Adventist Mission

Nadica and Miroslav Didara

Adventist missionaries to Sudan from Croatia

Persecution and Success in Baliet

Baliet is one of the counties in the Upper Nile state of Southern Sudan. It is situated about 100 km east of Malakal, the state capital.

Adventist mission work started in Baliet in June 2009 when Global Mission pioneer Majok Wal was sent there to establish a group of believers. He became a volunteer teacher in one of the schools and quickly became friends with the other teachers and students. As a result, he was able to establish a Bible study group of 43 people. After two months, the number dropped to 30 but it was more stable group than the original one.

The 30 people studied for three months and then district pastor Mark Igga Mona visited Baliet baptized 18 of them. The other 12 people had dropped out because of threats and persecution from home and work.

Despite similar threats and persecution, the 18 individuals were baptized. During this time they were evicted from the school where they were worshiping. Parents and teachers made life difficult for a number of the new student believers. One of them, Awan, was threatened by his guardian. Yet through this time his faith remained strong and he stayed committed to his newfound faith.

After one month, the people behind the persecution came to the believers to apologize and they promised not to persecute them anymore. Today, the believers are free to worship without fear. A place to worship was still a challenge because they weren’t allowed to go back and worship at the school. However, thanks to God and your support of mission offerings, Sudan Field was able to help the believers build a new place of worship. Through time the 12 who dropped out in discouragement came back to the church along with five new believers who are now ready for baptism.

Although the church is now growing in Baliet, tribal conflicts make life a constant challenge. This affects peace in the region and prevents smooth movement of people within the area.

In spite of these challenges, God is blessing His work in Sudan and it is our hope that the work will continue to advance regardless of the circumstances we may face. Let us remember that with God nothing is impossible.

Nadica and Miroslav, from Croatia, have served as missionaries in Sudan since April 2006. Nadica works as a cashier and office secretary and Miroslav is the Sudan Field president.