When Mission Opportunity Knocks Mission to the Sudanese Good Shepherd, Omaha, NE
Who am I? Pastor Michael Ewart Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School Omaha, NE 2007-Present Missionary in Russia (near Novosibirsk in Siberia) 1995-2007
Who am I? Pastor Michael Ewart Born in St. Louis, MO. Raised in Cincinnati, OH until 5 th grade, then Broken Arrow, OK. Attended WELS grade school through 8 th grade. Attended High School at NELHS Graduated from Northwestern College in Watertown, WI Graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI
Who am I? Pastor Michael Ewart Husband to Jenny Father of six Daniel Nathan Anna Jonathan Julia Micah
Why am I here? To give you examples of... God s grace The Gospel s power To provide you with opportunities... Opportunities to pray Opportunities to support
Sudanese People and Culture Getting to know our brothers and sisters
Where in the world is South Sudan?
Where in the world is South Sudan?
Where in the world is South Sudan?
Sudan (Before secession) The biggest Country in Africa with an area of 1 million sq.m. and a population of almost 40 million The Nile, world s longest river, divides the country east and west sides Ancient and rich history as one of the oldest cradles of civilization (Kush Dynasty) Multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country. (Some 133 languages and several hundred dialects.)
Sudan (Before secession) Region predominantly rural with herding and agriculture as the main sources of livelihood North mostly Muslims who identify themselves as Arabs South is populated by people of African origins who are mostly Christians or followers of traditional beliefs with a few Muslims.
Timeline 1955 1972: First Civil War 1972- Peace agreement between North and South Sudan signed in the Ethiopian capital. 1983- General Nimeri abrogated the agreement and imposed strict Islamic Shari a code in the Northern and Southern parts of the country 1983 2005 Second Civil War
Timeline (cont d) 1989- A coup led by Colonel Omar Al Bashir toppled the elected government. National Islamic Front to power. War in the South intensified under the new regime which initiated the Islamic concept of Jihad against the southern Sudanese people 2003- Darfur violence erupted
Timeline (cont d) 2005- Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed with the provision for a vote for South Sudan independence 6 years later. Jan. 2011 South Sudan Referendum conducted. Over 98% voted for independence. July 9, 2011: South Sudan became an officially recognized country.
The Toll Since 1983, war and famine have taken the lives of 2 million people. Just since 2005, 200,000 400,000 have been killed and 2.5 million displaced. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese fled the country and lived in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya.
The Southern Sudan Area about on third of the total area of the Sudan Border region between South and North 1200 miles (longest in Africa) Population about 8 million Multi-ethnic and multi-religious with Christianity as the dominant religion.
The Southern Sudan Official language is English but there are local languages and colloquial Arabic is widely spoken Rich in natural resources including oil. Southern Sudan produces about 80% of the Sudanese oil output. South Sudan is one of the poorest countries and may have the worst health situation in the world
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace Flight for safety 1993 many Sudanese flee to US as refugees 2000 Census New York, Detroit, Des Moines Since 2006 Omaha, NE 10,000 Sudanese refugees currently living in Omaha
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace Some Key Dates November 2010 An interesting guest at worship January 2011 Bible Information Class July 2011 Confirmation Sunday September 2011 First Nuer Service July 2012 Initial Funding Received. PSI Program Begins
Pastor Studies Institute
Pastor Studies Institute
Pastor Studies Institute
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace Some Challenges The older generation a struggle with English The older generation a struggle with American culture The older generation their hearts are in the Sudan The younger generation a struggle with identity The younger generation a struggle with crime The younger generation their hearts are in America
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace God s Grace and the Power of the Gospel Adult Confirmations Youth Confirmations Baptisms Nuer Services English Services Ongoing Bible Classes Pastoral Studies Institute Outreach and Evangelism
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace Opportunities to Support Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Omaha, NE Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Pastoral Studies Institute WELS Board for Home Missions Sudanese Outreach
From a Place of Persecution To a Place of Peace Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20