At the American Baptist Womens Conference at Sugarloaf Mountain Conference Center, I sat next to a woman at dinner who has served as a American Baptist missionary with her husband for 30 years in the Sudan. For those 30 years (an longer) there has been intertribal fighting, in which women and children are killed simply because they belong to the “wrong” tribe.  Ann Clemmer reported later this evening that the South Sudanese were jubilant when they received their independence in July, 2011, and became a free country.But then in December, 2013, the country lost their gains, the capital was destroyed, and the medical mission services built up by the Clemmers and their missionary outreach sites over the last few years were demolished.  Only 8% of the women and 32% of the men are literate. The Bible is not read, therefore.  The tribal wars continue, even through committed Christians are in both factions. Ann reports that despite the difficulties, she and her husband have been encouraged at this difficult time because every little thing that happens is a blessing, and the Christian Sudanese are appreciative.  Nevertheless the Clemmers are praying for missionaries to come and share the Bible’s message, teach reading skills, and disciple the believers.  They want people to come to serve even though the country is in the midst of a rebellion.Meanwhile I sit comfortably in my American home in a peaceful neighborhood, and my greatest worry is “How effective will I be in my work?” Or “Will I annoy a friend today?” Or “My dog has run off again; when will he return?”  I am so ashamed, and cry out to the Lord.  “Should I be doing more for you, my Father?  Show me your way!”

How is the Lord speaking to your daily life and the work that you do for Him?