The guests from Sudan:
Bonds are built for future ministry

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The numbers are rising, and that's the way Holston leaders hope it continues. When Daniel Wandabula visited Holston Conference from Sudan last year, he came alone. Last April, Holston sent a team of three to Sudan. Last month, Bishop Wandabula returned to Holston in a team of six. Next spring, Holston will send a team of about 14 back to Sudan.

As Holston Conference continues to develop its ministry with and for the people of Sudan, Bishop Wandabula's visit to Knoxville Aug. 17-18 was an important milestone in building relationships, Holston leaders said.

Bishop Wandabula leads the denomination's East Africa Area, which includes churches in Rwanda (three districts), Burundi (seven districts), Kenya (three districts), Sudan (one district), and Uganda (six districts). The bishop and other leaders visited Knoxville as part of a U.S. tour through Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Tennessee.

"It's a miracle that we are here," Wandabula said to members of the Sudan Action Team, mission workers, and conference staff members gathered in Cokesbury Center on Aug. 18. "When we received communication that a team of 14 was planning to come, we praised the Lord. We know more will come."

Besides sharing meals with Holston members and touring the Emerald Avenue Center, Wandabula's team gave a list of prioritized needs to the Sudan Action Team. The list is available to groups wishing to participate in the Sudan ministry, said Anne Travis, director of connectional ministries. Sudan Action Team members are also available to give presentations. (Write annetravis@holston.org or call toll-free 866--690-4080.)

Wandabula also shared that a shipment of soccer balls — donated by participants of Resurrection and Divine Rhythm — had arrived. Two of the balls were kept at a school, but the rest were distributed to the community. "This is a sign that when we support the church in Sudan, we are not only supporting the United Methodist Church, but the entire community," he said to applause.

"This is a partnership," Holston Bishop James Swanson said later. "We may offer a lot materially, but we can learn a lot from them about their commitment to make disciples." Swanson noted that within the last year, the number of churches in Sudan had increased from 10 to 15.

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