A Study in European Missionary Response to Security Challenges during the First and Second World War: A Case Study of the Sudan United Mission British Branch

Jordan Samson Rengshwat, PhD

University of Jos, Faculty of Arts, Department of Religion and Philosophy.

E-mail: rengshwatj@unijos.edu.ng, Joe50rex@gmail.com jordanrengshwat@yahoo.com

Abstract

This paper examines the responses of the missionaries of the Sudan United Mission during the events of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 with a view to finding models for response for missions and churches facing daunting security challenges in Nigeria today. The methodology used for this study is the qualitative one. The findings showed that during the two World Wars, the missionaries of the Sudan United Mission responded in many ways. First, they were willing to be evacuated. Secondly, many of the younger missionaries were willing to join the army to fight for their country. Besides, they had their own propaganda machinery that aided conscriptions. In addition, they organized financial help for sister missions; and for Jews and Greeks overseas. The paper recommends that at the sight of danger, missions and churches should evacuate women and children. Missions and churches that are not badly affected by the situation should render help to those that are badly affected because wherever the wealth of the church is found, it is Jesus’ wealth. Missions and churches should be willing to cooperate with government, and if necessary, join government approved security organisations to secure their communities.

Keywords:Challenges, Mission, Missionary, Response, Security, War.

Introduction

World Wars I and II presented security challenges to the missionaries of the Sudan United Mission, British Branch (henceforth SUMBB). This paper studies how the missionaries responded to the challenges. To do this, the paper gives a brief history of the Sudan United Mission, British Branch, and paints a picture of the Great Wars as they affected colonial Nigeria. The paper then dwells on the responses of missionaries of the Sudan United Mission to the security challenges posed by the wars. The paper closes with recommendations for Christian missions and churches in Nigeria today.

The Sudan United Mission, British Branch (henceforth SUMBB), had a bi-monthly magazine called The Lightbearer. The Mission also had many other literature among which include: News-letters; Bristow, W.M. Training Africans for Christ (London: Sudan United Mission, 1948. Microfilm. Part III Reel 5. Adam Matthew Publications Ltd, 2006. T.C.N.N. Archives, Bukuru); Facing the Challenge: Sudan United Mission-Action Partners 1904-2004 (Doncaster: Action Partners, 2004); Maxwell, J.L. Half a Century of Grace (London: Sudan United Mission, n.d.); From Pioneers to Partners(London: Sudan United Mission, n.d. 29-44); Moles, Margaret. APlace Called Vom. (n.c. Sudan United Mission, n.d.); Rimmer, E.M. Go Ye and Teach: An Account of the Growth and Work of Gindiri Training School (London: Sudan United Mission, n.d.); Suffill, T.L. The Birom (London: Sudan United Mission n.d. Microfilm. Part III Reel 3. Adam Matthew Publications Ltd, 2006. T.C.N.N. Archives Bukuru); Tett, Mollie E. The Road to Freedom: The Story of the Sudan United Mission (Kent: Sudan United Mission, n. d.); Tett, Mollie E. The Bridge Builder: The Life Story of W.M. Bristow, O.B.E. (Kent: Sudan United Mission, n.d.); Tett, Mollie E. Toma the Pastor (Microfilm. Part III Reel 3. Adam Matthew Publications Ltd, 2006. T.C.N.N. Archives, Bukuru); and Williams, David. Students for Christ (Kent: Sudan United Mission n.d.). It is from this body of