Description of the Mission Context:-Sudan/Kenya

Description of the Mission Context:

Southern Sudan:

Is a region of Sudan, comprising ten of that country’s states. The Sudanese government agreed to give autonomy to the region in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed on January 9, 2005. in Naivasha, Kenya with the SPLA/M, tentatively bringing an end to the second Sudanese Civil War 1983-2005. A referendum is scheduled for 2011 on whether to remain in the greater Sudan or to become an independent nation. Southern Sudan borders Ethiopia to the East, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the South and the Central African Republic to the West. To the North lies the predominantly Arab and Muslim region directly under the control of the central government, with its capital at Khartoum.

Southern Sudan, also known as the NEW SUDAN, has nearly all of its administrative offices in Juba, the capital, and the city with the largest population.

Southern Sudanese predominantly practice traditional indigenous beliefs and Christianity, particularly the Episcopal Church of the Sudan and the Roman Catholic Church. In the South one can also see numerous ethnic groups and languages than are found in the North. It is widely agreed that the largest ethnic groups in the South is Dinka, followed by Nuer. Other Nilotic peoples include the Bari and Shilluk.

In addition to what has been mentioned above, Sudan has been a country at war for 39 years. The last southern conflict dates from 1983 with a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) being signed on January 9, 2005. After 3 years of negotiation between the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Government of Sudan (GoS). The Former SPLA Leader John Garang was sworn in as Vice-President on 9 July 2005 (died in 2006) and the new interim constitution was approved. An on going war in Darfur and rising tensions across the rest of the country threaten to derail the success of any overall peace process and peace dividend to the Sudanese people. Many issues remain unresolved within the peace agreement and despite the development of the UN Peacekeepers and international donor funds there is ongoing insecurity, little progress in regards to improving the living conditions of the population and the possibility of a return to conflict.

The conflict in the Sudan has been typified by the inter-tribe/clan conflicts fueled by the aggressors who often arm and equipped proxy fighters in an effort to avoid direct responsibility. This strategy has repeatedly led to destruction of homes, livelihoods, means of production and infrastructure. Millions have been displaced. More than two million unnecessary deaths have been attributed to the last 21 years of war. The existence of militia groups outside the currently negotiated SPLA/GoS brokered agreement and the potential splits within the SPLA remain the greatest threat to the success of the six-year implementation period of the CPA. Currently the implementation of the CPA is very slow and there is increased insecurity in many areas of Upper Nile and Equitoria.

The conflict has destroyed virtually all infrastructures in this vast region. Access is possible by air to most locations. Social and civil activity has been severely affected by the war, lack of government, and loss of authority of traditional leaders to those with guns. Health facilities remain few and often inaccessible for most people. The availability of trained personnel remains inadequate. Food security has been constantly been threatened by large population displacements and raiding due to fighting and adverse weather conditions. It is a setting where large-scale epidemics and famine can (and have) easily claimed thousands of victims before any news reaches the rest of the world. A list of major health concerns include kalaazar, malaria, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, tuberculosis, meningococcal meningitis, cholera, measles, whooping cough (pertussis), sleeping sickness, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), etc. Outbreaks of disease are common, epidemics are a regular occurrence.

The aforementioned accounts are just a tip of the iceberg of the real picture of Southern Sudan. Spiritually, this region of Sudan or of Africa has been reached by the Gospel and according to one informant from a local Presbyterian church in Nasir, Christianity has been in Southern Sudan for almost 107 years now.

Paul mentioned in his Letter to the Romans in Chapter 15 (vv. 19,20) that he made it a rule NOT TO PREACH where Christ has been known, and for most part of the developed or developing world, Africa has been a target of Christian mission.

Spiritual Survey of Southern Sudan:

Southern Sudan, specifically the Upper Nile State has been Christianize for more than a century ago. In Nasir (Naseer) were there are five existing Christian denominations: Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of God, Adventist and some small independent churches. There is also a mosque here for the Islamic faith.

