Ministry in SOUTH SUDAN By Edward Dima

W

ith all the political, economical, social and educational difficulties going on in the new country of South Sudan since 2013, where

thousands fled as displaced persons and some went as refugees to the neighboring countries of Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan, we were able to see a glimpse of light and hope for this new nation through the graduation of 262 children. This graduation celebration was attended by

the commissioner of Kajokeji County, Henry Kala Sabuni, on November 20, 2015.

These children were drawn from three Baptist

preschools in Kajokeji County, which is a strong- hold for Baptists with at least 86 Baptist churches, multiple

substations and eight strong Baptist

associations. The big challenge is that most of the churches are meeting under trees. Schools are not constructed yet, and dozens of children attend their daily classes under trees. We are praying for local churches to be strengthened and for thousands to be planted within a period of 10 years. We are praying for resources to be in place for the construction of preschools, primary and secondary schools, and even tertiary institutions across the country. The

Baptist Convention of South Sudan

ordained six Baptist ministers on December 20, 2015, in the Adjumani Refugee Camp in northern Uganda. The president of the convention, along with the executive, presided at and participated in the ordination exercise. In South Sudan, nine men who were Muslim but who converted to Christianity attended classes in evangelism, discipleship and church planting. They have returned home to plant churches. Edward Dima is president of the Baptist Convention of South Sudan.

Top & top left: Worshippers at an ordination service in the Adjumani Refugee Camp in northern Uganda

Bottom left: Ordaining Baptist pastors in the Adjumani Refugee Camp in northern Uganda.

Below: Muslim converts to Christianity in South Sudan attending evangelism training classes

(Photos courtesy of the Baptist Convention of South Sudan)