Ethiopia #3: Orphan Sunday and church growth
by Frank Dimmock
It was such a joy to share in worship with South Sudanese Presbyterians of the Biathin congregation in Gambella on Sunday, 10 November. One hundred thirty-five adults and MANY children were present. It was “Orphan Sunday”, and I shared a message from James chapter 1. First, we focused on faith and the tests of faith -- then the final verse where it is clear what is acceptable to God. That is, “to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”
This particular part of Christ’s Body certainly understands the challenges of widows and orphans. Many of the refugee women are widows or were separated from their husbands (and don’t know where they are or if they are alive) when they fled South Sudan. The six refugee camps in the region contain over 400,000 refugees, more than 80% of whom are women and children. Some reports estimate that more than 23,000 of those children crossed into Ethiopia as unaccompanied or separated from family, making them orphans by definition. The Outreach Foundation has been working with local congregations, to address the pain of their trauma and provide preschool education and literacy training while they are in the camps.
It is always inspiring to see how the churches have grown and continue to provide a community safety net for those who are struggling. There are now over 150 Presbyterian congregations, 45 parishes and 53 ordained pastors sharing the Gospel and bringing hope to many fellow refugees. The Outreach Foundation has also provided roofing materials for churches, like the one at Center 1 congregation in Kule camp.
Together these congregations are part of a displaced Presbyterian denomination. Many church members fled the violence in South Sudan in December 2013 and reached safety in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. It has been a challenge for the leadership in Juba (South Sudan) to know where and how many members they actually have. Please pray that the current cease-fire will hold. Please pray that peace will return to South Sudan and especially that families and the church can be reunited.
Please continue your support of The Outreach Foundation to “Rebuild Hope in South Sudan.” Our brothers and sisters in the refugee camps around South Sudan remain faithful and hopeful despite the delays. Let’s be “Joshua” to their “Moses” – lifting and strengthening their hands for the good work of the Gospel. And let us wait and watch, with expectation and joy, for what the Lord will do.
Blessings,
Frank