In Lankien (in one of MSF mission project), there are a lot of different denominations such as the Church of God, Presbyterian church, 7th day Adventist, Jerusalem Church of God (where Christians worship on a Sabbath day and celebrates the Passover Feast). There is a church named Woondeng Church which is one of the Roman Catholic churches in the area. Pieri and Leer have the presence of the same denominations/churches.

Despite of a more than a hundred years existence of Christianity in Southern Sudan, most of it remained desolate and depressing. In spite that the Gospel have reached this place, cultural and traditional bondage is still very strong. Church life is just a mere religious obligation and rituals but the spirituality is down and low. In one of my conversation with a Sudanese Christian, who is an Elder of a church – I shared with him and his group my deep faith to my God and King, Jesus Christ and they just laughed at me because in this life, according to these “Christians”, it must not be “just faith” there must be a human factor involved (sacrificing spirituality with practicality). I also observed that the Christians here in Southern Sudan are mostly nominal Christians…as I have mentioned earlier, merely religious, and not totally and deeply related to the God of Christianity who is Jesus Christ.

Churches here, likewise, lack the Great Commission Mandate, everyone are professing and are proud to be called Christians but not a trace of Christian lifestyle can be observed among professing Christians. Never have I observed them (among my religious Christian staff) shared the goodness, love and healing power of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Needs of the Region:

The churches and church leaders in Southern Sudan must revisit and review the mandate of God and the preaching and teaching of Jesus Christ, but even if the Christians here will review and re-read God’s revelations in the Bible, they will remain to be blind because of the “veil” that has been covering their spiritual eyes due to cultural and traditional bondage (not to mention the famine brought about fighting and natural causes). Repentance is essential in order for the people of Southern Sudan to be healed from their spiritual as well as physical ailments. Repentance is elemental for the curse in the land to be lifted up (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).

In a book that I have read about Southern Sudan (Emma’s War), Sudan was mentioned in the Scriptures, specifically in the Book of Isaiah 18:7. A curse was mentioned in this verse in the Bible, but a curse will only remain a curse only if the people with remain stiffed neck and stubborn…repentance is the key to deliverance…in God’s wrath He will always remember His mercy.

If anyone is planning to embark on a mission in Sudan, please do not ever, ever bring Christianity there for “it” has been there even before you’ve thought of it. Never, ever bring your denominations there; people are confused enough (one of my Christian staff asked me, “if there is only one God, one Jesus Christ and one Holy Spirit, why are there so many Churches with different teachings?”). What is needed here is not revival but transformation (See Romans 12:2) and how will these come about? Sudan needs missionaries who are not "denominationally" (church denomination) oriented, who really knows God’s mandate, who does not carries the doctrines of man (denominational doctrines, which St. Paul hates so much, see Romans 15).

Leadership training on the Gospel of the Kingdom and not of whatever gospel that we’ve learned in the church where we belong is what Sudan needs…The Gospel has been preached in Sudan, what was missing is the “teaching” of Jesus (See Matthew 28:19). One of the teaching of Jesus Christ is Faith and Power…and these are missing in the churches, church leaders and people…powerless, faithless Christians – these does not pleases God.

Training on the Great Commission. Every Sudanese Christians must settle in their hearts that he/she was not saved to be mere church members and goers, he/she must realized that he/she was redeemed to be GREAT COMMISSIONERS, AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST. A white man (khawaja) or a Filipino Christian is not the best apostle for the Sudanese – it’s the Sudanese themselves, because they all share the same culture, language, expressions and color.

