Newsletter, December 2010

Far Reaching Ministries

The Word Became My Strength

Out of five of our men that returned to the FRM base from deep deployment this summer; I chose to share the testimonies of two. First was Charles Sunday, whom you met in last month's newsletter. This month, I am blessed to introduce you to Chaplain Moses Mareng who was posted so remotely that five years past between his graduation and his first opportunity to attend an annual refresher course. My hope is that his testimony not only inspires and encourages you; but that it also gives you a deeper understanding that one life can have a tremendous effect for the Kingdom.

Moses was deployed to a front line unit where evil abounds and has launched a merciless attack on innocent women and children. Satan's grip is fierce and unrelenting. Sudan is a country filled with unimaginable danger - militias, rebels, Jihadist troops (from Northern Sudan), deadly animals, disease and starvation. All of these have one thing in common; they are out to take your life. Such opposition means only men firmly rooted in Christ, with an eye for the eternal, will survive. Many a man has gone never to return... It is said that the reason the soil of Africa is so red is because of the blood that has been shed. In some of the remote areas that we have traveled for the Gospel my guides said, "Wes, we should not be here! We fear that if we stay the night we will not survive. Please, let us turn back!" But for those of us who have received our marching orders from the Lord, we set our eyes on the objective; rather than fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power strength and a sound mind. As the old hymn proclaims:

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Could ever pluck me from His hand

'Til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I stand. *

Moses received his marching orders from the Lord. He is 39-years-old, a Dinka by tribe - where it is not expected of you to be a warrior; it is demanded. Moses was bred for war, willing to defend, protect; and even kill, if need be. In his home region, there are three warring tribes - James Olal, my senior chaplain, told me that this area is a "wild" place. Moses told me fighting was his life and he would destroy his enemy. This was until he found Christ. When I asked Moses, "What is the greatest thing God has ever done for you?" He shared, "When I received the Lord the purpose of my life changed; rather that kill; I want to lead men to Christ." When the Lord took hold of Moses, he laid down his former life and never looked back. He changed much like the Apostle Paul, when he met the Lord on the road to Damascus.

God sent Moses on a journey that took him far from home and loved ones knowing that the harsh circumstances would mold and develop his character. His first base of operations was the Nuba Mountains for a year of intense military training. From there, he was sent to a place called Bentiu - then a front line unit - where he faced the enemy. Moses had no supplies for the Journey; trusting God knew his needs, he left with only his Bible and a few personal items. He shared that when the Sudanese travel, they rely on local hospitality because there are no hotels or lodges in such remote areas. When you come to a village you first introduce yourself to a family. That family will invite you in, put you up, and feed you for the night. The first challenge of Moses' journey was arriving in a place of starvation. As he entered the village he realized no one was cooking. They did not even have a fire going to boil water. Moses knew that it would embarrass the local people, if they could not offer hospitality; so he silently went on ahead only asking the Lord for help. Day after day, village after village, Moses found the same hunger devastating his people. He said, "The Bible became my food. It was the Word that sustained me for the journey. Three times a day for thirty days, I stopped and read the Word and each time it became my strength." I never found food but I found strength from above...

When Moses arrived, he was determined to reach the men. He said, "What encouraged me was 1 Corinthians 13:13, There are three things that will endure faith, hope and love but the greatest of these if love. I had often thought life would be easier if I left the military; but God's love made me stay. I knew these men needed Jesus so I stayed and taught them the Word." Because of his tenacity, many men came to know Christ. During Moses' five years in the field, he built four churches so that the soldiers would have a place to worship and pray. He was in countless battles with the enemy. Many men died far from home, but none died without hope. Their pastor, a chaplain of the South Sudan army named Moses was with them, to help them make their final journey to the Father.

Moses' final words to me were, "When I was a child I thought as a child, now that I am a man I will live for Jesus." Men have crossed oceans by ship, mountains by foot, and deserts by camel, all for the cause of Christ. Nothing can stop a man who has already lost his life in Christ. Moses is a man that has chosen a crucified life.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to bring life and life abundantly. He reached out and touched men and women like the Apostle Paul, Peter, and Mary Magdalene. One encounter was enough, for each knew their life no longer belonged to them. They died that Christ might reign through them. Their hearts told them that He is worthy of sacrifice.

Wes Bentley (c)

*In Christ Alone, Getty & Townend, (c) 2001