03/08/24 Life and Death for GBTF Trainers in Sudan

Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha and Sudanese trainer Samuel training 15 pastors in Sudan March 2024
GBTF instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha and Sudanese trainer Samuel training 15 pastors in Sudan March 2024

Gilbert Okecha is a very active national trainer for Global Baptist Training Foundation. He trains pastors in both Uganda and the Sudan. Sudan is a war-torn country, and most of the population has fled to the south to permanent refugee camps in the Obongi district . That’s where Gilbert and our new Sudanese trainer, Samuel, are training pastors. Of the 20 registered for this week’s class, only 15 could make it because of the extreme heat. The class met outside.

On the way to the class, Gilbert came upon an accident scene that involved a goat. The goat’s owner was apparently at fault and unable to pay the cost of the accident, so he had to relinquish his goat to the victim. No serious injuries were reported – just the loss of one goat.

Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha on the way to class saw an goat accident in Sudan March 2024
Goat accident in Sudan March 2024

The host in this area is Pastor Ezbon. He built a hut for Gilbert to use while he was there.

Pastor Ezbon built a hut for GBTF instructor Gilbert to use while he is training.
Pastor Ezbon built a hut for GBTF instructor Gilbert to use while he is training.

Part of the training is feeding the pastors. Perhaps you remember this video of Pastor Samuel explaining his favorite foods in the Sudan.

This week, he provided rats for meals for everyone.

Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) Pastor Samuel provides mice for food in Sudan March 2024
GBTF Pastor Samuel provides rats for food in Sudan March 2024
Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) Pastor Samuel provides mice for food in Sudan March 2024
GBTF Pastor Samuel provides food in Sudan March 2024

The teaching site is near the Nile River, and Gilbert took the opportunity to take a ferry.

Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha training near Nile River taking ferry in Sudan March 2024
GBTF instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha taking ferry near Nile River in Sudan March 2024
Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha taking ferry in Sudan March 2024
GBTF instructor Pastor Gilbert Okecha taking ferry in Sudan March 2024

Pastor Ezbon lost his sister near the end of class and was part of her funeral. We ask prayer for their family in this loss.

Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) Pastor Ezbon sister's funeral in Sudan March 2024
GBTF Pastor Ezbon sister’s funeral in Sudan March 2024

One last piece of information. This is Faith Independent Baptist Church in the refugees camp in Obongi district planted by Dwoki Chaplain as the Pastor. The tent they use for meeting is very old now. It’s needs 4 pieces @ 90,000/=360,000/=(100$ USD). Gilbert took time off from the training to check on the condition. Gilbert asks us to join him in prayer and support for Pastor Dwoki Chaplain (in black shirt and white canvas).

Faith Independent Baptist Church in the refugees camp in Obongi district planted by Dwoki Chaplain
GBTF Pastor Gilbert with Pastor Dwoki Chaplin at the refugees camp in Obongi district planted by Dwoki Chaplain, March 2024

This training is happening all over Africa. GBTF national trainers are training other nationals and seeing hundreds of churches planted and pastored by GBTF-trained pastors. They are real people with real needs and burdens. Please remember to pray for them. Your support has made this Sudanese ministry possible.

Bruce and Grace Snavely

Global Baptist Training Foundation