A Glimpse of Kenya:

In all the mission fellowships that I attended, there were many “who were called” who were dreaming to serve the Lord in Africa. Many were aspiring to be in Kenya. An African country with a land area of 580,400 km2 and a population of 32,849,169. The capital city of which is Nairobi. The languages spoken in Kenya are Swahili, English and Kikuyu.
Religions :
Christian: 80.00%
African traditional: 12.00%
Muslim: 7.00%
Baha'i: 1.00%

Statistics for Christianity:
Protestants: 10,717,500 (includes African Inland Church, Presbyterian
Church of East Africa, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Full
Gospel churches)
Catholics: 8,000,000
Anglicans: 3,500,000
Orthodox: 621,200
Independent: 6,555,820
Lately however, Kenya has witnessed the mushrooming of what are referred to as Pentecostal churches (see Independent congregations above). In Nairobi, the most popular ones include
* Nairobi Pentecostal Church
* Nairobi Lighthouse Church
* Redeemed Gospel Church
* Deliverance Church
* Jesus is Alive Ministries
* Jubilee Christian Centre

During my break from my field work in Southern Sudan, I had a chance to move around the suburbs of Nairobi and rural and remote areas of Kenya. Like in Kawangware, Mucatha, Komarock, Kahuho, Kiserian, Maususwa (all were outskirts nearby towns around Nairobi).Narok is another place about 2 ½ hour drive by land (rough roads) from Nairobi. (information courtesy of Engr Benny Melegrito of Eriksson Company)

The areas by the foot of Mt. Kenya (second highest peak, next to Mt. Kilimanjaro), the town called Kerinyaga one can observe almost one Christian church every 10 to 15 kms. radius

In the Eastern part of the country, in the towns; Embu, Kathiani, Kabati and Tulia where I was also privileged to visit, many African Inland Churches are scattered almost in remote, inland places. To make a long story short…Christianity in Kenya has been there for more a hundred years now (in one of the African Inland
Church of Kenya where I attended one Sunday worship, I read a banner indicating church anniversary 1895-1995).

Furthermore, ecclesiastical knowledge and scriptural exegesis or hermeneutics is not important neither in Sudan nor in Kenya (and true in many parts of the continent of Africa). One needs to be INCARNATIONAL…no word, no scriptures, but the LOVE of Christ expressed in serving and helping the people. If one is embarking for a “Christian Incarnational Mission” in Sudan and Kenya (or in Africa as a whole), first of all one must consult God first if he/she is one of the chosen to serve in Africa. If one is definitely sure (100%) that he/she is chosen, the following are the felt needs of the people:
1. Food & Nutrition
2. Water & Sanitation
3. Livelihood
4. Shelter
5. Health Care & Hygiene Programs
6. Psychological & Emotional Support
7. Sustainable agriculture
8. Improvement in cattle raising
9. Poultry raising

Funds to be raised are not mere thousands, one must think of MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in order for the mission to be long term and sustainable. Careful planning and logistics is vital in embarking a Christian Mission in Africa (wisdom from the Lord of the Mission is very vital for many have faith, many likewise falters).


Undercover07.cfam

My first mission as field volunteer surgeon with Medicens San Frontieres-Naseer, Southern Sudan, 2008-2009

PERSECUTION (Taglish)

Persecution base on the definition by Merriam-Webster Dictionary is to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically - to cause to suffer because of belief. A second definition by Webster is to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : PESTER.

In the religious context, persecution is harassment because of propagating a belief or practice that is contrary to the existing beliefs and practices, or traditions and doctrines or a new belief or religion that is different from the religion or beliefs of a place or region.

Persecution o PAG-UUSIG ay maaari din magmula sa mga iba’t ibang uri ng pananaw, kuro-kuro ng tao or grupo sa isang religious denomination o sekta.

Hindi ko na iisa-isahin pa ang mga accounts ng pag-uusig na naitala at mababasa sa Biblia, na ang may pinakamaraming tala dito ay ang Acts of the Apostles. In this particular article, ipepresenta ko ang ilan mga sitwasyon o kaganapan na maaarin nating i-label na uri ng PERSECUTION at sa badang huli, pagbulaybulayan natin kung bakit pinapahintulutan ito ng Diyos.

Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lamang sa mga naiulat na uri ng PAG-UUSIG laban sa iglesia dito sa ating bansa. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, last year, November, 2006, isang evangelical pastor of a protestant church named Pastor Isaias Sta. Rosa (Malobago, Eastern Bicol Region) was in the headline of a local national newspaper and later on, UMC pastor pala ang taong ito. According to the accounts in the news, Pastor Sta. Rosa is a peasant leader, aside from being a minister.

October of the same year (2006), isa pang insidente ang naganap (this one never hit the news), Mr. & Mrs. Librado & Martina Gallardo (active church member and chairperson of the council of Brgy. Conversion UMC, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija) were, harassed, arrested and tortured. The couple ended up dead, according to Bishop Solito K. Toquero’s letter (Bishop Solito K. Toquero, MEA, Facsimile letter to Rev. Jose Padang dated October 27, 2006), due to pesticide poisoning. It was claimed to be “suicide” sa dahilang hindi na nila makayanan ang mga pagpapahirap sa kanila ng militar. Pati ang pastor ng Conversion UMC ay nasa talaan ng militar na miembro (daw) ng NPA. Sa takot ng pobreng pastor, nilisan niya ang destino sa nasabing lugar.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga naitala o naibalitang mga insidente ng EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTION na nagaganap sa ating bansa. Ang Aglipayan Church ay isa rin sa mga hot list ng military at may mga ilang lugar na implicated naman ang mga Roman Catholic priests.

One more thing, watch out natin ito - The “Anti-Terrorism Bill”. I believe in my heart that this bill will justify the Extrajudicial Execution by the government at sa paniniwala ko ito ang mag-po-police sa lahat ng “unauthorized” na pagpupulong and that will include the fellowhip of Christians anywhere.

Maaaring sabihin natin na “talagang ganyan sa paglilingkod, kasama ang pag-uusig” and we can easily quote the words of Jesus: “if they persecuted me, they will persecute you…” (John 15:20,NRSV).

Naniniwala ako na marami sa Evangelical Christian groups ang nagtatanong kung bakit pinapahintulutan ito ng Dios? Sino ba naman yung mga “persecutors” e, mga Kristyano din naman sila?

Balikan po natin ang Banal na Kasulatan, ang Biblia sa Luke 24:49-“And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Alam na po natin kung anu yung pinapahintay ni Jesus sa mga disipulo Niya…ang HOLY SPIRIT, kasi wala pang “power” ni karunungan ang mga ito, and the HOLY SPIRIT is their only hope to have “power from of High”. So, hinintay nga nila ito hanggang sa araw ng Pentecost ng manaog ang Spiritu Santo sa 11, kasama ang 150 na nanatili sa paghihintay (noong kinumisyon ng Panginoong Jesus ang mga disipulo niya, later called apostles, 500 silang lahat). During that morning when the Holy Spirit descend upon the 150 disciples, while they are waiting in prayer in the upper room. The disciples suddenly showed different manifestations of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and also that was the first time Peter preached and testified boldly…since then, tremendous growth in the numbers of the believers of “The Way” has been experience (Acts 2:41; 2:47; 4:4). Thousands of people are being converted to the faith…it was truly a tremendous church growth. Even the wealth of the early church grew (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37).

From Acts chapter one verse eight to Acts chapter 8:1, according to scholars, had a lapse of 10-15 years. So, the apostles of the First Christian church enjoyed the TREMENDOUS CHURCH growth, marahil nakalimutan na nila yung mga unang habilin ng Panginoon Hesus na makikita sa Matthew 24:14; 28:19,20; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:47 and Acts 1:8.

