Since the independence of South Sudan in 2011, refugees have been flooding back to their homeland. This is a blessing, but has brought with it the big issue of land disputes as people resettle. In South Sudan, Land ownership is based on family/ancestral inheritance and not buying and selling.
The recent land survey our US Mission and ground team in South Sudan completed in April, was a long dream in the making and very important. We pray that it will ensure that the Levi family and Operation Nehemiah will keep the land God has given to them demarcated for the future and preserved for God's work! A map will be made of Borongole, Gordon Mountain, and Beth Israel Farmland and will be kept to inform the coming generations of their inheritance, after William and his generation pass on.
The stories of African exploration by men such as Livingstone, Stanley, and Speke always impressed me. Think about tramping through the thick jungle interior with all the needed food, shelter, scientific equipment, and gifts for the tribes they would meet along the way, all on the backs of men and animals(before Tsetse flies and hunger winnowed their ranks). It was a momentous task and you can be sure that they weren't carrying ultra-light backpacking gear. Spending two to three years of dealing with malaria carrying mosquitos, Tsetse flies, disease, large wild animals, and hostile tribes was no African vacation.
My own exploration in the bush of South Sudan has given me just a small appreciation of what the early explorers and missionaries experienced. Semi-accessible roads, lightweight GPS gear, and more modern technologies definitely give a real helping hand, but even wilderness exploration in the 21st century has its challenges. It was an exciting and wild adventure!
To traverse virgin land in which few men have walked was a blessing and an amazing experience. Hiking for long distances in an area that was miles from the nearest dwelling was rather surreal and exciting at the same time. I am convinced (though I might be a bit biased) that the eight square miles of Beth Israel Farmland is the most varied and beautiful spot I have had the privilege to see. The green mountains, lush sand-filled rivers, and extensive wooded grassland are momentarily decorated with multicolored birds and fleet antelope darting of into the bush. In the sandy river bed you would observe the tracks of Warthog, Dik Dik, monkey, and Baboon. Beyond having an abundant farming production, Beth Israel is its own wildlife refuge and took a total of fourteen days to completely walk and map out!
I vividly remember the day William Levi, Brian Mackay, and myself, led 12 men and boys in mapping and staking the final three corners of the farmland. The long line snaked its way through the bush with food, Jerry-cans of water, and surveying gear on heads and shoulders. In addition to my pack, I became good friends with an 18 pound sledge hammer.
After four hours of footing the terrible discovery was made that there was not a drop of water left! There was one more corner to be staked, Three and a half miles of bush whacking, and roughly 3 hours until our party would reach a source of water.The only option was to advance and we doggedly pressed forward in the blistering sun.
Only five of us had the energy to stake the final point, while the others rested in the shade, reserving strength for the last push to water. As my brother Jeremiah and I measured and staked the last objective, I looked around and saw the parched and exhausted faces of our small advance team. God was merciful and the 15 man expedition made it to our solar well after more than seven hours of wilderness hiking! Water never tasted so good and no one was worse off for the wear.
I was reminded that only dependance on the Lord Jesus can sustain us through the seemingly waterless treks of life. Isaiah declares it so well:
"Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary, & to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary & tired, & vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31
Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!
~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah 774-254-4336
Lueken's webpage: www.operationsnehemiah.org/Nehemiah_Light_House.html
Mailing address: Operation Nehemiah, PO Box 2401, Plainville, MA 02762
Operation Nehemiah Missions - Headquarters: 413-770-4711
PO Box 563 Lanesborough, MA, 01267
