by Jon Konnerup
Ron and Christine Enoch have been missionaries to Africa since 1985. In July 2011, South Sudan became the world’s newest country when they formally declared their independence from the Republic of the Sudan, and the next year, in 2012, Ron and Christine became our missionaries to the new nation.
South Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world and has a 27 percent literacy rate. It is so underdeveloped that it only has about 35 miles of paved roads, many of which are pocked with gaping potholes. Its economy is driven primarily by oil exports.
Situated on the Nile River, the capital city of Juba is rapidly emerging largely due to oil revenue and the influx of Chinese entering the area for work and land development. Historically, the South Sudanese claim to be “Christians” mostly comprised of Catholics and Anglicans blended with animistic beliefs. The Roman Catholic president stated that South Sudan would be a nation that respects freedom of religion.
South Sudan is home to 60 indigenous ethnic groups and around 80 different spoken languages. While visiting the city with Ron and Christine, I was amazed to see the people going about their daily lives. New buildings have been erected by oil companies and hotels for the foreigners are abounding. Traffic was often bogged down, and motorcycles weave in and out as they make their way to their various destinations.
After following the Enoch’s progress of fixing up shipping containers and having them transported to Juba from Kenya, I was anxious to get a firsthand look at their living quarters. It was interesting to see how two containers were transformed into a kitchen, living room, a small, well-organized office area, a bedroom with a sizeable closet and, behind the closet, the bathroom. A roof has been constructed over the entire complex allowing a covering for the open area between the containers. These simple, yet comfortable accommodations are very functional.
The space between the covered breezeway does not go unused. It is utilized to store the solar-powered batteries that provide electricity for the compound, as well as a back-up generator. Christine’s plastic footlocker pantry and laundry area are also located in this space. They have done a great job putting their living area together.
Shopping for groceries is a challenge, as the limited stores available charge more than ten times the U.S. cost. A satellite dish, used primarily for communicating with family and churches, provides internet access.
Many Sudanese still live within the confines of U.N. refugee camps in mud houses constructed with tarps and cardboard boxes. Some of the people earn a meager income through employment opportunities with the U.N. and the oil industry.
Community leaders gave the Enochs ten lots of land valued at over $200,000. In return for this land, the Enochs agreed to fence the entire portion of land, erect a multi-purpose building which would serve as their temporary church meeting place, set up living quarters, build a septic system and six restrooms, and start a nursery school within the first two years. Within five years, four additional classrooms and a Bible school for training pastors and leaders must be added. The proposal also includes developing a soccer field and guest quarters for visiting groups. The leaders approved these ideas and, as long as they are completed in a timely fashion, the property will always belong to the BBFI for ministry use without cost. The Anglicans have been trying to get this land for years, but God saw fit to give it to the Enochs.
Because this landlocked country has been through droughts and civil wars, building supplies are not only limited but expensive. Material costs are also inflated because non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the U.N. are willing to pay high prices. That being said, the next stage to erect the fence around the ten lots will cost nearly $15,000 (already paid for by churches). The cost to build sanitation and bathroom facilities for the school and church, a guard shack, and water storage facility will cost $34,000 (already paid for by one church). Once completed, work will begin on the first classroom ($38,000) and then the auditorium ($64,000). We need to raise the funds for these two facilities.
On a Wednesday evening, I spoke to some of the people they Enoch’s have reached. They were very receptive and eager to learn. Nearly 100 kids love to listen to Bible stories and learn new songs on the average Sunday morning, and around 30 adults attend each week. Christine also teaches English to a group of adults, which is quite challenging since most do not have a formal education. One of her students is a police commander. The Enochs have met most of their neighbors and have visited in their homes sharing the Gospel. It was so good to hear Ron and Christine’s story of how God brought them to this place, and the way He continues to bring people to them — people literally desperate for peace.
The Enochs are assisted by Peter Lagu, a Sudanese man who, when he fled to Uganda years ago, met missionary Russ Daniels. Russ led him to the Lord and trained him for ministry. Peter wanted to return home and reach his family and people with the Gospel, and now God has given him the desire of his heart as he now works with the Enochs. Isn’t that amazing?
God is already doing tremendous things in the lives of the Sudanese people. We have a wonderful opportunity to be on the leading front of reaching this new nation for Jesus Christ. We must pray for the Enochs; we must pray they can obtain the finances to accomplish their goals. This will ultimately strengthen their efforts of meeting the spiritual needs of these people who are eager to receive peace with God and a hope for eternity. Both Ron and Christine expressed the need for more help — more people on the ground, side by side with them.