Sudan Trip (under the radar)

[Hoot]

Well I kinda have hit a snag but if the Lord is really behind this he will make it possible.

Now I have contacted VOM and they have sent me a contact in the Sudan. I was hoping for the World Vision group but unless I take a training mission first they will not back the Sudan effort even though the Sudan trip is almost totally funded.

[Keith Humphrey]

I know a couple who regularly make trips to the Sudan. You might want to contact them.

Servant's Heart

[Hoot]

Keith,

Thanks for that lead. I talked to Diane today. Her husband just got back from there.

I have to shed a few pounds and sign my life away ( literally) but I think this may be the one. Of course I'll have to pray about it. The way I have to go will be "under the radar" so just another sign to me that this is from YHWH.
The funds that the Lord is able to provide through me will open 8 new schools and fund them for 5 years. That would be a blessing to not only the Sudaneese but to Diane and myself.
I have a paypal donation link on my website if anyone would like to donate for this mission. All funds will be used for the people of Sudan. It would be great if we had enough funds to dig a couple of wells on this trip to. I will cover my own expenses for the trip.

Just think 8 schools= 10,000 new students. All learning to read, write, basic hygiene, agriculture,
digging water wells and learning about Yeshua and the Bible.
Thats what I'm talking about...serving the Lord, spreadin the Word.....YHWH saving his children!

This is a great day, cause our Lord made it!

[Keith Humphrey]

That's wonderful. The Dinka and other Christian tribes in Sudan are a people who are in the process of establishing their own new Christian nation, and overcoming tremendous obstacles by the grace of God. I’ve long wanted to share in some way in what is going on over there. I think whatever investment you can make will reap eternal rewards. I would appreciate hearing how things go, if I could get signed up for a newsletter or something. I have been following the ministry of Servant's Heart for several years, and I think it is doing a great work. Their latest newsletter (just released today) is attached.

[markrs]

I believe I have followed my own advice before responding to this particular post. I hesitated to respond to this topic, but I can’t help but express my thoughts in the hope others might benefit. I hope I don’t get banned or booted off CE for this?

While I’m all for the propagation of the Gospel and the urgent need to declare it to the world, I get a bit upset when I hear folks talk about, “going to such and such a place and doing this and that.” While it is a valiant endeavor, I believe it’s misdirected.

Why do I say that?

(1) Because it makes me upset that many see the “needs” of other countries yet ignore our needs here at home. Are there none in this country we can help? Have we done everything to help our own first before we go to others? Why are we so quick to run to another country when there’s a great need in our own?

(2) One of the popular Scriptures, Matthew 25:31-46, is used to justify helping others (even extending to other countries) has been wrongly interpreted. Everyone thinks they should run around and help every person they see. Now, don’t get me wrong I’m all for helping people and I do. But what is misapplied is “who” we are to help.

In context Jesus is speaking about the end time, the Kingdom of heaven, his return on the last day, and the final judgment. He speaks about His glorious return and the judgment that follows in v.31. This is commonly referred to as the “Great White Throne” judgment the cross reference proof is Revelation 20:11-15.

However, notice after listing the “good deeds” in vss. 35-39 He says in verse 40 the following.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Notice the words “…one of the least of these my brethren” This is, I believe, want is overlooked by many in attempting to justify universal charity. Here it is again “least of these my brethren” And who is Jesus’ brethren? He tells us in Mark 3:35.

“For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”

Moreover, further evidence of this fact is shown in Galatians 6:10.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
 
There are many other passages that confirm this point, but for brevity I have listed the above. The point is very clear from the Scriptures that we MUST be attending to our brethren first and foremost. Let me say again, before I get shot with arrows, I’m not against giving and helping others, but we MUST as commanded by the Holy Scriptures help our brethren first. I know of many brothers and sisters really struggling, some maybe on this forum, and need genuine help. However, instead we go to another country (as if we don’t need the help here at home) and help folks that are not even Christians. What a shame and disgrace.

[Keith Humphrey]

It is precisely because these Sudanese are the poor and persecuted Christians of the world, that we should help them first, before we would think to assist the unwashed heathen in these United States.

You must be thinking of Darfur or something. We are not talking about providing relief to Muslims. These are Christian tribes in the upper Blue Nile region that have endured genocidal persecution by Muslims for decades, and have been fighting for their own independence. The work of Servant's Heart is bringing Bibles to persecuted Christian pastors, and providing a Christian education to poor villagers, as well as helping with immediate health needs, food and water, and things like that. Before you comment, at least look a little bit into what we are talking about. Did you read the newsletter attached above?

