"Mator's Uncle Samuel."
"The 10 Commandments" - Miracle #2.
A Favorite Quote: "Called to Love and to Serve where the need is greatest;
to go to the people 'most abandoned and poorest in the means of grace'."
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm o a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,and he guided them to their desired haven.”
[Psalm 107:28-30]
"Bor town car park."
LEAVING NAIROBI, KENYA
Miracle #1- Visas. The first order of business in Nairobi was to obtain Visas for South Sudan. Upon arrival at the Embassy Mator whispered, “I see two people I know who work here….” These ‘human angels’ helped expedite the matter. Mator’s document was a piece of cake as he is Sudanese. However mine had a long list of Requirements, including: ‘Letter of Invitation’. We had no ‘official’ letter as the people we were reaching lived ‘beyond the beyond’ – no electricity, no email.
Creative Mator said, “I have an idea … I’ll write YOU a ‘Letter of Invitation’ to Sudan.” That’s exactly what he did – and it was accepted. So the whole Visa process which normally takes a week, took only a few hours, start to finish. “Lord … thank you for making a way…”
While in Nairobi my Tropical doctor ran tests; took X-rays; and discovered pneumonia. No wonder I'd been feeling poorly! Thus I traveled to Sudan with a bag of meds and today I feel great.
In-N-Out Of Africa! This month is all about our ministry trip to Sudan. Last time we couldn’t announce details for security reasons. The Journey began early one Wednesday morning in May when Judy & son Coty kindly picked me up at home in hubby Rich's pickup. We needed lots of space for luggage. Daughter Michelle came to help. I had accidently packed her flip-flops and will never hear the end of it! We then swung by Calvary to pick up 8 duffel bags.
WANGLEI VILLAGE & THE COMMISSIONER
Early the next morning we boarded another Land Cruiser with armed soldier. It was bursting at the seams with Sudanese passengers but this time Mator insisted I sit up front – bit more room and less hectic ride. Halfway through the 7-hour journey the car broke down due to a cracked radiator. After it cooled off, the driver scooped up water from the swamp and added it to the radiator. Then he drove a few miles; stopped when it ran out; and added more water. So we continued all the way to Wanglei Village.
In Wanglei Village Mator's Uncle Samuel and wife Achol met us. Later they invited us into their humble hut to treat us to ‘porridge’. And on Sunday, to a delicious chicken lunch with fresh baked bread made in a coal oven.
Miracle #5. Uncle Samuel introduced us to Commissioner Dau who explained: “You may stay at our compound on the edge of town … we’ll drive you.” We traveled with two bodyguards and settled into our respective rooms, thankful for a bed and shelter during our stay in Wanglei. Food was scarce. I learned that the Commissioner and his men ate only once a day - 9 pm at night. Before leaving the USA I had packed food for Mator and I so we would not be a burden to hosts. Thus we shared our food.
15 men lived in the Commissioner’s compound, including soldiers who had no home of their own. That evening we sat outdoors in plastic chairs sipping black tea as the Commissioner wearing men’s pajamas explained: “This compound was abandoned by Norwegian People’s Aide who fled during the war. We arrived last year - it had gone back to the ‘jungle’ – full of wild African bees - even a leopard had moved in! Today it needs lots of repairs.”
"Frankfort, Germany."
SUNDAY SERVICE & GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
On Sunday Mator and I walked to the nearest church where we were invited to bring ‘greetings’. We were inspired by their positive attitude; filled with HOPE for the future. About 170 were present that day. Before leaving the Commissioner’s Compound, I organized Relief Supplies in large bags: 1) medical supplies and reading glasses for the local nurse (a clinic is the #1 need in the community); 2) school supplies; 3) veggie seeds; 4) 'little girl dresses & little boy shorts'; 5) soap; 6) even gifts for the 4 cooks; and 7) a special gift for the Commissioner (a portable phone charger which he loved)
PANYAGOOR & FLIGHT TO JUBA
Miracle #6. Due to heavy rains the road to Juba was blocked. The Commissioner advised, “You’ll have to fly back … the nearest airstrip is in Panyagoor but it’s very hard to book a flight out.” The Commissioner’s car kindly drove us there. We sat down with a CARE (NGO) representative. At first his answer was “No” but Mator kept talking and talking, “There must be a way you can help us reach Juba…”
In the end the agent gave in and told of a chartered flight leaving the next day for Juba for $50 each. After a dozen calls to confirm with ‘higher ups’ we were booked. We returned to Wanglei Village that night. Next day, due to heavy rains and flooded roads we were forced to return to Panyagoor on motorbikes. The plane had 3 seats and 6 passengers so 3, including Mator, sat on the floor for the hour-long flight to Juba.
Thank you all for your heartfelt prayers which sustained us throughout this very special God-centered journey.
