Waiting at the threshold

10 years ago this week, I arrived Yei for the first time, led by Pastor Stanley Lo-Nathan; with whom I’ve continued to partner in South Sudan till now. Thanks to God for this son of peace.

By the unforgettable miraculous financial provision from covenant friends, Matt and Natalie, and the unexpected invite from my friend Greg Ford, to join him and others on the mission trip to Bazi in late June 2005, my family and I began an incredible journey with God.

This journey has gifted us the wonderful opportunity to know God better, midwife a good number of births in the Kingdom of Christ, help some discover their purpose and create a platform for some to serve.

As we plough and swing the sickle with like-minded friends and partners, it’s an exhilarating feeling to see people’s life changed for good, on account of our ministry. What a privilege to tread this path!

Though the need beyond is greater, our ministry has remained within the confines of this fast growing town called Yei. Reaching the children,  the youth, especially students and teachers, has been our key strategy.

The future we envision will be harnessed from the classrooms to the boardrooms; from the playgrounds to the prayer houses, from the cell-groups to peer-groups, from the church to the street corners… markets and mountians.

We are at the threshold of the next big thing.

Land.

Land related issues rank among the top three challenges bedeviling the nation of South Sudan. Acquiring a sizable piece is hardly without small to major complications, especially for foreigners. At the root of the challenge is what Prof Zac Fomum of blessed memory on his first visit here in 2007 referred to as darkness.

This simple but profound explanation, with respect to South Sudan has continued to fan the flames of my enthusiasm as I pray and plot our move. As complicated as darkness is, it has one solution- Light.

We are at the threshold of lighting up from a small corner in South Sudan in a more permanent way. Consultations with concerned parties are on-going. It’s been hard, so hard getting here and the waiting time is excruciatingly torturous, especially now.

There’s a civil war raging in some parts of South Sudan now, even as we celebrate independence today. Millions have been displaced and thousands killed since 15th December 2013. Situations like this could equal what Jesus referred to in Luke 22:53 as “their hour” and “the power of darkness”. But how God uses such moments for His benefit is what we live for. We wait in anticipation of daylight breaking forth.

While marking time at this threshold, I’ve examined the challenges some have had, when it seemed their appointed march into divine destiny was put on hold.

I saw Abraham willing to settle for Ishmael when the waiting time for Isaac didn’t make sense. Israel replaced Jehovah with a golden calf in the wilderness while Moses tarried on the mountain. Samuel delayed and King Saul puts forth the offerings and lost more than his kingship.

A measure of selfishness  was underscored in the above examples with respect to their quest. I’ve paused several times to query my own intentions. Why am I passionate about this move? Is it truly for God’s glory or for my ego? Would I feel undone if God keeps me waiting at this door that is obviously open and yet He says, “…wait there”?

Embracing God’s will as one waits with indifference is a new lesson I’m chewing on. Indifference or detachment, according to St. Ignatius of Loyola does not suggest lethargy or disinterest but being surrendered to God regardless the outcome of what’s hoped for. Is this what being still and acknowledging He is God involves?

Our faith is on trial and we know it. He’s asking, “Will you trust me?” How will we respond? With joyful abandon, singing Yes LORD with every step and stop or with complaints, grudges and cynicism, endlessly asking, how, why and when LORD?

Growing in intimacy with God is more important than running ministry schedules, meeting deadlines and making profit. Our character is His primary project. Oh that He gets what He’s working at in me!! Moses needed 40years to acquire a rod and lots more. What is your season of waiting teaching/gifting you?

Are you waiting for something, someone, some feedback, news…, that could potentially change your course of living? What has been your disposition to waiting, to delays? Are you hearing God on the issue? How has your patience paid off? Or did you settle for the alternative?

We covet the prayers of those that understand this season in our life. Knowing we’ll all be tested here at sometime in our kingdom journey, we’d be happy to learn from your experience and soar with your prayers.