Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn

We are hearing good news and difficult news from our colleagues in South Sudan. We wanted to share, so that you can rejoice with us and also pray.

1. PRAISE: A few new church buildings are going up - both in Juba and also in remote rural areas. One is a church plant near the edge of Juba, supported by a larger SSPEC congregation in Juba. Another is in the western town of Aweil, where a church elder from Juba visited and was inspired to give a significant contribution to help the church get their own land.

2.  In Pochalla, in the remote eastern region of South Sudan, the church has begun planting their cooperative farm for the second year. This is a significant opportunity for church members to work together to increase the food security and economic security of their community. Some farmers in that area have been killed recently, so please pray for protection as people work in the remote fields.

3. We grieve to hear of more than 200 people killed when youth of the Murle tribe attacked several villages of the Nuer tribe. Cattle were taken and several people abducted in the attack. These tribes have been in conflict for some time, and it appears this was a revenge attack. Inter-communal attacks have also happened in the Rumbek region, where I visited in early March. We continue to pray for peace and an end to these attacks! For more about this news and what the Presbyterian Church in South Sudan is doing to try to help, see this article.

4. Covid-19 is increasing quickly, with 655 confirmed cases as of May 25. We have heard from friends and the news that there seems to be an increase of people dying of suspicious causes, although not confirmed cases of Covid-19. Pray for the health system to keep up with the testing and treatment needed and for wisdom in the decisions made to contain the disease. Our colleague Rev. Philip Obang also laments the increase in hunger as many people are not able to work and activities are limited.

We are grateful that in Christ we are one body with our brothers and sisters in different parts of the world, and that we join together in rejoicing, grieving, and praying.

“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Continuing Studies

Two weeks after arriving in Rwanda in March 2002, Antoine Rutayisire, my host, asked me, “So Bob, what made you decide to come and live and serve with us here in Rwanda?” I replied to Antoine, telling him that I came not only to serve but to learn more about the Rwandan story and the African experience. I felt that our two-week visits to Rwanda had merely skimmed the surface of the many issues I found interesting and concerning. Over the next two and half years, I would so learn much about the realities of Rwandans living in a post-Genocide context. I would participate with them in their healing, their challenges, their joys, and their sorrows.

In January 2005, I began a dual degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. On top of my Master of Divinity degree, I began a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MAICS) degree, feeling a continued sense of call to cross-cultural ministry. A huge draw for the MAICS degree was the final writing project, or thesis, whereby I would continue critical reflection upon my mission experience. My final paper, entitled “Banana Tree Leaders,” focused upon how Rwandan church leaders are developed according to the Bible, the church, and their culture. The whole research process, which included a three-week trip to Rwanda, was highly informative. As I met with my research advisor and a friend, together they asked me, “Have you considered doctoral studies?”

As we lived and served in Congo, this question would stay with me. Issues regarding church and culture invite continual reflection. I wanted to dig in deeper with these issues and equip others to do the same. In the fall of 2016, I shared the idea of continuing studies with our Presbyterian World Mission leaders. They responded positively. In the spring of 2017 Dave Dawson of Shenango Presbytery connected me with Dr. Retief Müller of Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Retief encouraged me from the start, sharing the same research concerns and appreciation for many of the same scholars, practitioners of mission, and theologians. In Retief I found a kindred spirit. When I fell sick in 2017 with the Epstein Barr Virus, Retief was supportive and patient. His support continued when I reached out to him last year and asked if was still willing to serve as my advisor for a doctoral program. He agreed. I applied.

In late September 2019, I was accepted as a prospective candidate for a PhD program at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. I was “over the moon” with excitement. Last October Kristi and I were able to meet Retief in person for the first time in Grand Rapids, MI, where he has taken the post of Director of The Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity, while being retained by Stellenbosch as a research associate. The leadership and faculty at Nile Theological College, where I teach in Juba, South Sudan, support me in this endeavor, recognizing that advanced studies will strengthen the institution and make me a better teacher. During this current season of being in the U.S., I am writing my Research Proposal for full acceptance as a candidate. Kristi and I plan to continue our service in South Sudan as I continue my doctoral studies part-time from Juba.

