Forgiveness in Christ transcends tribal tensions in East Africa

In the context of poverty, tribal and denominational division, as well as trauma, the Serving Christ ministry led by Avant/EMC missionaries trains and educates East African leaders to plant churches and bring healing and help.

Emilio and Simon embrace as they declare forgiveness for one another.

In one church planting training, African leader Pastor Linus teaches the session on forgiveness and reconciliation in the refugee camp. This is a very important topic for people in East Africa, who come from regions like South Sudan and Sudan with dozens of different tribes—tribes that have been fighting with each other for years, even decades.

There were participants from various tribes in attendance at this training, including Emilio, a young man from the Neur tribe, and Simon, an older man from the Dinka tribe. These are the two largest tribes in South Sudan, and they have been at war with each other for decades. One tribe will cause injury or death to the other tribe, who will then seek revenge, and the cycle continues.

During the lesson God touched Emilio and Simon’s hearts. Both men declared forgiveness for each other for the sins committed against their families and tribes. Then they stood before the class and hugged each other. This was unheard of, and only possible through the Holy Spirit of God, who transforms lives. Praise him!

The church planting training is for all tribes, denominations and churches. Each of the leaders on the Serving Christ ministry team is from different tribes and denominations themselves. Because they were so impacted by the initial church planting training, they have committed to serve in unity, and are bringing this training to various regions across East Africa (including Congo, South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya).

Through a practical and holistic curriculum, participants learn biblical principles, steps to church planting, and a pathway to self sustainability, while addressing the critical need for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Those who graduate from the training program are strongly encouraged to participate in and pass on what they have learned. In this way the graduates themselves become trainers, and in this process of training others, new churches are planted! We praise God that over the last year over 30 churches have been planted, many in refugee camps!

God is working and using this training to transform lives and make a difference in families, churches, and communities.