South Sudan
Nursa stood, facing the congregation of her fellow believers who had gathered for an evening service in Juba, South Sudan.
“God is Good,” she reminded them, and she illuminated how He’d been good to her personally.
Nursa, a widow, attended the SALT Financial training ITMI’s Steve Evers and Kent Reisenauer gave earlier this year, through the ministry of our South Sudanese partner, Vicky Waraka.
ITMI's Steve Evers and Vicky Waraka teach the SALT Financial training in Juba, South Sudan.
Trainees intent on the truths they are learning.
Nursa’s worldview regarding material goods and finances were changed completely.
At the workshop, she gained an understanding of the Biblical principle of stewardship and began to change her habits and everyday decisions. She began using her resources in obedience to Jesus.
That’s when amazing things began to happen.
For two weeks after the workshop, whenever she boarded the bus, someone would offer to pay her fare! Others had given her needed utensils and clothing to replace her worn garments.
Then, a distant family member gifted her 10,000 SSP! She had never dreamt of holding so much money in her life.
Before, she probably would have squandered the gift. Instead, she applied what Steve and Vicky taught her and started a small retail business.
Nursa shared that the venture is faring quite well and gave God credit for the abundant blessings she has received. She knows she didn’t earn it.
She is thankful for Vicky’s ministry introducing her to the Biblical truths that opened ways for her to receive those blessings.
Nursa is thankful for Vicky's ministry.
Nursa’s exhort for the congregation was, “to always open up and tell all their problems to God.”
Vicky summarized,
“Like Nusra, when we stop leaning on our own understanding and begin to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, He surely will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).”
Nursa didn’t know it, but she’s thankful for you, too.
You sent Steve and Kent to South Sudan. You helped Vicky make her home safe and livable for her and the 5 orphans she has taken in.
You stand behind Vicky, helping her serve the needy every day.
I do mean every day.
Vicky meets with people for gospel counseling 7 days a week. Some of them seek her out through the church, and some she meets through community outreaches.
But all of them receive the gift of Vicky’s unshakeable faith in the Lord and are gently and compassionately guided to the truth.
How Vicky’s Ministry is So Effective at Meeting Needs in South Sudan
Seventy-nine-year-old Eli of Juba, South Sudan had tried to get medical help. He didn’t find relief from his ulcer. Or the chest pain. He was struggling with the normal tasks of everyday life.
The sleepless nights weren’t helping.
Vicky and her team met Eli while doing routine visits to the elderly in their community.
Sitting down with this gentle and faithful woman is a beautiful blend of counseling and evangelism. Beginning with a person’s struggles, she skillfully shows the people she meets with how Jesus is the tangible answer to their real problems.
The aging man was glad to receive them in his home. The visit showed care and concern for what he’s facing. No other Christian ministry had visited him.
As they sat with him, the team listened as Eli shared his story and how he’d been grappling with poor health.
Vicky read the Bible and prayed with Eli and his children. She and her team walked him through the process of forgiving those who have hurt him.
Vicky reads to Eli from the Bible.
Then they asked him to confess his sin. Eli confessed and agreed to fully surrender his life and troubles to the Lord.
Eli and his family took communion with their guests.
Now, as the head of a household with renewed faith and commitment to Jesus, he waits hopefully for more opportunities to testify to the goodness of the Lord in his life.
Eli remembers Christ through communion.
Eli's children take communion.
Thank you for helping Vicky spread the Good News in South Sudan!
