Entering Jerusalem

 We bumped along a rocky, rutted dirt road past the outskirts of Juba city. We left our taxi at an intersection to meet some people from the church we were visiting and walk the last kilometer into the IDP (internally displaced persons) camp. It was only 6:30 in the morning, and we were grateful for the cool air as we started walking. We came upon a group of children, lined up and wearing uniforms. As we neared them, they started singing and we recognized Changkuoth, a former student at NTC who leads a significant children’s ministry in his church. After a joyful greeting, we followed the children as they sang and marched down the road and onto the small path that led into the camp. As we neared the church, two other choirs of older children and teenagers met us on the way. We were amazed at the number of children and blessed by their joyful singing.

Children's choir on the road, with Changkuoth directing them

The teenagers' choir leading the way into the camp

The church we were visiting is called Jerusalem, one of several churches in the camp. The pastor of the church is David, a recent graduate of NTC and someone who has become a friend and now also a research assistant for Bob. We were encouraged and inspired to see Chankuth and David using their gifts and empowering people in the significant ministry that the church has in the community. During the week, the church turns into a primary school. And while conditions are harsh and people are often discouraged by life in the camp, the church is a place for community, empowerment, and hope.

The children's choirs singing outside 

After several choir and congregational worship songs in the Nuer language, the children came in to sing. Several rows of chairs were stacked up and removed and adults waited outside so that the children would have room to sing – more than 100 in the choir! They sang in both English and Nuer, complete with dancing and gestures that showed the long hours of practice they had put in. 

The children's choir inside the church,
taking up nearly the whole seating space

Bob preached from Hosea, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and love despite people’s unfaithfulness. We encouraged everyone with the greetings and prayers of churches in the U.S., and we reflected together that God alone is the hope for our broken world. After church we were led through the narrow paths between the white tent-houses to one member’s house where a meal had been prepared. It was a feast – large pots of wal-wal and fish soup and piles of kisra. Everyone there ate their fill, enjoying the  special food that is beyond what they usually see in the camp.

Talking with church leaders after the meal

We felt humbled to sit and be present with people who have overcome many obstacles and persevered through so many challenges, continuing to praise God and trust God through it all. And it was a good reminder to continue to pray for peace in South Sudan and that people would be able to leave the camps. Please join us in praying for God’s provision and protection on all people in South Sudan. And please pray for students at NTC to be equipped to minister in these challenging situations.