Ministry in Sudan Progressing Despite Lack of Security

Media Advisory: April 28, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Although Sudan's recent first democratic elections in 24 years unfolded relatively peacefully, troubled areas of the country still struggle with lack of infrastructure and security. For the American, Kenyan, and Sudanese staff of Mango Ministries, outreach continues despite challenges.

Mango Ministries, an outreach of World Gospel Mission (WGM) and the Africa Gospel Church, focuses on assisting mission hospitals, training church leaders, and promoting community health and development in South Sudan. The multidisciplinary and multicultural team utilizes a community-based, participatory approach.

"We want to empower communities in South Sudan to live with dignity and with the hope of Jesus Christ," said Dennis Johnson, WGM's vice president of International Ministries.

The Mango Ministries team has identified target areas to begin community development, but uncertain security has stalled the process. According to Johnson, security is a main concern and hindrance to the team's progress. One of the team's focuses is pastoral training, and follow- up to training sessions has been difficult due to the unstable area.

"If all remains calm, staff will hold a follow-up seminar in several weeks," said Joy Philips, missionary to Sudan. "The churches in Sudan have great needs, and we're excited about the open invitation we've had to help train and mentor pastors."

Visiting medical teams have also had a significant impact. One team from Tenwek Hospital in Kenya performed eye operations and enabled 101 people to see. The team shared the gospel with patients through Bible storytelling, an approach that has proven effective in many Third-World countries.

Mango Ministries welcomes volunteers and short-term missionaries with skills in development, church empowerment, and medicine. Job descriptions for positions on the Mango Ministries team are available at www.wgm.org/sudan.