Question 1

What are the programs and strategies (current and long term) NOW being used by ELI to address the needs in Sudan?


Our programs and strategies take into account the full life of the people. As you know we desire to see the oppressed empowered spiritually, physically, and economically. Though this may seem like a wide scope and difficult undertaking it is possible and we have already been doing it successfully as can be seen well at our Kipkaren Training Center ministry area.
Poverty is caused by many varied and often intertwining issues. To address only one issue (Spiritual needs) without addressing the hunger or malnourishment that the person is facing does not represent well the full love of God. God wants to know that persona and see that he or she has the basic necessities of life. A quick review of Matt. 25 makes this clear. Sorry if it sounds like I'm preaching here but there are many that will ask you questions like " Can an organization really do all those ministries well? Maybe they are spread out too thin and cannot do any of it effectively." Good question and the answer from my perspective is a resounding Yes - we can do all these things and integrate them well within the area and among the lives God has called us to serve. I mention all this because it effects the approach we feel God leading us to in regards to ministry in Southern Sudan - specifically the village of Kolmarek and the surrounding area.
PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES for ELI in Southern Sudan
1. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP - We want to equip and empower a key strategic national team of change agents who understand the Gospel as well as the vision and strategies of ELI. We want to support this team initially with funds from outside so they can work well yet can still relate on a deep level with the villagers among whom they are hoping to change. The lead visionary and leader is Steven Reech. His relationship with the Kolmarek village goes back generations and his return to this village after over ten years in exile was celebrated by the local people. Relationally we are already off to an amazing start which if we used traditional approaches of sending in missionaries would take several years and even then not be as effective. Stevens role at this point is crucial and we praise God that his vision is beginning to be understood but more importantly that a trust level between himself and the local leaders and people is off to a wonderful start. Steven cares deeply for these people and has a Godly passion to see them helped. Having these Key people on the ground at entry level is an important part of the ELI strategy. Receiving financial support from friends and churches for these Key Nationals is essential to the present and future success of the vision and work.
Other key nationals are :Zacharia Maluk - Headmaster and Children's Ministry leader
Abraham Mayan Kon - Agricultural worker and trainer / Agroforestry implementation
ELS Christian Academy School Teachers
Parent couple to care for Orphans