When a 17-member Prestonwood missions team traveled to the village of Kajo Keji, Sudan, in early August, they had their work cut out for them. Their mission was to partner with Christian leaders in this part of Africa to plant three churches and strengthen three others. The challenge: Less then five percent of the Sudanese are Christ-followers.

A compound in Kajo Keji became their base, and to make their work more productive, they split into three smaller teams: One team focused on developing leaders to start new local congregations. One team hosted Children’s Bible Clubs; and the third team taught at the e3 Bible School located in Kajo Keji and supported by Prestonwood through the World Missions Offering. This school serves to educate pastors, deacons and church leaders from the area.

“What was amazing was going into a village and seeing how extremely friendly people were and how open to the Gospel they were,” said Minister of Missions Mobilization Josh Rolf. “Seeing so many accept Christ, it was like low-hanging fruit.” 

Three churches were established—“church” in this sense literally means the body of believers since they have no buildings. The only shelter for these churches is shade from mango trees. These new congregations will be shepherded by students from the Bible school. Three other churches were encouraged and strengthened, and 140 people were baptized. 

Prestonwood member Mark Jordan, who made his fourth trip to Sudan, said it is a blessing every time and this time was no different. One thing was different in that they were the first Westerners to step foot in some of the villages, he said. 

“It was phenomenal to explain to them why God had us there,” he said. “In the village I went to, we did the washing of the feet and explained to them why Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. It was truly humbling.”

To those who have never ministered on mission, Mark said it’s a blessing missed out on.

“We all know we’re commanded to go,” he said. “If you’ll step out on faith and let God show you what He can do, it’s really eye-opening. I encourage people to step out on faith ... let God work through you.”