MISSIONARY:
BRO. ONOCHIE UCHE IZUORA
MISSIONARY TO SOUTHERN SUDAN
MISSIONARY PROFILE:
This is our field report for the work in southern Sudan. Our base was in Yei,
a small town of about twenty-five thousand people, occupying an area of about 15miles radius.
Yei is the gateway town to other southern towns and villages as one drives in from Uganda.
Most tribes in southern Sudan are also represented here.
The place.
Though the land is fertile and could produce abundantly, farming is considered a very tedious task by
most people in southern Sudan. The refugee lifestyle occasioned by the civil war has gravely affected
their psyche as to what can be achieved if the land is farmed. Quick profit and near effortless businesses
are most desired by locals.
The presence of Christianity which is struggling in the midst of idolatry and ancestral worship;
and the challenging topography caused by human wickedness (in laying of mines during the civil war and
the natural barriers of many hills and valleys, swamps, rivers (without even foot bridges) and of course
the effects of the Sahara desert, which stretches from the Western to the North Western region of Sudan.
The people
The war is over on the outside, but it still rages on the inside of many South Sudanese.
Most families have one Ak-47 rifle at least. It is safe to say that the wounds of 21years of civil war
are not yet healed.
As the thousands of Sudanese refugees return, the big question that must be addressed by the church
in Sudan is: how should we get involved to meet their immediate needs, for shelter, food, clothing,
education and the ministration of the gospel?
We held a 4day crusade cum pastors’ conference and food distribution in a small village called Bazi
in southern Sudan from 29th June to 2nd July. It was a great success as the people of Bazi heard the
gospel and many received it. The benefits of the gospel were evident in their lives as their joy was
almost tangible.
The plans and programs
We have a 5year plan to impact and impart the word to the people
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Preparation for revival- we plan to hold more crusades and outreaches from where churches
will be planted in the rural areas. Bible schools, pastors’ conference and special teaching seminars
will also be held.
-
Sudan school campaign-special outreaches for primary and secondary school students and teachers.
Library construction and special "teaching the teachers program"
-
Community Aid- capacity building (free language and IT training, Farm land development and equipping)
and medical aid (free dental services and other medical assistance) and orphanages.
The progress so far
Since our first missionary visit to South Sudan in June 2005, six people out of the thirty that
started the first term at the bible school has finished in September. The second term starts in
March 2006.
The outreaches in Bazi and Yei have yielded more committed men and hands for the future work and
the tough task of evangelizing northern Sudan.
We have made good inroads into the four secondary schools in Yei, partnership with the Scripture Union
in Yei.
Many decisions for Christ leading to salvation and healings were recorded, but of particular mention,
is the miraculous healing of a paralytic, an HIV/AIDS patient and many others who were possessed and
oppressed by the devil that were delivered. It is not possible to recount their stories in few words.
May the name of the Lord be praised and made popular amongst all the peoples of the earth!
