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Frontline
Newsletter: "You Have Given Us Back Our History"
Along
with the first complete Bible in Moru, we also had the privilege
of delivering the first copies of "The Doctor Comes
To Lui."
This
long out-of-print book on the beginnings of the church in
Moruland had first been published in 1938. However, with
all the disruption and destruction of the war, no copies
of this inspiring book remained in Southern Sudan. I sent
out requests to several friends worldwide to hunt out a
copy of this rare book. By God’s grace, Christopher
Williams tracked down a copy of this precious book in a
second hand book shop in England.
We
were delighted to receive the book and especially to see
that the 27 photographs and 2 maps in the book were still
in good condition. With some revisions and additions, including
a Preface from Bishop Bullen Dolli, a Foreword from myself
(along with the original Introduction from Bishop Llewellyn
Gwynne – the first CMS missionary to Sudan) and with
a new cover design, Frontline Fellowship printed the new
edition of "The Doctor Comes To Lui – a story
of beginnings in the Sudan."
Two
Moru pastors rejoice over "The Doctor Comes to
Lui" book and a photograph of their grandfather,
Gella, in it. |
The
response from the Christians in Moruland was overwhelming.
At a special thanksgiving service, numerous Moru church
and social leaders stood up to extol the achievements
of Dr. Fraser and to express their joy over the publication
of this book. Many speeches were made.
"Dr.
Fraser was a strong man who planted a strong church
to survive hard times," declared one. "Dr.
Fraser set a high standard and we are still trying
to attain to that standard." The Chairman, Stephen
Komoyang, explained: "Every decision we make
as Moru people is affected by the pioneer work of
Dr. Fraser. He brought us education and literacy itself.
He introduced us to the Bible. Our churches today
are the products of Dr. Fraser’s ministry.
"This publishing of the Doctor Comes To Lui has
opened up a new chapter in our history. You have done
a great thing for us. This book now immortalises the
life of Dr. Fraser. Let us all stand for a minute
of silent prayer to honour the memory of Dr. Kenneth
Fraser."
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Dr.
Dimitri declared: "God loves the Moru people
very much – for giving us Dr. Fraser to start
the church in Moruland and even bringing us another
like Dr. Fraser to strengthen the church in Moruland
in this time of trial. We can see the hand of God
in how He has protected the missionaries of Frontline
Fellowship as they go where others do not dare to
go. You are continuing the work begun by Dr. Fraser
– especially by bringing us the Bible and leadership
training."
Stephen
Komoyang described the dark days that followed 1955,
with the war and especially the confiscation of church
schools and hospitals; the expelling of all missionaries
in 1964, and the systematic attempts to crush Christianity.
"We thought that we had been completely abandoned
and forgotten, but with the arrival of Peter in 1995
– in the same spirit as Dr. Fraser ministering
to body, mind and spirit – with medicines, educational
materials and Bibles we were revived.
"We
have witnessed the similarities with Dr. Fraser: your
pioneering spirit, visionary leadership, excellent
planning, courage to work under adverse and dangerous
circumstances and your love for the Moru people. You
have helped us to improve the training of our pastors
and teachers, and your advocacy work in speaking up
for our people with photos, articles, books and videos
is very much valued.
"A
new chapter in our history was the training and launch
of the chaplaincy which has had such a dramatic impact
on the behaviour of the SPLA soldiers. There has been
such a great improvement. We can see the hand of God
in all this. Because of the work of Dr. Fraser, Moru
Christians are leaders in evangelism throughout Sudan
– even in Khartoum. |
"Frontline
Fellowship is now part of the Moru community. You are part
of us. Even though you are white we love you as one of our
own. You have given us back our history!"
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