Here is a story of two pastors likened to The City Mouse and The Country Mouse.

Pa’sta Ray stayed on in the BIG city of Kampala [his tale is inside] and Jimbu’ck
bugged out to the bush of New Sudan.

Dateline: 23JUN2009 21:30 HRS. (GMT +3)

Reporting from Calvary Chapel Nimule, New Sudan – Camp Hodges, Far Reaching
Ministries

Your senses are awakened. The moment you step off the plane in Entebbe, Uganda
the air feels hot and thick with flying termites, you lean in to hear and understand
the ‘different’ English spoken here, as you enter into the crowds the smells are----
well, ‘different’. As you head to the bush the lack of food varieties satisfies you
nonetheless – greens and okra are a delight among the beans and rice - tortillas
and meat- a surprise! Yet, of all the senses it is the sights and insights that draw
you deeper into this experience of the mission.

The mission – this is why you have come! The assignment is to teach the Bible to
the 34 that remain of the original 56 chaplain candidates. You teach five times per
day pushing a bit too long into the real heat of the day. You bring out spiritual truth
and life-lessons from the history of the Book of Judges. Drawn out of that dark, dry
period you see the shameless idolatry of Micah and his phony priest (Judges Ch.
17-18) and the horrific account of Gibeah and the Levite’s concubine (Judges Ch.
19-21). The depths of depravity are disturbing. However, the Book of Ruth is an
oasis drawn from that same terrible time period. A real, honest to goodness love
story, taught in a devotional manner with mega-themes of God’s sovereignty,
man’s free-will and redemption through grace! And the men really like it! You have
a good time!

[details of the chaplaincy and the peace negotiations can be read on the extended
UNIFYER version. Also, loads of photos, links and resource – even the Tale of The
City Mouse and The Country Mouse available on Pastor Jim’s UNIFYER Blog]

Editor’s Note: Karen, please include the entire article on UNIFYER version and cut
out this part if we do not have room in printed version. I trust you fully to make it
work. You can even choose your own fonts, background and EVERYTHING !
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The chaplain candidates are under the competent leadership of combat veteran
chaplains of the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). It’s a privilege to be
among them. These are military men of God – the terms are not exclusive. You find
out over the few weeks you spend with them that half are unmarried; most are
under the age of 25 and have seen combat. Each man senses their call and duty to
serve their people and their God in the military. For you see, there is a peace, but
it is a fragile one. Many conversations confirm that they prefer the peace they see,
but are ready to pick up the battle at anytime. The upcoming referendum and
election certain to favor the formation of an independent New Sudan will be ill
received by the Government of Sudan (GOS). How else can a predominantly
Christian south co-exist with an Islamic north that, among many differences,
demands the “registration” of all girls entering puberty and therefore eligible for
marriage in the Islamic tradition by force and oppression. As a father of four
daughters, I’d take up that fight myself! There are many other differences that will
lead toward the inevitable separation by February 2011, but the desire to lead a
life of freedom in the Christian tradition rises to the top. The upcoming conflict will
be different than the previous 20-year civil war in many ways. For instance it will
not be fought in the deep south with people in refugee-type conditions. It will
instead be fought in the north securing the new ‘agreed upon’ border. Another
difference comes about after four years of cease-fire and peace talks complicating
things a bit. Today, for instance there are no less than three armies drawn up – the
GOS, a Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) made up of former GOS and SPLA troops and the
SPLA which remains intact in the southern region. Defections and the lure of
money will draw allegiances away from and to each side. Add to this mix the
government-supported militia (jinjaweed) in Darfur while the world debates the
meaning of genocide and you have some very complex issues. The president of
Sudan, himself sits under indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for
war crimes. So, with all this tension at hand how are the people benefitting from
the open door of relative peace?
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Your Key Verse to unlock the insights:
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life
is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:2-3

Your friends in southern Sudan exude this reality. They are a bit hard to crack at
first, but once you do they are jovial, witty and 100% committed to the cause of
Christ. You couldn’t ask for a better friend or more committed partner in the
Gospel. They send their warm greetings and thanks for your prayers and support
throughout the years.

So, what is most stirring? It is the calm, yet passionate faith in God and devotion to
Jesus Christ that inspires your work. They see God in everything – even in their
problems, which they acknowledge is from a forsaking of God in the past. This begs
the question, “When is our day coming?” You see a people living each day simply
and leaning on Jesus Christ for every need. The phrase “if it is provided” is
common and sincere. Simple song lyrics with plenty of clapping, dancing, smiles,
hoots and echoed refrains are the order of the day such as:

Number One, Jesus

Number One
Jesus is Number One, Jesus
Number One, Jesus
x REPEAT any number of times you wish

OR

When Jesus say “Yes”

Nobody can say “No”
x REPEAT any number of times you wish

As you look around you see freedom of movement opening wide the door for
ministry unseen here even a few years ago. While our church was experiencing the
BEST VBS EVER you could witness over 100 kids sitting on 12x12 grass mats for 4
hours a day throughout the week listening to Bible lessons, doing crafts and
singing songs about Jesus – lots of songs and dancing! When Sunday comes you’ll
see the kids outnumber the adults 2:1 – all lovingly taught by Chaplains - yes these
men teach the kids along with a few women.

Women’s Ministry abounds and marches on even in Vicky Bentley’s absence.

Women meet throughout the week for Basic English Language Course, Bible Study,
choir and dance practice and encouragement. Rabuna Fi, Arabic for “God Is
Here” is a ministry using the Word of God to bring hope, forgiveness, salvation
and sanctification into the lives of women and to proliferate self-reliance through
income generating activities and training as they produce beautiful native crafts,
school uniforms and clothing.

As you enter the weekends you experience a thriving Calvary Chapel Nimule in the
New Sudan with powerful men’s, women’s and children’s ministry. Pastors James
Olal, Michael Alahai, Otto Joseph Ben, Okeny Francis, Lino Manyual Bol and Bosco
Oroma are each dear Brothers whom I am glad to present to us all!

Then you find yourself home. Thanks for sending me!

Alongside in His service,

Pastor Jim