The other night we watched an interview of Douglas Gresham, stepson to C.S. Lewis. Gresham was asked to remark on his memories of his stepfather, C.S. Lewis. Gresham recalled that “Jack” (Lewis) encouraged him to examine things, to not take anything at face value. In my continuing studies, I hope and pray to examine church and culture, not taking things at face value. Pray with me that my studies bring glory to God, further His Kingdom, and bless the African Church…

Life in South Sudan as Covid-19 encroaches

How has life in South Sudan changed during this global pandemic? There is certainly no grocery delivery service, no online school nor zoom meetings that replace in-person meetings. South Sudan started imposing restrictions in March, before there were confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country, such as closing schools and prohibiting large social gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Restaurants can only sell food for takeout (which is not common in South Sudan), and nonessential businesses are closed. Travel to and from neighboring countries and between the states is now restricted. South Sudan has not ‘locked down’, and movement continues within local areas for people who are able to work.

There has been an aggressive education campaign to let people know the symptoms of the Covid-19 virus and how to prevent the spread of it. In South Sudan people speak 64 different languages, so it has been a big task to translate posters and other materials into these local languages. Our church partners have helped in this effort by volunteering to translate and distribute posters in rural areas. Church congregations have also helped to communicate the importance of hand-washing and social distancing, which is a real challenge in this gregarious and collective culture.

A poster about Coronavirus symptoms and 

prevention in the Anywak language

As the news and threat of Covid-19 increased in March, we had many conversations about the virus with our South Sudanese friends. Some seemed ambivalent – “We have so many other diseases that are here – malaria, typhoid, cholera. Now we have to deal with another one?” Others felt that the daily threat of hunger for many in South Sudan was more of a concern than this unknown and distant virus. Still others acknowledged that the country does not have adequate medical equipment or care, and that if the virus spread it could have devastating and deadly impact.

Sunday worship in March at a Juba congregation - 

fewer people gathered, and wore masks for protection

Several people that we talked to were hopeful – they have plenty of practice being in dire life and death situations, calling out to God as their only hope. We have been touched and humbled by several friends in South Sudan who have expressed their concern at the spread and impact of the virus in the U.S. and are praying for our country. Maybe God is reminding us to put our faith in the One who is Author of Life, and not primarily in our technology, government, or resources. While those things can certainly be helpful, this pandemic is a reminder that our hope and trust is in something that is beyond this life.

There are now five confirmed cases of this Coronavirus in South Sudan. South Sudan has some practice dealing with the threat of Ebola, so a special quarantine hospital was already built and ready to be used to isolate and treat Covid-19 patients. We pray that this does not spread, because there are camps with thousands of Internally Displaced Persons where it could wreak devastating consequences in a short time.

Buckets that are fitted with a spigot for hand-washing

Hunger is the biggest concern that we hear expressed from South Sudan. Just last year, some of our congregations started farm projects to help people start to farm again after a period of displacement. Hopefully that can continue and increase this year. However, a huge locust swarm is wreaking havoc all over East Africa, including in parts of South Sudan. Much of South Sudan’s food is imported from neighboring countries, but the virus crisis has increased prices as supplies and transport gets restricted. Pray with us for God’s provision and protection on people that have already suffered so much. Presbyterian World Mission is in process of sending some support for food relief and Cornavirus awareness which will help significantly. This crisis reminds us how much we need each other and the value of a family of faith that connects us across the distance and the differences that divide us.

Suddenly Relocated

Exactly one month ago, in mid-March as the Coronavirus was spreading all over the world, we were stocking up on food in Juba and preparing to 'shelter-in-place' and work from home for awhile. We knew that given the very limited medical facilities in South Sudan, we had to make every effort not to get exposed to this new and virulent virus.

wearing our masks as we went through the New York airport

Saturday morning, March 21, we received a message from the leadership of Presbyterian World Mission, requesting that all mission personnel return to the U.S. if possible. That same morning, we learned that there was a government directive in South Sudan closing all schools for at least 30 days, which would include Nile Theological College. Given both those factors, we realized that it was best for us to act quickly in responding to this request, although it was an abrupt change in direction from the perspective we had had that week.  Within a few hours we had booked flights to return to the U.S. and spoken with our colleagues in South Sudan to share these sudden plans. We left Sunday, the following day, flying through Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and New York before landing in Chicago. We learned later that the airport in Juba was closed indefinitely the following day to protect South Sudan from incoming travelers who might be infected.