Serving In His Love,
Charlotte
"Sudan, here we come, ready or not!"
"Outdoor 'tea time' while waiting to leave Bor town."
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
From Nairobi we flew to Juba, South Sudan since travel on main roads is discouraged due to insecurity and bad roads as the rainy season was upon us. We flew on the 540 Airline, more economical than Kenya Airways. As we landed at Juba Airport it was mass confusion with rain, water and mud everywhere. We entered a large ‘holding tent’, temporary quarters for Customs and Immigration.
Hundreds of arrivals pressed us from all sides. Chaos. I hung onto Mator for dear life as he led the way to a Custom's Agent. He opened my suitcase to inspect the contents, his face was lifeless, hardened by war. I feared the worse fear as I had American supplies that could be taxed.
CONCLUSION:
The main purpose of this trip was to do an assessment of the greatest needs in Jonglei State which has suffered greatly during this war. We accomplished everything we set out to do and future plans are firmly in place. Space does not allow me to share ALL of theMIRACLES experienced on this short, but incredible journey. When we set out there were hundreds of ‘unknowns’ that, if any one of them had happened differently, the outcome would not have been the same. “Lord … thank You for being with us every step of the way.”
In the USA we hear much negative news about South Sudan’s Politics. Thus I was genuinely surprised by the overall positive, resilient attitude of the Sudanese people themselves. In Juba, for example, I saw cars and people everywhere; busy local markets - business as usual. No one acted fearful; people were full of hope about their future. Even those I met in the ‘bush’ who are dirt poor and have nothing by this world's standards, were happy living their simple lives.
One highlight was meeting Mator’s beloved 100 yr old Great Uncle Chol. In spite of frailty, he was still in his right mind. On this ‘foot journey’ my sandal broke. I chastised myself for not wearing walking shoes. Immediately Mator took off his shoes, “Mama Charlotte, put these on.” He handed me his size 12 shoes which I wore the rest of our walk while he wore only his socks without complaint.
“I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the Name of the LORD.” [Psalm 116:17] Preparation for this ministry trip began two years ago. God heard our prayers and answered them, according to His will, through YOU. We thank God for your love and prayers.
On Sunday we visited Nairobi Baptist Church, the largest Baptist Church in all Africa. In the fall of 2016 I challenged them to a clothing drive to benefit Kakuma Refugee Camp. They accepted and collected a room full of clothes. Missionaries Vicky & Ramsey, Charis Ministries, saw the project through. Clothes were distributed at the camp and hundreds of refugees were blessed. Below you’ll read how God was with us every step of the way. But before I continue …
NAIROBI, KENYA. We cleared Customs by 2:30 am. Outside Samuel of Mayfield Guest House was waiting in the rain. The men loaded the van; I paid our porters. We arrived at Mayfield, my 'home away from home', at 3:30 am and crashed on the living room couches. Soon our rooms were ready. So after 3 sleepless nights (2 on planes) a bed was most welcome.
As Paul Harvey says, “… now for the rest of the story!” Below is a typical conversation with Mator.
Me, "Mator, did you bring your poncho?"
Him, "What's that?"
Me, "A raincoat."
Him, "No, I brought a jacket."
Me, "You'll get wet. Did you read the packing list I sent you?"
Him, "Didn't have time."
Me, "Never mind, I brought an extra raincoat - just in case." For someone who lived in a refugee camp for 10 years he is not too concerned about minor details like raincoats.
Mator chatting with Joseph, AIM Director
for Korea.
FAREWELL JUBA - CHRISTIAN GUEST HOUSE
Miracle #7. In Juba we stayed at a Christian Guest House near the airport until leaving Sudan. Mator’s Nephew Jacob helped get us through 'red tape' to leave the country. I met more relatives such as brother Gerang, whom Mator helped get through college. He’s now teaching. In Juba we discovered ‘Brilliant Travels’ who offered an inexpensive chartered shared-flight to Loki, Kenya for which we were thankful.
In Loki, Mator traveled on to Kakuma Refugee Camp to visit his mother and family for a few days; while I took a MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) flight back to Nairobi to attend to mission business. My taxi driver found a lovely place, ‘Mill Hill Missionary Guest House’ at a very reasonable rate, including food. This weekend we’ll be with churches, missionaries and friends; then fly home early next week.
"Commissioner Dau's armed escorts kept us safe."
Phoenix Airport. Mator, our young Sudanese coworker (former ‘Lost Boy of Sudan’), met us at the airport. His sweet wife just gave birth to a baby boy - her 4th. We checked in 12 pieces – 4 were ‘free’ courtesy of SIAMA, a travel agent for missionaries. We were to fly at 11:15 am but our plane was delayed. Thus we arrived to Chicago late but fortunately our connecting flight to Frankfort, Germany, was also late. “Thank you Lord … we made it.”