The TREMENDOUS CHURCH GROWTH and CHURCH WEALTH GROWTH made the apostles lingered quite longer than expected, in Jerusalem, at marahil nakaligtaan nila yung bahagi ng habilin ni Jesus patungkol sa “Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. Come to think of it…the borders of the Temple Courts of Jerusalem ay hindi man katiting sa sinabi ni Jesus tungkol sa “ends of the earth”, ni ang borders ng Jerusalem. The disciples started to become comfortable in the new, big and wealthy Jerusalem church and this comfort zone veiled the eyes of the disciples on God’s mandate…”blessing the nations” by preaching the Good news of the Kingdom of God.

The COMFORT ZONE suddenly was turned into a PERSECUTION ZONE. In Acts 8:1, ay ang simula ng matinding pag-uusig sa mga followers of The Way. Ito’y makalipas na patayin si Stephen by stoning. Acts 8:1 is also the start of the GREATER GROWTH of the followers of The Way (which were later called “Christians”), outside Jerusalem and Judea.

We all know God used Saul to pursue His plan for the apostles “to preach the Gospel to the Nations” and to “the ends of the earth”. Matapos mabulabog at LUMABAS ang mga Kristyano sa Jerusalem – God with His mighty powers converted Saul to do His mission work overseas. Saul, na tinawag ding Paul, ay ginamit ng Panginoon ng husto sa pagpapalaganap ng GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.

Isang simpleng pagbubulay-bulay sa tunay na layunin ng PERSECUTION o PAG-UUSIG. Upang ipalaganap ng Panginoon ang Mabuting Balita ng Kanyang Kaharian. God is not interested in BIG CHURCHES, He is interested in THE GOSPEL REACHING THE HEARTS OF MEN.

God is not very interested in churches busy in doing a lot of ministries which are out of target, according to Bishop Leo Soriano’s message among the Methodist in Solano, “OUT OF FOCUS”. God is not, interested, even sa mga churches na ang plans ay pagtatayo ng nursery o eskwelahan. God is very much interested in church program reaching the UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP (these are the group of people who are not Christians from the other churches, like Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Tribal people, and the non-religious blocs like the communists).

Islam is by far, the fastest growing religion in the world. Noon, nasa Middle East lang sila, now they are almost anywhere in the world. Dito sa Pilipinas, noon ang mga Maranao, Tausug at Badjao ay nasa Mindanao lang. Ngayon, sa bawat lungsod may mga Muslim na. Sa tanggapin natin o hindi, marami na ang dating Kristyano who became converts of Islam.

In Tarlac alone, there are more than a thousand Maranaos and quite a number of Badjaos. There are four (that I know of) mosques in Tarlac (1 in San Rafael, 1 in San Isidro, 1 in Victoria and 1 in Balingcanauay, at baka may alam pa kayo na hindi ko alam).

Ever since, kahit noong ako’y bata pa…marami ng Bumbay dito sa Pilipinas. Sa Tarlac, naglipana na rin ang mga Punjabi Indians on their motorcycles at nag-iikot na naninigil ng kanilang mga 5:6 na pautang sa mga Kristyanong Pinoy.

There is one Buddhist Temple that I know in Villa Perpetua, at hindi rin ako magtataka kung magkaroon din ng Hindu Temple dito.

Let us look at the EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTION – isang anyo ng 21st century na PAG-UUSIG, in a different perspective…tignan natin sa ibang angulo…Hindi kaya masyado na tayong comportbale sa ating mga iglesia? O, baka naman yung mga programa natin sa atin iglesia e, huli o mababa ang rating ng MISSIONS (pag-abot sa UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP or known in the mission community as UPGs).

God is a gracious and good God. Imagine, yung mission field (mga Muslim, Buddhist, Hindus at komunista) e, hinahatid na Niya sa ating bakuran…halos matisod na nga tayo sa dami nila sa daan. Isang babala din ito sa ating mga Kristyano…kapag hindi tayo nagplano at kumilos upang abutin sila…they have made their plans in converting Christians into their faith. At kung tayo’y mananatili sa ating mga programa na out of TARGET, out of focus sa kalooban ng Diyos, our God has many ways and will use the enemy of the Christian faith to PERSECUTE THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The Anti-Terrorism Bill may be used by God as an instrument to shake the church in order to spread the Message of the Kingdom to the Nations.

