While Ruth and I were together in Maine earlier this month, one of the emails we received from Beth came with a plea that we take the time to listen to the attached digital Scripture Union International Update, especially one part. It was a video testimony from Beth B’s assistant, Chris, centered around a young man, a South Sudanese refugee; I will call him “Douglas.” It certainly filled our hearts with praise to our God for the power of His Word and Holy Spirit.
Chris met Douglas several years ago at a Scripture Union Conference in a Refugee Camp in northwestern Uganda. The Purity Module was being taught at the Conference, but the instruction was causing 14-year old Douglas much distress; it was so contrary to his thinking/plan. He had no family (and we can only imagine why he had no family plus the trauma he had been through as he fled his country) and felt so alone. His broken heart longed to belong to someone. In his young mind, marriage was the best answer. When Chris negated his thinking, using himself as an example—a married man who knows the challenges that come with that relationship—Douglas burst out in tears.
Chris lovingly advised Douglas to return to school to which Douglas immediately reacted—I haven’t finished primary school so would need to return there and be the oldest/biggest kid in my class! However, as Chris continued to listen and share, Douglas calmed down and eventually said he would do that. Chis assured him that finishing both Primary and Secondary School would help prepare him for eventual marriage, all in God’s time. No doubt (Africans are way better at this than our culture is!) Chris also prayed with him as Douglas made the decision to trust God for strength, emotional healing, and direction.
About a year later, Chris heard news that made him literally jump for joy! Douglas had already been promoted to Secondary School and was the chair person of the school’s Scripture Union Club! And even more recently, news came revealing that Douglas is currently in Senior 4 (grade 10) and using his experience to encourage other young refugees to trust God, wait for His perfect time, and live a life of moral purity—lasting fruit! Let’s pray for “Douglas” and that God will continue to use His children, His Word, Scripture Union, and even the Purity module to transform many more children/teens, bringing glory to God!
