Church planting among the Didinga of South Sudan

Video afspelen

Across the valleys, along the plateaus and slopes, and on the adjacent plains of the Didinga hills in South Sudan lives a people group who are still waiting to hear the name of Jesus.

Background

AIM’s work in Sudan began in 1949. From the early days, we worked with African missionaries sent from DR Congo. Over the years though, civil wars and government restrictions created difficult conditions. From the 1950’s until 2004, partial and full expulsions of missionaries alongside escalating violence meant that church planting activity was limited.

The outcome of the 2005 peace deal that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war, was the establishment of South Sudan in 2011 as the world’s newest country. According to the Joshua Project, 57% of the population identify themselves as Christians but there are still seven unreached people groups including the Laarim, the Didinga and the Lopit.

Primarily focused on raising cattle but also crop farming, the Didinga people live in round houses with cone-shaped roofs, and each clan lives in a homestead together.

The Didinga accept the existence of a supreme being, but see this being as distant. They interact with many spirits who require worship and sacrifice. They also place great importance on the worship of dead ancestors, of whom they live in fear. The community rainmaker carries great influence and power and performs rituals to ensure the growth of their crops.

Vision & Strategy

Since 2006 AIM has sought to share the gospel with this group. Instability in the area has meant that previous teams have had to finish earlier than planned. However, now with a sustained period of peace, a team has been re-established among the Didinga hills and they would love more workers to join them. Working with the Africa Inland Church of South Sudan, including a church in Chukudum (a lower lying town at the foot of the mountains), we long to see maturing churches planted on the mountains.

Ministry & Type of Work

Using bible storying and Discovery Bible Studies to share Gospel among Didinga villages in remote locations. Learning language. Childrens and young peoples ministries,

Experience & Qualifications

Physically fit and willing to hike long distances
A passion to share the Gospel with unreached people
Biblical knowledge and understanding (get in touch to find out more about theological requirements for long term members)

FAQS

How do I begin the application process?

The easiest way is to fill out the contact us form on our website. Once we receive that form, we’ll be in touch to arrange a time to discuss together how the Lord is leading you.

What are the requirements to apply with AIM?

You must be a born-again Christian with an active and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and in agreement with AIM’s statement of faith; you must be at least 18 years of age; you must be able to legally work in the UK; you cannot have been divorced multiple times or within the last five years.

Listen to a retired missionary talking about the priority that prayer must play in a missionaries life:

Will there be opportunities to use our professions on the field?

That depends upon your profession and where you go. If there is a need and it is appropriate then the likelihood is yes. If your professional skills are not needed or appropriate then that is not to say that you are not needed, as we would hope that you’d still have skills that are transferable.

Listen to a doctor talking about how healthcare compliments the gospel:

A teacher sharing why their role is vital:

And a pilot talking about using their talents:

Indian Ocean Island Team Leader

On the islands we now all work in teams, recognising that we cannot do this work alone. To stay here long term we need one another. Together we achieve goals we couldn’t do alone, we sustain and fortify one another’s faith, and our unity is part of our witness.

Interested? Get in Touch

Long term ( Over a year )

Our passion is to see Christ-centred churches among all African peoples. Currently there are over 1,000 people groups in Africa or 316 million people, who are waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Our vision is to engage with these unreached people, partner with churches in Africa to raise up gospel workers and equip African church leaders to strengthen the church. Could you play a part?. LEARN MORE

South Sudan

South Sudan became the world’s newest country on 9 July 2011. It was the outcome of the 2005 peace deal that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war. The majority of the population adhere to Christianity. Only 18% call themselves Muslim unlike Sudan, which is 97%. LEARN MORE

Church Planting

Our desire isn’t just that there will be individual Christians among every people group in Africa but that there would be Christ-centred churches among all African peoples. LEARN MORE

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