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A letter from Jacob and Aliamma George serving in South Sudan

May 2015 - Daily Encounters

Psalm 92:13-15: “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

Aliamma teaching kids on the Wiseman's house that stood firm.

 

Telling the Congregation the heart of the lesson from Sunday School.

 

One family getting back home after Worship service on Sunday.

 

A Mother wants to show her Art-Work,standing in-front of her house in the Camp.

 

Two young teachers were trained for Sunday School.

 

Jacob preaching in Refugee Camp Church.

 

Aliamma and Jacob walking to bus station.

On a hot afternoon, while coming back from the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, Juba, we got down at the bus station and were walking home. There is a small shopping area where we can get some open-air groceries, bread, and a stall where two ladies fry chicken pieces on a makeshift stove on the floor. So we stopped by to buy some chicken pieces to bring home and modify for our lunch since there were no seating arrangements in that particular area. While turning back to go to the road, we saw a man sitting on the dusty ground, blocking us. He had his loose shirt covering the lower part of his body completely while he held out open arms. It is a common sight here due to fighting, war and accidents and no orthopedic surgery or treatment available. We thought he did not have legs and needed money to buy his lunch. Jacob put lunch money in his open hands. The man suddenly got up on his feet with a smiling face—a healthy, tall and happy-looking man. I (Aliamma) asked, “Do you think that God is happy to see this drama, when he gave you good legs and health to shine for Him?”  “No, but I cannot get any job” the man answered in English.

There were about ten people looking and listening. I said: “Look at these ladies—one is carrying a baby inside, almost getting ready for delivery—look at all these people, they are working very hard, and you too can use the ability God has given to you. Do you want to ask Jesus to forgive you for this behavior?” He said, “Yes.” He repeated the prayer of confession and asked God to change his lifestyle. He made a decision to live as an example for others and also prayed for a job. We had an effective conversation. It was like a prayer meeting or convention, many bystanders participating. He was ready to follow us, but we told him that he needed to stay around and show that he is able to do hard work, at least picking up the empty cans and plastic bottles around there. Then they will call him for work, especially when the lady goes on maternity leave and introduces him to the store people. We did not see him later but assume he started working somewhere.

We want to tell you about Mr. E, who sat in a small Ethiopian grocery store that belongs to his friend. We had dealings with him for a couple of days and introduced Christ and His power to this man. He was discouraged about finding a job as a nurse in Ethiopia or here in South Sudan. He had completed the three-year diploma course, but that is not sufficient at this time; a degree is required to get a professional job. He had lost hope, but we could instill hope in him through the Word of God. One day he told us he had only a prayer book and not a Bible. We took a Bible to him with important promises noted on a piece of paper. This was the first time he had seen the promises in the Bible. After listening to us, he applied for jobs in two places. Two weeks later we went through that street and found that the shop was closed, and then after a few days a neighbor told us he had gotten a new job and left.

When we go out of our apartment we pray that God will help us to transform at least one person, and God gives multiple chances. The next place was amazing: One man came and said, “Please give me the same quarterly devotional book and the Bible that you gave to my friend. We fight for them in our complex among six of us.” We took them Bibles and devotionals and they were very happy. The manager received them with both hands, bowing his head. We could tell many more stories like this.

We have tried to be “salt and light” here in South Sudan, and now it seems that we are being called to be that “salt and light” elsewhere. As this letter was ready, we received the news from World Mission that we must end our service in South Sudan at the end of this year due to lack of money to continue our support. With permission from World Mission, we will be going home so that our apartment rent, visa, registration, and other expenses can be avoided. Our responsibility as “salt and light” in the world has not ended, and we will continue to spread the good news. It seems that as the needs of the World have grown, World Mission’s resources have not kept pace. Due to shortfalls in contributions in 2014, World Mission is facing the tragic action of having to recall up to 45 mission co-workers over the next two years. We hope you will continue to support the ministries of Presbyterian World Mission co-workers around the world. Please consider an ongoing gift if you have not contributed yet this year. TOGETHER we have been part of God’s working through Presbyterian World Mission to build God’s Reign of love, peace, and justice for many generations around the world.

We are thankful to the PC(USA), to World Mission, to all our different supporters, prayer partners, family, friends, and home congregations. The seeds we put in will germinate for the Kingdom of God.

Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love the LORD, who are called according to his purpose.”   

Blessings,
Aliamma and Jacob

The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 139
Read more about Jacob and Aliamma George's ministry

Write to Jacob George
Write to Aliamma George
Individuals: Give online to E200480 for Jacob and Aliamma George's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507544 for Jacob and Aliamma George's sending and support

Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).

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