A youth choir helped lead believers in songs of praise at the Christ Town Church dedication.

A Solid Foundation

A new church will be the bedrock of a village in South Sudan

The dedication of the rebuilt Christ Town Church in Maridi became a major celebration, drawing more than 3,500 people. Every bench in the sanctuary was filled. Those outside crowded around windows and doors to hear words of encouragement shared from the Bible and join in songs of praise.

“This church brings hope to the people,” Pastor Justin Arama said. “This new church has been set on a solid foundation that cannot be washed away, and it is a new start for us. Today is a new start for all of us to build our relationship with Christ on a solid foundation.”

At least seven choirs joined the throngs of believers who came to Christ Town Church from Maridi and surrounding villages. Throughout the day, thousands of voices echoed songs of praise, and many danced for joy over God’s gift of the new place of worship.

The faith of nearly every believer had been tested by the fires of war and persecution. Church leaders were murdered, Christians were driven from their homes, and many unarmed civilians were slain when Islamic troops attempted to destroy Christianity and impose Sharia law on the nation.

Over the years, the original Christ Town Church was bombed, set on fire, and torn to pieces to provide wood for cooking fires. Believers who still dared to gather for worship under the trees were attacked.

“Many people died at that time,” said a local church leader. “It was very difficult to escape the bullets.”

When the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2005, Samaritan’s Purse joined hands with believers across South Sudan to rebuild local churches out of brick and steel.

“We are now in peace and we are seeing things change,” said Martin Laki, the Christ Town Church pastor.

Christ Town Church always has been a melting pot of people from several tribal groups, including Maru, Bari, Zande, and Dinka. The church remains a testimony to the unity of believers. At the end of the day 108 new members were welcomed into the congregation, and 648 believers from the local community shared Communion.

An exuberant Sunday school choir inspired renewed hope for the future as the youth sang a song of praise, swaying to the music in their bright yellow robes.

“They thanked God for all He has created,” a visitor said. “It was a very joyful day for all the people of Christ Town Church.”

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:

For Sudanese Christians recovering from decades of war and persecution, and for our staff as we rebuild churches destroyed by the conflict.

GIVE:

Visit our donation page to support the Sudan Church Project.

GET INVOLVED:

Discover how your congregation can minister to persecuted believers in Sudan and help rebuild their churches. Download this fillable MS Word document (click here) to order materials. You can also call 1-800-538-1980 or e-mail to order a free Sudan Church Kit or to receive more information about the project.