“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so the birds of the air come and perch in it’s branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
In April 2019 five students from Akot Christian Ministries’ Primary Schools were flown to Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, for cleft lip surgery. Samaritan’s Purse sponsored a surgical clinic with a medical team from the United States. Posted are before and after photos of 3 of these precious ones. Just imagine the difference this surgery will make in the lives of these young disciples.
These children, plus many more, are being transformed daily by the renewing of their minds in daily Bible teaching at ACM schools. Transformation is evidenced by many outward actions. However, it is kind of like the wind. You know it is there, but you cannot see it. But for these babies, you can definitely “see” transformation.
You may argue, “having surgery like this does not mean one’s mind or spirit has been influenced by Christianity. And, coming from our western worldview, you would have a good point. However, these children live deep in the bush in South Sudan. And anyone from there will tell you, “it is a miracle of God that they have been able to have this surgery.” The number of people and organizations working together, with their resources, gifts and talents, is mind boggling: doctors, nurses, pilots, accountants, teachers, drivers, mechanics, bookkeepers, pastors, guards, cleaners, and cooks, just to name a few. All of them are working for the glory of God. What CEO, other than God, could create and sustain such an amazing organization? None, because this is not an organization, it is a kingdom. It started out as small as a mustard seed (the smallest known seed to the farmers of Jesus’ time), with only 12 men. This kingdom will last forever, and “will expand to world dominion, and people from all nations will find rest in it”. (NIV Study Bible; New International Version; Zondervan 1985; footnote Matthew 13:32.)
Notice that each child’s name was changed after the surgery. “Machiek” means deformed for a male child and Nyanciek means deformed for a female.
Several ministry partners support our mission in South Sudan in various ways: Samaritan’s Purse, Baptist Global Response, Africa Inland Mission, Dawson Baptist, Judson Baptist, Summit Church, North River Church, Friendly Avenue Baptist, Creekside Church, Harvester Methodist Church, and Island Chapel, Phoenix Advantage, and so many many faithful individuals.
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13.
