THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN SUDAN

Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa.  It has a population of over 32 million people. The country has a rich and diverse culture with over 500 spoken languages. The country is divided into two main parts the predominately Moslem north mainly inhabited by Arab tribes and the predominantly Christian south inhabited by indigenous African tribes.

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HISTORY OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN SUDAN

The United Methodist Church started its activities in Sudan in 1993, by Rev. William Upendo.  In 1996, it was formally accepted as part of the East Africa Annual Conference.
 
The people welcomed the Gospel and the church grew to 23 local churches.  Because of the political climate, and the rapid growth of the United Methodist church in Sudan and the fact that the leadership was centered on one person, disagreements developed.  These weakened the church.  Members left the church and joined other denominations.  Without Church properties like land and permanent buildings, a number of local churches joined other denominations and some were closed.  We remained with only 10 local churches, which worked under very difficult conditions.
 
The leadership problems were resolved and a new coordinator was appointed for the United Methodist Church in Sudan Pastor Conis Towongo.
 
A lot was achieved during the new leadership.  We have put in place a District church committee to run the affairs of the United Methodist Church in Sudan. The 10 local United Methodist churches in Sudan had a membership of 3,619 people.

Currently, the church has 17 churches and they are still growing.

With the partnership between the East Africa Annual Conference and Holston Conference in TN, USA, the church has received 2 missionary couples, Rev. Boo and Phyllis Hankins.  Rev. Boo is the District Superintendent while his wife Phyllis is a missionary. 

Recently, Steve and Diantha Hodges.  These have come to help with agricultural development and microfinance.  Diantha is a health educator and she will help so much in the area of health education and training.