South Sudan (MNN) – In South Sudan, owning a Christian book or even a Bible has been difficult for many believers dealing with uncertainty, persecution, and the trauma of civil war. This month, 45,000 copies arrived through Mission Cry.
Renew, Reuse, Recycle
Mission Cry distributed two shipping containers worth of used bibles, seminary materials, and Christian books earlier this month. These materials were donated to strengthen South Sudanese Christians by fellow believers thousands of miles away.
(Photo courtesy of Mission Cry)
“These people are hoping and asking and believing that they could have a Bible, something that they can afford. And they want a Bible, they want a Christian book, even if it’s used. And if they can get a used Bible or a Christian book, then that’s going to change their life,” says Jason Woolford of Mission Cry.
Since 1956 Mission Cry has been distributing used Christian literature around the world.
In South Sudan, Woolford is partnering with Far Reaching Ministries, which focuses on training chaplain soldiers who serve in the field. Being a chaplain is a high-risk role; 18 chaplains have been killed in the past few years.
“Where we’re partnering with them is giving them their first-ever mission Cry Christian Resource International Bible, giving them the ability to read about the very God that they’re being martyred for,” Woolford says.
A Nation in need of Healing
Even now, citizens deal with the aftermath of civil war and ongoing tensions. The brutal conflict saw child soldiers, widespread torture and sexual violence, displacement, and destroyed lives. Read more about South Sudan’s ongoing struggles and the events of the past year here.
“People need the word and they want the word, so we’re going to give it to them, especially those that are suffering real persecution for the name of Christ,” Woolford says.
Though the shipment of materials has just arrived there is already a demand for more.
“There’s 80,000 people that are requesting, and needing, and have the ability to speak in English,” he explains.
Books for Believers from Believers
Woolford is asking for aid to continue getting materials to believers in need.
(Photo courtesy of Mission Cry)
“It costs us about $10,000 to send a sea container, but that’s filled with nearly a half a million dollars worth of stuff, so I’m asking about things that change people’s eternity forever or encourage them in a testimony,” Woolford says. Click here to give.
Your own used books could be what encourages a fellow believer in need. Donate your gently used materials here.
Woolford asks for believers to pray for Mission Cry and the continued success of the ministry. Pray that these materials will be a source of renewal and hope for South Sudanese believers. Pray for the peace and restoration of South Sudan and the healing of its people.
“We’re sending the only thing in the world that doesn’t return void, and that’s the word of God. And then on top of it, we’re sending the used Word of God. In other words, Bibles that were sitting on people’s shelf that we’re going to be thrown out the word of God thrown out but instead we’ve recaptured it,” Woolford says.
Header image courtesy of Mission Cry.