© Copyright 2018
"Loading the land cruiser at the car park."
"Our UK Aid partner gets stuck!"
Bush Telegraph Missions
Frankfort, Germany. The plane arrived late in Frankfort. We galloped to the end of the airport to catch our connecting flight to Nairobi, Kenya – alas! We missed it. We made our way to Lufthansa Airlines who kindly booked us on Egypt Air to Cairo. There we changed planes for the 4th time. So other than losing my shoes under the seat; Mator's long legs spilling over into 'my space'; and movies that refused to switch to the ‘English’ option (ok, so I had a lesson in German), and missing the last connection all told our flights went well.
"Map of South Sudan today (red area)."
Miracle #2 - The Ten Commandments. On top of the pile was a large laminated poster of “The Ten Commandments”. He picked up the bottom half - the ones to do with Man: “Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal”, etc. For a few minutes he just stared at it without speaking, reading silently. At that moment I saw a spark of life come into his vacant eyes. He closed up the suitcase without a word and motioned us on. “Lord … thank you … no extra fees … may Gospel Seeds be planted today in that agent’s heart.”
May 2018
He stilled the storm...
"Commissioner Dau"
"Mator's mother with her grandchildren at Kakuma Refugee Camp"
"Oh dear! A cracked radiator!"
"Checkpoint - a close call."
Mator and I at Juba Airport.
PINYCHUIER VILLAGE,
MATOR'S CHILDHOOD HOME
The Broken Shoe. Mator and I walked to his childhood home at Pinychuier Village. No roads, not even for motorbikes. We visited Mator's childhood school – 3 traditional classrooms. Our dream is to build a REAL school, God willing. I met scores of Mator’s relatives. Upon arriving at their huts, a plastic lawn chair appeared from nowhere for me. Chairs were broken so two chairs were stacked on top of each to make 4 legs.
Serving the Persecuted Church in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa
Prayer-N-Praise
Report
"David, our 'armed escort' to Bor town."
"Hurry - soup's on!" Dinner at Mayfield Guest House, Nairobi, Kenya.
Nairobi Baptist Church
BOR TOWN, JONGLEI STATE
The Car Park. Next day we piled into a Land Cruiser with an armed soldier for security and headed to Bor town, capitol of Jonglei State. Mator and I were two of the 10 adults and 3 children crammed into the back of the van on two benches facing each other and 3 others in front. For 8 hours our knees locked together like gears in a watch; no one could move. We could not even see the floor board - on roads straight from hell. Two children threw up all the way; their mommy busy supplying plastic bags to catch you-know-what.
Miracle #4 - A Close Call. Checkpoints are routine but the first one was serious. We were all ordered to get out of the van; and I was singled out to be taken before the Commanding Officer. He shouted, “Why are you here? We can’t be responsible for the security of an American! I’m sending you back to Juba!” Mator did most of the talking and would not take ‘no’ for an answer. He did not back down. In the end, Mator’s reasoning prevailed - or perhaps the Officer became exhausted and thought, “The only way I’ll get rid of these guys is to send them on their way!” Then the Officer asked, “Can you give me a little something to buy water…?” So Mator gave him 2,000 pounds (.66 cents) and I, along with the other 15 passengers, were allowed to continue our journey.
In Bor town Mator’s cousins Deng, Chol and John met us. They explained, “Bor town was burned down twice by the Nuer in recent years because it was John Gerang’s home. No mercy was shown; they even killed elderly who hid inside the local church. Today you will not see many elderly people in Bor.”
The next day we joined two UK Aid (NGO’s) land cruisers headed to Wanglei Village. They were traveling in convoy. Shortly after starting out, the 2nd car got stuck in one of those deep muddy holes that swallow you whole. Our car used it’s winch, but without success. Finally a nearby crane was able to free the car a few hours later. Alas! In the process they burned out the transmission so we were all forced to return to Bor town for a second night.
Miracle #3 – Mator’s nephew Jacob met us at the airport. He introduced himself, “I work for Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders) and have a 'connection' who can change your US dollars into Sudanese pounds. Local Money changers have been shut down by the government. Otherwise you must exchange money at a bank where rates are low … due to inflation 1 US dollar = 3,000 S. Sudanese Pounds.” This was a big help. I also learned that the largest denomination printed is a 100 pound note. Thus to exchange $100 one receives 3,000 pieces of paper in Sudan currency. Next time remind me to bring a U-Haul to carry money!
The first night we stayed at a secure hotel in Sherkhat, suburb of Juba, across the Nile River. It was owned/operated by Dinkas so Mator felt at home. As a treat Mator and Jacob took me for tea at Crown Hotel. We relaxed outside along the river bank in a peaceful setting. It’s the only place I saw white faces in all Sudan.
The Visa - Miracle #1.