More about David Miller . . .

In 1982, David Miller (30) and his wife Deborah felt a calling from God to emigrate to Israel. The couple, born and raised in the United States, had never lived or visited the Middle East before, yet felt an intense command from the Lord to make a move.  “We had never even visited Israel and didn’t know what to do when we’d arrive, but the calling was clear,” says Miller.

Years later, after living and teaching in Israel, the couple moved to Kenya in 1993 where David taught Bible and trained pastors at Scott Theological College and ICM Seminary.  In 1999 the couple and their children, moved back to Central Pennsylvania where David taught biblical studies at Messiah College.

David and Deborah thought their return to the states was permanent, but just eight years later the couple embarked on a church planting mission in the Didinga Mountains, a remote area of Southern Sudan.  “Some of the people of the area had never seen or heard of a white person,” said Miller, alluding to how isolated the area is. “They did not know what I was.” 

 

Soon thereafter, the Didinga people, an animistic tribe, determined that an ongoing draught was caused by the church planters.  “We were accused by tribal leaders of stealing the rain.  Our options were to present a bull for sacrifice or be killed.”

The couple, along with their children and a team of younger missionaries in training, fled in the dark of night to a nearby airstrip where they were flown to safety in Kenya.  While the area is still not open to outsiders, almost all the missionary trainees have returned to the mission field in other places.

Since returning to the U.S. and his teaching position at Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., Miller has anticipated a return to Israel’s sites with fellow West Shore parishioners.  “This tour will present the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that encourages, equips, and uplifts our brothers and sisters in Christ.” 

Check out David’s blog.