. I really like the way SIM comes alongside indigenous people groups to build something that not only helps, but helps in a way that suits the culture. Sustainable development, yes!

SIM has also started and run various medical missions including a Leprosy clinic, a Toddler Health Village which has, in two years, served (saved the lives of) more than 750 starving and sick kids.

And now, in a land with the the highest maternal childbirth death rates, they are opening a clinic specializing in maternal medicine. I was move to tears at the pictures shown, and reminded of just how much we in the West have to give. I was impressed and encouraged by the work being done, and plans going forward for new works in the name of Jesus. Good going, SIM!

I was involved in another conversation recently about how Christians are, well, a drain on the intellectual & emotional capacity of humanity. Following that conversation with this meeting, seeing the earnestness with which Christians pursue the aims of Jesus--as laid out in his word--I am amazed at people's willingness to believe what they will, with so much evidence to the contrary. Sigh.

*UNION GOSPEL MISSION FIRE UPDATE*

For those interested in helping out after the UGM apartment fire, click here.