A Words of Hope studio
Sudan (MNN) ― Words of Hope's Lee DeYoung says their ministry into Sudan faces an unexpected challenge.
Their senior Nuer broadcast producer, Brother Elijah Tot Deng, was seemingly healthy when he developed a sinus problem. "He was in his mid-40s and developed some symptoms late last year, in 2007. He went to Nairobi to get some treatment. One thing led to another, and he passed away on March 5th of cancer of the liver or stomach." Brother Elijah is survived by a wife and five young children.
The funeral will be conducted Friday by Rev.Peter Makuac, who will represent Middle East Reformed Fellowship's Board and the Lokichoggio staff.
Victor Atallah, General of the MERF, writes of Brother Elijah's work, "He gained the respect and trust of the Turkana people and their leaders, unlike many other Sudanese based in northern Kenya. He will be very hard to replace."
DeYoung says their Gospel programs will continue to go out with the help of two other producers. However, they do need someone who can tie the ministry with its audience.
Pray that God will bring the right person to the broadcast. DeYoung says, "We've also been involved in leadership development among the Sudanese in Nuer and Dinka. It gives us an opportunity to have gotten to know a few dozen people at a time who are training to be evangelists and pastors. That has served to be a way in which we can identify people who can be recruited."
Approximately two years ago, WOH opened a new studio on the border of Kenya and Sudan and began broadcasting the Gospel nightly in Dinka and Nuer. The safer locale places their team on the cusp of growth into Arab-speaking nations.
Their vision, according to DeYoung, is not only to continue broadcasting and offer training, but to also someday open facilities into southern Sudan.
