I saw baboons. You heard me, baboons.
We were on the “road” from the “airport” in Rumbek, and a whole gang of baboons were in the road, scampering off when we got close. It was seriously sinking in with me that I’m in Africa when I saw those critters.
After a few false starts, Dave, Tom and I finally made it here to the In Deed and Truth compound. We arrived in the late afternoon, so Sunday was our first full day here. We fellowshipped with the church that meets here on the grounds and it was nothing short of awesome. Rythmic clapping and voices singing in Dinka dialect wafted through the morning air, making the small thatched pavilion where we met feel like holy ground. Sabet taught from Exodus a really encouraging and challenging word. The upcoming referendum fairly permeates everything here, as is understandable, since it looms like a storm on the horizon. Sabet reminded the people that God knows the suffering of the Sudanese people, and he desires to help, and the greatest help of all is the salvation of Christ.
The next day I got sick. Not just “ew, I don’t feel so good”, but a rip roaring projectile evacuating kind of sick. I don’t remember much of the day, other than having to stop teaching the pastors mid point in order to run to the bathroom. Not the dignified start I’d hoped for.
The pastor’s class is wonderful, and today, feeling much better, I really felt much more closely connected to them. I’ve never had to speak through a translator before, but Sabet does a great job…and everyone is so kind to me as I feel my way through this. Either way, we’ve had some great discussions.
Santino gets led into the classroom by holding onto a stick that another pastor leads him with. He’s blind. He sits attentively through every hour, asking questions and joining the discussion. Serving people as a pastor with a disability is a daunting prospect in itself. Doing so in these harsh conditions is remarkable. God’s grace creates amazing heroes.
“You must pray for us” Joseph, another pastor said to me as we left the classroom. “Pray for us, we will pray for you, and maybe you will come and teach us again.”. I pack his words like precious, fragile heirlooms into my heart.
We will pray for you Joseph.
This is the class I’m teaching.
WONDERWHAT 
So glad to hear you are feeling better. I almost asked you if you needed me to get you any samples of antibiotics for that sort of situation but I suppose your crew had that under control. It sounds like a life-altering experience you are having. Makes me want to go, as well. You all are in our prayers daily.
I was both glad and relieved to hear you have been feeling better!
Although, I must admit it felt somewhat like the scales were balancing: You may recall I got quite sick following our return from Haiti, while you enjoyed enviable, mediocre health. Perhaps God is punishing you for being insufficiently reckless with your third-world diet.
In all seriousness, I’m overjoyed to hear the trip progressing well! You are in my prayers daily!
Pure AWESOMENESS!
good to know you’re feeling better…now you’ll be able to enjoy this new adventure!
Send my love to the Kuj’s, Dave, & Tom. We’ll miss you all this Thanksgiving.
Hi Rob and Tom and Dave,
Wishing you well and a safe return to us!!!
I’m so glad to hear that you are feeling better! I’m excited to hear more about your days with Dave, Tom, Sabet, and the others.
We are praying for you!
I’m so glad your posting and keeping us up-to-date. You know I’ve always said “you haven’t been to Africa until you’ve seen a baboon”. I wish I were there with you brother. I know we’re not supposed to be envious, but I think what you’re doing is incredible. I thank God for you, and what you do. I’m praying for you and everyone over there. I think its awesome that you are on Jesus and he is in you. Let your light shine my friend.
Thanks for writing to us Rob. Seeing the Kuz’s world through your eyes is an inspiration to us all. Glad you are feeling better, & may the Lord continue to give you strength & grace for the days ahead.
Rob thank you so much for sharing with us. I’m so glad you are feeling better. The pictures are AWESOME! Thank You so much for letting us be a part of your trip. Thank you Dr. Dave for your e mail up dates. They are great to read. Praying for you all!
Dear Brother Rob,
Recalling your teaching on “community”, the experience of community has just extended to your brothers Joseph and the other pastor in the Sudan. When we sing songs containing the words, “the Nations”, my hands lift to heaven and my heart pulls to India, recalling similar experiences. I am so excited for you and your fortunate students, that your hands and hearts reach for each other around this broken world.
Rob, what God is doing through you guys is so awesomely amazing!! Who would have dreamed the vision God had and has for little ole’ Eastgate. Thank you for your faithfulness to follow His leading even when it is uncomfortable. Before I was saved and was searching for some sort of purpose or meaning in life, so discontent with everything I often thought about just going to Africa and feeding the poor. Now we can go there at least virtually through your experience and what a beautiful thing it is. I’m glad you are there truly feeding them what is most important. Thanks for sharing all God is doing there with us. Glad you are better. Looking forward to more posts from you guys!