[markrs]

Keith, your joking right? You don't think there isn't any poor or persecuted Christians here in America?

Keith, it is the general modern day practice of going to other countries and the heathens instead of America and Christians here first that I was pointing out. As I said I'm all for helping others, but the question has to be asked--have we helped the "family" here at home first?

[Hoot]

Marks,

Did you talk to my pastor before you posted lol. He says the same thing as you. He has had many a door shut in his face in our community.
We have churches on almost every corner, TV preachers, Christian websites, Christian music ...etc
Yes there is a need here in America. When was the last time you talked to a lost person about our Saviour?
We sit in our pews, in front of the TV or behind a computer screen and talk about what needs to be done but very few actually do anything.

Look at the U.S. goverment, is it there fault that they are so corrupt and power hungry? Not entirely IMHO. We are to blame for the most part. Again we do alot of lip service but we have the power and constitional rights to stop it yet we do nothing.

OK lets say we don't go to Africa or any other nation that needs to hear about Yeshua and the Bible.
That means that when they die they go to HELL That means that while there still on this earth they have no hope or peace.
If Paul had not come to the gentiles where would you be today?

Case in point; Just today I get a forwarded e-mail from a friend of a friend whom is in New Benin, West Africa. This is from Mathew Fleck ( Missionary in country) dated Thursday, October 12th.

"What a paradox-no running water or toilets and only electricity along the costal cities, but the Lord provided a means of communication. PTL!

Roughly 725 people have given their life to Christ these past few weeks. A village elder asked me:
how long have you known about this one true God who sent his Son into the world?
Through my translator, I told him that Americans have known about Jesus Christ for about 200+ years. The man's reply knocked the wind out of me, when he said: why has it taken you so long to come and tell our people?

The race belongs to the runners, to those willing to be "doers" of the Word, using the words of James. Be encouraged today and persevere to run the race for which God has called you. Yes, be strong and very courageous, but get out there and advance the Kingdom of God. If God is for you, who can be aginst you? A lost world of sinful humanity are dying to hear from God's messengers.
Don't let them perish, "go" forth now and make some disciples in the name of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ, somewhere between the oil delta of Nigeria and the Ivory Coast of Togo. Please pray for traveling mercies as my team of 11 treks toward the coastal airport where, God willing, we will fly out on October 14 in the early morning hours.

To God be the glory,

Matt"


I cannot sit here and not try to help these people Markrs! If the Lord has not convicted you to help others well, that's between you and Yeshua. I turn my back on Yeshua enough as it is. Not this time....get behind me      .

Today is a great day, cause our Lord made it.

[Hoot]

Markrs said: However, instead we go to another country (as if we don’t need the help here at home) and help folks that are not even Christians. What a shame and disgrace.



"and help folks that are not even Christians"



I wasn't a Christian 2 1/2 years ago. Does that mean I wasn't worth helping? Just whom are we to spread the word to Markrs? Who in this world isn't struggling? You think having money takes the struggles away? I have been blessed with money yet I struggled for over 2 years whether I was actually saved! I still struggle.
Every Christian in this world is my brother and sister, not just my American neighbors!

I have many cheeks Markrs. I agree that many times I am shameful before God, but to help others that are lost and need the basic needs of life I will not be a disgrace!
 

Today is a great day, cause our Lord made it and I stand with Yeshua!!!

[Keith Humphrey]

I think what you are doing is great, and I would appreciate any news you would be willing to share from your trip. I believe the poor and persecuted Christians of Africa are among those lesser brethren of Christ that we should consider part of our household of faith.

[Jan H]

Jumping in with response even though thread may be long dead; I rarely hit the board.

What you are doing sounds wonderful and sincere. My best wishes and blessings in your endeavor.

In response, however, to the questions:

(1) Because it makes me upset that many see the “needs” of other countries yet ignore our needs here at home. Are there none in this country we can help? Have we done everything to help our own first before we go to others? Why are we so quick to run to another country when there’s a great need in our own?

I have comments made by some of my Christian friends as we discussed the mission trips to third-world countries our church undertakes. Most of the long-time mission trip participants openly stated that they went on foreign mission trips because:

• they were so welcomed by the people;
• every act was appreciated; and
• the money and actions went so far in making a difference.

These trips were sometimes chosen over trying to make a difference in America because here oftentimes you face "ungrateful" disadvantaged who don't want your "charity," who yell and call you names and even assault you, or who even grab what you offer and complain "why isn't there more?", that it is not what they wanted or not "good enough." So the simple acceptance of anything by third-world disadvantaged and their obvious gratefulness is a powerful draw. Wonder if others have found the same.