Last week Bishop Bismark, Gilbert (Church Development Coordinator), and I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Juba on Christian Approach to Economic Development. It was facilitated by Chris Sugden and Vinay Samuel who have worked and written extensively on Christian development issues based on their experience in India. The conference was too short, but full of excellent material on Christian foundations for real long-term, self-sustaining development. We were reminded that international aid is an important factor, especially during Sudan’s post-war rehabilitation phase, but that it is vital in the long-run for the Sudanese themselves to take the initiative, to work hard, and to rebuild a vibrant economy. Only then can the church be truly self-sustaining. An Indian banker / businessman / micro-enterprise developer noted that all the overwhelming needs in Sudan should be viewed as economic opportunities. Pray for wisdom for the church and for us as missionary partners to have wisdom in how to put into practice real gospel-centered, sustainable approaches to development.
This was also my first visit to Juba. I was expecting total chaos as Juba, the capital city for the new Government of Souther Sudan, has grown rapidly into a city of over a million people. However I was actually pleasantly surprised at the newly paved roads, new culture / convention center, airport, river port, variety of businesses, markets, hotels, and restaurants. Given all the challenges in Sudan, Juba city the development in Juba is actually quite impressive. We continue to pray for lasting peace and justice so that Southern Sudan can have an opportunity to develop and escape the trap of poverty. Pray that we would have a realistic, but gospel-centered hopeful perspective to be able to see all the challenges in Sudan as opportunities.
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