A Day Not Forgotten

(Nov. 2004)

Often in the west, we find our days passing by one unto another. It seems as though the meaning of each day is lost. Yet in Sudan, each day is remains unique. This day was no exception…

The day started the same as any other. I awoke as the sun began to rise with the roosters reminding me to get up. I went to have a morning bath by splashing water on myself from a small basin, as is the local custom. After getting cleaned up, my Sudanese and American friends and I enjoyed a cup of tea before setting out on the day’s tasks.

A couple of days earlier, I arrived leading a group of 5 young volunteers from ITAM (It Took a Miracle) along with an American photojournalist. This was their second time in Sudan and they were there to assist with the educational and discipleship needs of the area. Once on the ground, we offloaded tons of food and educational materials, including textbooks, stationary, backpacks, and 5 bicycles. With minimal complications, we were able to get the materials distributed and begin our Teacher Training Seminar that went on through the week.

The seminar was well attended by 30 primary school teachers from 23 schools throughout the county. On this particular morning, Billy Edmonds, who is the team leader from ITAM, taught the first session emphasizing the need for discipleship. I continued the teaching throughout the day focusing on Biblical principles of education and curriculum development. At about noon, we took a break for a pleasant lunch of rice and beans and then continued with our teaching.

Toward the early evening, we heard the sound of mourning in the distance, so we went to inquire. When we arrived at the site, the county commissioner along with a number of other community leaders were there to mourn the death of a well know girl of the village. She was twelve, and had died from sleeping sickness. Sleeping sickness is a disease that one gets from the painful bite of the common Tsetse fly. This disease causes one to go crazy and then eventually die. However getting treated isn’t easy. One has to be carefully monitored during some of the advanced treatment or it could be fatal. This girl had died during the treatment. I sat with them watching the young girl’s sister walking in and out of an empty hut with her hands on her head. Crying out she would say: “Why have you left us behind? Why will I not see you again?”

It’s difficult to see people die at such an early age. Yet in Sudan, it happens often. The mortality rate of young people there is high. One of the assistants of ours had 10 children. Four of them are living. Malaria claimed the lives of the other six.

There is another disease in the area that is claiming the lives of many children. It is called the “nodding disease”. The cause of this disease is not known nor has a cure been found, although it is currently being researched. The nodding disease only affects children and causes them to begin nodding rapidly before collapsing into unconsciousness. After a few years, the child eventually dies. I once observed a girl who collapsed from this disease while I was teaching Sunday School. I also met at the hospital an 8-year old girl named Surah, who has nodding disease. She was at the hospital because she collapsed and fell into the fire causing severe burns. Although she has suffered tremendously, she continues to display a beautiful personality and a cheerful spirit. Yet if there isn’t a cure for this disease found soon, she won’t see the age of 14.

After a long time of sitting with those who suffered greatly that day, I began walking back to the compound. The afternoon clouds had built up darkening the sky. The village was unusually quite. The quiet sound of a deep loss. Events like these cannot leave one unchanged. I certainly was no exception.

“Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.” John 11:33

The next week, we moved to the other side of the river near the hospital. There we continued to do child evangelism and discipleship training. The hospital staff works overtime trying to meet the great demand for medical attention. It is one of the only hospitals in the region. On an average month, with only few in staff, they treat over 3000 patients and perform about 120 surgeries.

A good friend of mine in the hospital is a nurse doing the anesthesia. She’s somewhere in her 70’s (she won’t tell me her age) and has been there since 1997. After many years of working with another mission in Kenya, they forced her to retire because she was too old. Not willing to do so, she joined the Samaritan’s Purse and has been working with them in Sudan ever since. She’s suffered from every disease under the sun including malaria and hepatitis, and yet she continues to persevere with great joy. Her testimony always encourages me and reminds me that this work is the Lord’s and He uses us in spite of and in our weakness.

When we departed the country, we left behind over 1000 Dinka New Testaments for the church to distribute. I must admit, of the many groups that Frontline has lead into Sudan, the group from ITAM were by far the best. They covered all their own expenses including the flights; they tolerated well the harsh Sudan climate, and made an extended effort to build relationships with the Sudanese. It is a privilege to work with people with their dedication.

Please pray for them and for us as we continue to labor in the field. Pray also for the hospital staff and the research being done on the “nodding disease”. Thank you for the fervent prayers offered and continued support. May the Lord guide you in all your ways bring Him the glory.

Pro Rege,

Timothy Keller

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26