Prayer letter/email August 2008

Matthew K. Lovelace
August 10th, 2008-08-08


Malachi 3: 16-17 “ Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and
the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence
concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. They will be mine,
says the Lord Almighty, in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will
spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you
will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between the those who serve God and those who do not.”


“ I the Lord do not change.” This morning my heart chooses to believe this. My mind and emotions would rebel otherwise. I trust that a sovereign almighty Lord is unchanging in his character and nature. That our Savior does distinguish the unrighteous and imposters from the righteous and committed. That despite the hurt and pain, even to His own children and followers, we are still His “ treasured possessions.” He will make this earth right someday.

This truth covers me with hope when the reality of experiences in Africa demonstrates otherwise. Life here in Africa, and specifically the Sudan, is harsh and raw. Over the last several weeks I’ve experienced first hand how devastating the effects of AIDS, disease, cruelty and people are. So often I receive prayer letters, glance at the opening scripture passage quickly then really focus on the meat of the missionaries stories and work. So I feel a little funny writing out scripture on my own here… but these verses from Malachi were exactly what I needed to read this morning.

Forgive me for having been away from internet contact lately, bad connections lately in Torit and then a good portion of my short trip to Arua, Uganda followed by Kampala were spent recovering from repeated bouts with malaria, parasites, and lots of other fun, friendly and endearing protozoa. When in doubt apparently go to a local, though notable, Kampala medical clinic and take lots and lots of blue pills! They did wonders for me. On a serious note though I cannot say strongly enough that there have been several illness bouts and some physical issues that have cleared up over time; Very thankful for His healing power.

News from the school: The Sudan examinations have begun, so Kyle and I are “busy” supervising hundreds of young men and women taking their end term tests. This may last several weeks…then a short break followed by a return to classes in late August. It’s been a difficult road for me at the school, I am floored by the opportunity to be in a secular school system in the Sudan ( all the Lord’s action ) and to have another AIM missionary join me, Kyle Kemp, and see him interact and grow at the school is truly the Lord’s handiwork. Quite often I feel the weight of being a pioneering missionary in allowing the Lord to use me as a ‘ foundation.’ Teaching at the Torit Secondary School though in regards to my actual teaching and input at the school has been minimal at best. A large portion of my time in Torit has been far more centered on building relationships this past year…wow, yeah, almost a year. Any measurable, tangible vocation has been set aside for this purpose I pray and trust. It’s been a remarkable nearly one year so far.

Some other developments:

The local Bible studies which were taking place with the nearby Kenyan laborers has come to a stop. The Lopii company that hired the men have closed their operations in Torit. That short time with these great guys have made me far more aware even now of the need to train and equip as ‘ we do not know the day nor hour.”

Forming a Scripture Union at the secondary school is taking time. A local Sudanese ministry official is helping push this process. Unfortunately, in the Sudan even a local Christian school program is subjected to the pull of local politics. At times I wonder if a functioning Scripture Union will develop here in Torit during my lifetime. I’ve also found that being here, and pushing for this program, may be the extent of my work in the S.U..
From this point on our local Africa Inland Church and Ministry officials need to collaborate to produce an organization such as Scripture Union. To that extent my hands are tied really…

During my last trip into Kampala I did some follow up research and work with local pastors and schools in regards to a possible Mslim ministry potential. I also had a few meetings with AIM’s Central Region administrators about looking into moving at some point to Kampala, Uganda to help spearhead a ministry through the secular educational system. My interest in this avenue ( and possible change in location ) is strong. Would this be a radical change? Yes, in that I will be moving from the Sudan. No, however, in that Kampala has become a second home and any move would involve teaching and working more closely with establishing and building relationships geared toward reaching Mslims. Also, AIM has streamlined its administrative borders, so Uganda is in the same AIM administrative district as is the South Sudan. We are all working together as an AIM team though we live in different locations. Above all, is the Lord deeply involved in this decision, or future move?

Will you lift this possible change and move in ministry up in prayer? I feel confident in allowing the Lord to move me in this way, but always desire you, my supporters to be a part of this change and also to approve.