Legaspi, Albay UMC District

Legaspi, Albay UMC District
The way I observe this district, well it is like falling out of grace or perhaps have fallen out of grace. Either the Methodist here are complacent or in bondage to whatever clutters there is in this life. Workers here, according to a concerned Methodist lady who is helping out to fan the Methodist Christian flame, have their "sonship" and "servanthood" flames flickering. Is this because of the typhoon that devastated the region last December 2006 or the spiritual typhoon that are devastating Christians constantly everyday?

Workers in Albay District, again according to an informant, are hand-to-mouth existing. No apportionment from the District. How could this be if the local churches are not even remitting their apportionment to the district's treasury.

To make a long testimony short...Legaspi, Albay UMC District is in dire need of Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered pastors and deaconesses. Spirit-filled and Spirit-empowered lay with a heart in mission.

What can the UNITED METHODIST do for Albay?

1. Pray...Pray...Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform all MINDS.

2. Pray for Transformation

3. Pray for volunteer lay workers coming from other episcopal area to help fan the
Methodist Christian "Flame" in Albay

4. Help support the district financially

5. Help in organizing Christian Spirit-Filled Leadership Training to help equip the
Christians in Albay

6. Donate Books, Christian reference materials, discipleship manual and the like to
help Albay District build their Chrisitian Library

7. Offer yourself to serve God in transforming communities, especially, communities
of Christians, to have a big impact in Kingdom building.

If you read this and you are burdened...please contact The Bridge Group of the Tarlac United Methodist Church...let's see how we can move according to the Spirit of the Lord

Contact Persons: Dr. Mel Mendoza +639177075058
+639209382373

Mrs. Ning Buenaventura +639189671200

Dra. Jacqui Mendoza +639175141516

TO GOD BE THE GLORY....FOREVER AND EVER

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

Aceh Coffee Break

19 November, 2006 21:36

There is no relaxing time after a days work - COFFEE BREAK. Unlike in the usual Western setting, coffee break is enjoyed in between meals in the morning and in the afternoon, but in Aceh, coffee break is after office hours and it may last up to late night. Coffee break for Acehnese is the moment of bonding, chatting and smoking packs and packs of their own brand (probably the only brand in Indonesia) of cigarette and that is why if you happen to sit and enjoy coffee in one of the area’s coffee shop, you will not experience a single bite of mosquito, due to heavy smoking in the area.

Ulee Kareng is famous for their best Sumatra Coffee (and I believe it’s where Starbucks is getting their coffee bean) and a glass of freshly brewed (Aceh way) coffee will cost you only Rp 1500-2000 (PhP 8.00-12.00) and best that goes with the coffee are their local roti (bread) and other snacks that is only served in Aceh.

Aahh...enak sekalih!!!!

(so delicious!!!!)

Surgery @ Meuraxa Hospital

28 November, 2006 00:45

Month of March & October, 2006 were two separate occasions where yours truly offered surgical services to our brethren Muslims in Aceh, at the Meuraxa Rumah Sakit (Hospital), Blower, Banda, Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. In March-April, 2006 we operated on the Ex-G.A.M. rebels, removing shrapnel and bullets in the different parts of their bodies and in October-November, 2006 we operated on common surgical problems of people such as long-standing groin hernias, soft tissue tumors (like huge and small lipomas, neuromas, ganglion cysts, huge and small sebaceous cysts and breast tumors). One might be wondering why no big-major surgeries where performed, simply because of the limitation of the hospital facilities to handle big cases like thyroid, gall bladder diseases and gastrointestinal surgeries. Without God on our side and without the intercession of my personal intercessors, all the procedures that I performed would have been a disaster...all glory and honor we return to our Lord, Who is gracious and merciful and He did not allow any surgical mishap to occur...Thanks be to God ! ! !