I had the privilege to spend two weeks in Malakal, Sudan this past July. It was as eye opening as it was humbling. To see the oppression and standards of living and yet the resilience and joy of the people points only to God. How could these people be so content and have so much hope for their city in the midst of their circumstances? The only rational answer is their hope in Jesus Christ.

Few have heard or would even know anything about Malakal, it is the very most northern city of South Sudan. Sudan is split in the middle by the northern Islamic part and the southern Christian dominated region. Since Malakal is so far north and close to the same government that is responsible for the atrocities in Darfur, the enormous Muslim influence makes it difficult for the Christian population living in the city.

The reason Malakal is so important is because of its relevant size to other Sudanese cities. It is one of the largest and most influential in all of Sudan. It is a gateway to the oil rich South that the North desperately wants control of. Malakal was also at the center of the fighting that took place in recent years. The jockeying for control for Malakal leaves the Christian population there in great need of an ability to sustain themselves.

My sponsoring church was Fellowship Dalla, which is partnering with ALARM striving for long-term economic initiatives in Malakal. We are not looking to get in and get out, we are also not favoring the idea of handouts. We share the sentiments with the Pastors of Malakal that economic and leadership training is vital to their long term success. In future post I will share more about the project as my goal is to raise awareness to this forgotten and unknown region of the world.

As I have been studying God's word for His direction on my life regarding Malakal, I came across Isiah 58: 9-11
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression , with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your night will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."