The Last Open Church in El-Fasher

William Desjardins

In the war-torn Sudanese city of El-Fasher, one Christian sanctuary remains open against all odds. The Rev. Daramali Abudigin, an Anglican priest, has refused to abandon his community despite relentless fighting and a city under siege.

St. Mathew of the Anglican Church of Sudan now stands as the last remaining Christian church in El-Fasher. Abudigin has kept its doors open to all Christians, offering a place of prayer and hope while nearly every other pastor and priest has been forced to flee the violence.

The risks of staying are immense. In May, five church members living with Abudigin were killed when armed men sprayed bullets into the church compound at random. Still, he continues his ministry alongside his wife and three sons, determined to serve the dwindling Christian population that has no other refuge.

El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been encircled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April of last year. Inside the city, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) continue to fight the RSF in a conflict that has devastated civilian life and displaced countless families.

In the midst of this blockade and violence, Rev. Abudigin and St. Mathew’s Church endure for Christians in a city otherwise darkened by war.

God’s Perfect Wisdom in Every Circumstance

FLOYD ROGERS

God’s wisdom has no limits. In every situation, He understands what is truly best for each of us. Because God loves His people and always acts in ways that are right, He must also have perfect wisdom to know what that is at all times.

Unlike people, God never needs advice or a group to help Him make decisions. He does not seek counsel from angels or hold meetings to figure out what to do. Every decision comes from His flawless, endless wisdom. There is no uncertainty with God. He knows what should happen in every moment and situation.

Even when life feels uncertain, believers can be sure that God’s choices are made through perfect understanding.

Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Romans 11:33

God’s Perfect Love and Unchanging Holiness

FLOYD ROGERS

God’s nature is, above all, loving. Love is not something God does occasionally — it is a constant part of who He is. The Bible describes God as light, with no trace of darkness in Him. This means there is no evil, sin, or imperfection within God’s character. Everything about Him is pure, holy, and right.

Because God is completely holy and perfect, it is impossible for Him to act unjustly or harmfully toward any of His children. His holiness ensures that all His actions are good, and His love guarantees care and fairness. No situation would ever cause God to mistreat those who belong to Him.

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

Treasures in Heaven: Rewards for Faithful Christians

JEFF TURNER

The Bible speaks often about the rewards God promises to those who follow Him faithfully. Jesus Himself told believers to gather treasures in heaven, where they will last forever. The Apostle Peter also mentioned a reward — an everlasting crown for those who faithfully care for others. One of the clearest messages about eternal rewards comes from Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:14, where he explains that anyone whose work stands firm will receive a reward from God.

Some people feel uneasy about the idea of Christians receiving rewards, believing it to be selfish or wrong to think about personal gain. However, this idea is clearly taught in Scripture. In fact, rejecting the idea of rewards means rejecting what God has promised. From the earliest pages of the Bible, God made it clear that obedience brings blessing. In Deuteronomy, He told Israel that obedience would lead to blessings, while disobedience would result in curses. This principle has existed since the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve obeyed, they lived in peace; when they disobeyed, they faced consequences.

God’s desire has always been to bless those who walk in His ways. These rewards are not only for this life but for eternity as well. And while we may receive crowns and honours in heaven, Scripture tells us that we will lay those rewards at Jesus’ feet, giving Him the glory. It is a reminder that all good things, including our rewards, come from Him.

the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Revelation 4:10-11

Faith Amidst the Storm: Jesus’ Authority

FLOYD ROGERS

Out on the open water, a terrible storm struck. Strong winds sent powerful waves crashing against a small boat carrying the apostles. Terrified, they hurried to wake Jesus, certain they were about to drown. But Jesus did not panic or express fear. Instead, He rose and, seeing a light in the darkness, spoke calmly to the raging waters. “Peace, be still,” He commanded — and at once, the wind stopped, and the sea became perfectly calm.

This moment was more than just a miracle. It showed that Jesus holds complete authority over nature, as the Creator of the world. Whether people choose to accept His lordship or not, it does not change who He is. He remains sovereign over everything He has made.

And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and [a]it became perfectly calm.

Mark 4:39