Most of the flights on the board were cancelled from Istanbul

It took us a few days to emotionally reconcile ourselves to being away from home and in this strange environment of lockdown in the U.S. We find ourselves praying more for our hurting world, especially since we now find ourselves in the the midst of the country most affected by it. We are trying to stay in touch with colleagues in South Sudan, doing what we can to support our church partners as they walk through this crisis. We are also using the extra time to do some research, writing, and projects that had been on the 'back burner'. In our spare time, we are watching spring unfold in the Midwest - a glorious reminder that God is sovereign and the author of life. We join you in praying for an end to this pandemic, and hope that we can return to South Sudan soon!

Empowering Leaders

Some few years ago Jurgens Hendriks, a South African public theologian, gave an address to a gathering of Christian leaders in Kampala, Uganda. He asked the group, “What is the most important mark of leadership?” After sharing many worthy responses, it became clear that the group had not found the answer he was looking for. Jurgens then asked the group, “Who is the best and most memorable leader in Africa?” Well, that was an easy question – “Nelson Mandela!” With their response, the answer to the original question then dawned on them. The most important mark of leadership is the ability to relinquish leadership, precisely what Madiba* did after just one term in elected office. The most important mark of leadership is letting go, allowing others to step forward, empowering others to go beyond one’s efforts.

In February 2018, the principal of Nile Theological College (NTC) in Juba, South Sudan, asked me to resurrect the college newsletter. When I responded, I told him that I would take on this task with one condition, that I would recruit a group of students and staff to assist me. I took the rest of the semester to pray about which students to approach for this initiative. By the end of the semester I approached four students and one staff member. They all agreed enthusiastically, in fact, they felt honored to have been asked.  

The following semester we took action. By God’s grace we produced the first newsletter in eight years. It was a boon to the college, students even contributing from their own meager funds to help with print production. The following semester we again tackled this task with fervor. We doubled the length of the newsletter and invited more contributors. We circulated the newsletter electronically to partners worldwide and published 70 copies to distribute to partners and churches throughout South Sudan. I was deliberate throughout, ensuring that each student had a role and felt ownership of the work, walking alongside them in their respective roles. 

With students, creating NTC Newsletter (September, 2018)   

After a season of prayer and discernment, we selected and approached three more students from the new class to join us. Now, the biggest hurdle stood before us. I was leaving for the U.S. and would be gone for five months, the entire second semester. After a time of prayer, as a group we selected David Dach to take my role as leader and to facilitate the work of the “Media Team,” as we now called ourselves. To be honest, I was not sure whether the Media Team would succeed in my absence. Creating a newsletter is a big job with lots of technical features. Though I had spent countless hours with the students, I knew it would be a formidable challenge. You can only imagine my joy when I learned from the principal they had succeeded. “Neshkur’Rabuna!” (Thanks be to the Lord!).

Returning to South Sudan in January I began praying about my involvement with the Media Team. My teaching responsibilities would resume, but I was also starting my research proposal for a doctoral program. After speaking with the principal, we both resolved that the way forward was for David Dach or another student to continue as leader and that I would support them in an ancillary role. A few days later I requested David to call a meeting. David prepared our agenda which included turning leadership back over to me. I took a deep breath and said a prayer before I was given the chance to speak. I told the students that I had a “surprise” to share with them. I laid out for them the vision for how we could move forward together with new roles, for David to continue leading us, if he was willing, and for me to support the team as consultant or adviser. The students were surprised! However, as they processed out loud together this new configuration, they saw the wisdom in it. They lamented how leaders in their context never release younger leaders into roles of authority and leadership. They mentioned how leaders should even “pray that those whom they lead would surpass them!” It felt like a paradigm shift and a moment of emotional catharsis was occurring right before my eyes in the hearts and minds of my students. 

NTC Media Team (March, 2020)

With the current Covid-19 coronavirus situation, NTC has closed its doors for 30 days. That will hurt the Media Team with the momentum we have gained. Again, I am back in the U.S., probably for 3-4 months at least because of this global crisis. Nevertheless, I am prayerfully confident and hopeful that we will produce at least one newsletter this year. More importantly, our students are being empowered to lead with faculty and staff encouraging and supporting them from the rear. “Leadership,” as one might say, “is better caught than taught.” I believe that David and the others have ‘caught’ some important principles of leadership, and I believe wholeheartedly that David and the team will go beyond where I could have taken them.  May God bless and multiply our efforts.

*Madiba is Nelson Mandela's clan name, a name of endearment.