Anarchy. Civil War. Unspeakable tragedy. Lawlessness. Suffering. Drought. Famine. Disease. Death. These are the conditions under which the Kingdom of God is growing in South Sudan. 150,000 new believers in the last ten years. 180 new church plants. 77 indigenous church planters risking their lives for the sake of the gospel. Through these incredible men and women, the Kingdom of God is growing through miracles, signs, and wonders. And I get the pleasure of spending a week with them. Like Elisha of old, I find myself wanting a double portion of their spirit.
Martin and Ishag model true humility. They are men of peace. They are not anxious nor do they show fear. They are men who have been crucified to the world through the cross of Christ. Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to have several conversations with them about life, leadership, pastoring, and the challenges they face on a daily basis. Never once did they compare what they are going through with what I face on a daily basis. Never once did they feel the need to “one-up” anyone on our team. Never once did they allow their pain to define them. Never once did they refer to "work-life" balance. These are men who have been beaten. Faced persecution. Run for their lives. Hide out from the “Christian” government in their country. They live with constant food shortages, have no access to even basic healthcare, and often the only drinking water they get is what they find in puddles after it rains. Their families live in refugee camps in Uganda because of the danger. But when we talked, they were just as concerned with the challenges I face as a husband, father, pastor, and leader in my country. Never once did they compare. Never once did they complain. Never once did I get the sense that they felt like things were unfair. Never once did they get offended or hurt. Nor would they have allowed such hurts to define them. These men are so confident in Christ. They have crucified the world and its desires and the greatest example of this came on our last day when they said goodbye. “We say goodbye for now. We know we will meet again. Either in South Sudan when you come to do training or in the Kingdom of heaven.” The confidence with which they said these words made me weep.
This is why cross-cultural partnerships are essential for the life and health of the Body of Christ. This is why going on short-term mission trips can be so valuable for discipleship. Interacting with these men this week has exposed some things in my own heart. Misconceptions and false assumptions. The pride and privilege I live with as a wealthy, educated, white, western church leader. These men model the very definition of humility. They teach me so much about true faith. Their witness forces me to ask some hard questions. Forces me to face my fears and insecurities. Forces me to re-evaluate how and why I lead the way I do.
As we waved goodbye to Martin and Ishag, I found myself wondering just when we might see them again. I found myself beginning to beg God for the opportunity to go and share in their sufferings with them. And I truly hope God opens the door soon!