What? Who is just behind that hill? About a week ago, I had a bit of an adventure. Comming back from our headquarters to my sub-base I happened to find out that a group of Ugandan rebels were about two miles away. Later I found they probably were closer. The group in question was apart of the LRA or Lords Resistance Army. Needless to say, I reported the groups wherabouts to our headquarters and made my way quickly back to our sub-base. On the way, I met the chief of our local town comming out with some armed men to check on the report. We filled him in on what we had heard and kept going. Later on a troop of soldiers were despatched to make sure the LRA group left the area. I and my small team remained at our base till everthing was clear and we recieved reports from the authorities that all was ok. However, the incident kept us on our toes and reminded me of the dangers that are still very real here.
Also, recently a mine went off right on a hill in the town I live in. This reminds me of the very real danger of mines around this area. During the war, the area I work in was heavily mined. I pass deminning crews every day as I go visit the churches we work with.
As peace lasts longer, the united front against the North starts to get tested from the factions within. Old disputes and rivalries are rekindled and I have seen the effects of some of this in my travels here. Also, difficulties from the outside remain. The LRA for instance. Also, the trouble in Kenya has shown the dependance the South has on Uganda, which is dependent on Kenya. South Sudan felt the effects of the Kenyan trouble through increased prices on imports like petrol and diesel; which in turn sent up the price of some of the imported products. Fortunatley, this impact does not seem to be very long lasting. There is much that needs to be done in South Sudan and many outside companies are hesitant to come in because of fear the fighting will resume. According to some church officials I have met, many buisnesses are waiting for the 2011 referendum, to see if war returns. This is the point at which the south will vote to remain or remove themselves from Sudan, thus becoming a seperate country. Many here fear that such a vote will never be allowed to happen.
In our compound, we are replacing our fence. Part of it had fallen down last December, but we are making good progress on replacing it. I also have several other projects I would like to do in the comming weeks in Lainya. One of which would be to build a ladder up the side of our shower to the crest tanks that sit on top. The ladder would be about twenty five to thirty feet tall. I am also looking at building a small room on the side of our house for visitors when they come.
The work goes well, the churches are seeing a lot of volunteers comming out to help collect resources and build the blocks for the church. We have construction crews comming out now to start building the eight churches that are ready. When the construction crews come again, we should have even more churches ready to build then this time.
My friends, I thank you for your prayer support of the ministry out here. The work is a real encouragment to the people here. I have been told so many times, by pastors and congregations, to thank the people supporting this ministry. Since your prayers support this ministry, let me pass their thanks to you.
May the Lord who is perfect in all he does, guide you, encourage you and bless you this day.
Adam Lewis
Prayer requests
1. Continue praying for safety, as we are reminded about the dangers in this country from Landmines, rebels, drunk soldiers, etc.
2. Continue to pray for the spiritual development of the workers at my sub-base. Also pray for my and the other SP personel's spiritual development.
3. Pray that all the churches find the volunteers they need to finish the work set before them.
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