by Ryan
12 May 2011

SUNDAY WE HELD A MASS BAPTISM IN THE YABUS RIVER FOR 91 PEOPLE! Most were from the G-Tribe! It was great to see guys like “B”, Musa, and others whom we led to Christ some time ago finally make this public declaration of faith in Jesus through baptism.

Following the baptisms we enjoyed communion (my first in Sudan) and then saw Marcos and Musa commissioned as elders and others as deacons. Church leaders from all over participated in this big event. We were in church for six hours.

Emerging G-Tribe Church

The following day I hosted a meeting with the five Uduk church leaders and five G-Tribe believers who have emerged as leaders to discuss ministry to the G-Tribe. The church is established among the Uduk, but is only just beginning with the G-Tribe, so great opportunity exists to develop it into a truly authentic G-Tribe church. I spent much time preparing and praying about how I could challenge them in truth and love.

I was able to share my testimony of how I went from existing on a faith based on religion to thriving in a faith based on relationship with Jesus, and how intentionally seeking to grow as a disciple was crucial for me to be where I am today. We examined Jesus and the early church – noting Jesus' concern for his disciples and how he did practically nothing about the formal organizational structure of the church, which developed in time along with the needs it faced.

The key to a strong church seems to be strong disciples. We talked plainly about how to practically develop disciples, especially among an illiterate people with no biblical material in their language. The G-Tribe leaders expressed their need for consistent teaching and discipling, as well as the value of using their own language. Previously, 90 percent of a service in a “G-Tribe” church was in the Uduk language, since that's how they were shown to “do church.” We decided that any words spoken in another language would be translated into G-language – a great first step.

There was much more, and it went very, very well. The local church leaders were so happy for the opportunity to discuss things and look forward to meeting every three months.

Praise the Lord:

• The local church meeting went very well.
• Many believers baptized and new leaders commissioned.
• I found a good variety of fruit trees to plant out here!

Keep praying:

• Implementation of what was discussed in our meeting with local church.
• Our area’s future is still uncertain with the upcoming country split on July 9th – peace and favor.
• Spiritual revival among Sudanese believers.
• I’m serious here, pray for my fruit trees. I’m planting an orchard, but goats ate parts of most of the trees and some are looking pretty weak. I’m in the process of transplanting and goat-proofing them. God can totally give them all the life they need. Let him do it and bless them with supernatural growth and harvests!

Related Links

Yabus Unity Bridge is Complete!
Yacob Aga Dies in Sudan, Church Ignited in Ethiopia
The Gift of Water

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