By Brad Phillips
November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. But every day we enjoy on God’s beautiful earth to serve and worship Him is cause for celebrating. The more I live, the more I understand how utterly dependent I am on God for everything in my life.
When I look around and see the problems in my own life and in the world around me, I know that I can still smile on the future because God is in control, and He ordains all things for a purpose – and that purpose is always, always, always good for me (Romans 8:28). This is what I call a “prosperity gospel!”
Clementine, Walter, Lillie and Aaron Phillips near the Lopit Mountains in Lohutuk.
But this does not mean the road is always smooth. Sudan is a powder keg ready to explode. One spark could start a chain reaction that could threaten the stability of all East Africa.
Radical Muslims view Sudan as an ancient holding of Islam. And for Southern Sudan to break away and take $ billions worth of oil with it is simply unacceptable – regardless of agreements signed. An independent Southern Sudan, with religious freedom for non-Muslims, is a major step backwards for these radicals.
There is much fiery rhetoric coming from both sides. Politicians are the same the world over, and no one wants to appear weak and indecisive in front of their constituents.
Clementine and Lillie Phillips help wash feet before distributing shoes.
But through all of this, it is good, and proper to give thanks to God. We will do whatever we can as a ministry to minister to the persecuted in Sudan. We will not back down, regardless of the political realities. We will praise and give thanksgiving to God no matter what the future holds, because we know that whatever happens, God is still on His throne, and still in control! Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good!
Pastor Tito rides his motorbike in Torit with Walter and Clementine.
