Worshiping with the Dinka

Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season.2 Timothy 4:2

During my November/December trip to Werkok, Sudan, in 2006, I was asked to deliver the message at the church in the village. Southern Sudan is primarily populated by the Dinka tribes. They rely primarily on cattle for thier welfare and a lot of their culture centers around the cattle. I asked my interpreter to help me understand their culture so I could find some examples to use with the scripture I was using. We were talking about all being one in Christ and the unity that exists among believers and being adopted into God's family. Peter, my interpreter, shared a beautiful example with me. He said the Dinka all raised herds of cattle and the cattle are frequently very different colors - they vary from white, black, brown and rust colored but when they are milked, they all give the same color milk. He said that is how we are in Christ Jesus. We may externally appear different but internally, we are all the same. What a great example to show the unity of Christ. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" Gal 3:28. The next day, as I was speaking in church and using his example, I could see the heads in the congregation nodding in understanding as I was using this example to demonstrate the unity we have in Christ. When we visit and live in other cultures, we need first to seek to understand their culture and learn their language to help us share our faith and love of God in ways that are meaningful to them. God's truth transcends all cultures in all times and is as relevant to us today as it was 2000 years ago.

Mike McMahon

"Preach the gospel always; if necessary use words." - St. Francis

Prayer Power

Lord, help us find ways to reach out to others and to share your message in ways that are meaningful and can be understood by those around us. In Christ's name, Amen.

David and Svea Flood

Missionaries

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."Romans 10:15

While staying at the Mayfield Inn in Nairobi, I met a young missionary couple from Tanzania. They were in Nairobi for a period of rest from the rigors of their remote mission assignment. As we came to know each other, they shared that they were becoming quite discouraged because of multiple problems at their village and the lack of visible fruit from the ministry. I shared with them the incredible story of Svea Flood. We talked and prayed and I hope that they felt reassured in their mission. The story of the Flood missionary family lifted their hearts and helped to give them encouragement to go on. The life of a fulltime missionary is difficult. They need our continuing prayers and support as they are working to build up God's kingdom. Wayne and Pam Elliott have been our first CEF missionaries in Chad for the last several years. Life has often been difficult for them. Pray for them, lift them up to the Lord. Pray for them as they work to help complete the medical facility and to reach the lost for Christ.

Mike McMahon

"Lord send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any tie but the tie that binds me to thyself." - David Livingston

Prayer Power

Lord always remind me to pray for your missionaries. Let them feel you presence in a mighty way. Lead, guide and direct all they do. In Christ's name, Amen.