TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
01 Twilight Of The Gods
2026
The Norse Vikings followed a mythology filled with many gods, including Thor and Odin. They believed these gods would one day fight a great apocalyptic battle that would destroy the world, and a new world would be born to usher in a new age. Yet what ultimately brought an end to Viking paganism was not mythology, but Christianity.
As early as the 8th century, missionaries such as Ansgar, known as the “Apostle of the North”, began building churches in Sweden and Denmark. In 965 AD, King Harald Bluetooth became the first Danish king to convert to Christianity and declared it the official religion.
The Gospel did not advance without sacrifice. Around 845 AD, the priest Nithard was martyred during a pagan uprising in Sweden, and the church was destroyed. Saint Theger and Saint Wilhelm were also reported by the Danish mission to have given their lives for the Gospel. Leofdanus, the first bishop of Denmark, was murdered after preaching a sermon.
When Far Reaching Ministries (FRM) first entered the Nuba Mountains, we were told the population was 99% Muslim. Yet, 25 years later, I have been told there are now more Christians than Muslims in the region. We have heard reports from non-Christian commanders that entire villages have come to faith in Christ. One commander told me of a village of 6,000 people that had become believers.
The Nuba Mountains and the people of Sudan are mentioned in the Bible. In Isaiah 18:1–2, we read:
“Woe to the land of whirring wings along the rivers of Cush, which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a tall and smooth-skinned people, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by the waters.”
This is a remarkable description of the people of Sudan. Scripture also speaks of praise rising from this region in the last days. It is humbling to think that these chaplains may not only be witnessing prophecy unfold, but in some small way participating in its fulfillment.
In many ways, it has been the twilight of the gods in the Nuba Mountains. Just as Christianity brought an end to Norse paganism, many in the Nuba Mountains are turning from Islam and other false beliefs to faith in Jesus Christ. As they do, old ways of thinking are passing away, and new life is being found in Him.
This transformation has not come without cost. For decades, Islamic extremism has fueled conflict, persecution, and suffering throughout Sudan, displacing families and putting believers at great risk. Yet, despite these hardships, the Gospel continues to advance.
I recently received a report from Michael, my senior chaplain, that around June 10th, Chaplain Chamila Aiup, chaplain number C00188, was shot and killed in the Nuba Mountains. He is the 79th chaplain to give his life in the service of Christ.
While he will be greatly missed, his sacrifice and the sacrifices of many other chaplains have not been in vain. Through their faithful service, the Gospel continues to spread across the Nuba Mountains and throughout Sudan.
Chamila graduated with Class Five, completing his chaplain training around 2004–2005. Upon graduation, he said he wanted to return to the Nuba Mountains to reach his people with the Gospel. For 21 years, he carried Christ to his community and faithfully served those around him.
This was his final report:
Greetings to you, my friends. I want to thank you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I want to extend gratitude to you who have stood with me over this past year in prayer and support.
God has shown His power to us this year in many ways. There has been a lot of war in my country, and many people have been forced to flee their homes. In this dark hour, we have been able to minister to many hurting people and share the light of Jesus Christ with them. We have been amazed to see how God has taken this treacherous situation and turned it into good.
I thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue praying that I may be strengthened and given wisdom for His service. Most of all, I ask for prayers for my wife, as she recently had surgery and is still recovering. Please ask God to bless her with a speedy and complete recovery.
I am praying many blessings on you in this year. I am praying that God would bring you health, prosperity, and happiness to your family. I pray that God increases your territories for all the good work you do.
Anyone wishing to send a gift to Chamila’s wife may do so, and we will ensure she receives it.
EVERYTHING WE HAVE BELONGS TO THE LORD.
It is humbling to think that these chaplains may not only be witnessing prophecy unfold, but in some small way participating in its fulfillment.
On another front, construction of the elderly home in Odesa, Ukraine, is progressing rapidly. However, this is a very costly project, and we deeply appreciate your support.
My heart for the elderly in Ukraine is that they would have a safe place to live and be cared for. Many have had their homes taken from them by their own children. When a son or daughter wants to begin a new life with someone, they sometimes abandon their aging parents, dropping them off at the church we support in the middle of the night, even during freezing winter conditions.
One woman in her eighties, whom we care for, says every day, “My son is coming to see me.” It has been three years, and he has never come. I can see the heartbreak in her eyes, and we want her to know that Christ loves her and that she is not forgotten.
As people grow older, many begin to wonder: Who will care for me? If I am hungry, will I be fed? If I am sick and in pain, will anyone help me? Brothers and sisters, we want these grandparents to know they are valued, loved, and never a burden. We will care for them.
When you give to support these grandmothers and grandfathers, people who have been rejected, abandoned, and often robbed by their own families, I believe it blesses the heart of God.
the resources entrusted to FRM do not belong to us; they belong to the Lord. When He tells me to give, I simply obey.
In Mexico, we are giving Calvary Chapel Rosarito $250,000 to purchase the building where the church currently meets. Pastor Mike Vincent has planted nearly 50 churches. One of those church plants, led by Pastor Aaron Smith, has exploded with growth in Florida. Most of Mike’s church plants, however, are in Mexico, and I have personally seen the fruit of his faithful ministry.
To some, it may seem unusual that we would give such a significant amount to another ministry. But the resources entrusted to FRM do not belong to us; they belong to the Lord. When He tells me to give, I simply obey.
We are also in the process of purchasing a building for Calvary Chapel Tbilisi in the country of Georgia. Due to the high cost of property in the capital city, the project will require at least $500,000. Over the years, we have built or purchased approximately 10 church buildings in Russia and are currently funding the construction of another church that will begin this month.
Everything we have belongs to the Lord. He entrusts resources to His people not only to meet needs close to home, but also to strengthen His Church, care for the vulnerable, and advance the Gospel throughout the world. It is a privilege to steward what He has given us for the sake of His Kingdom and the good of others.
Wes Bentley
Far Reaching Ministries
MOLDOVAN OR UKRAINIAN CHILD
In Moldova and Ukraine, Far Reaching Ministries has witnessed many poor single mothers who have been abandoned by their husbands. As a result, their children often suffer from a lack of food and basic necessities.
We urgently need sponsors willing to support these children through a monthly gift. If a recurring commitment is not possible, a one-time donation is also greatly appreciated.
Please prayerfully consider helping in this difficult situation. If you would count it a privilege to support one of these precious children, please designate your gift as “Moldovan or Ukrainian Child.”
HOME FOR ROMAN
Far Reaching Ministries was recently introduced to Roman, a disabled Ukrainian chaplain.
Although Roman was forced out of the military because of his injury, he did not leave the mission. He still goes to the front lines to minister to soldiers, pray with them, strengthen them, and share Christ with them.
Roman’s disability income is only $250 a month. His wife and daughter live close to the fighting, and every day they live with the reality that they could be killed.
As the family of God, we want to care for this faithful man of God by buying a house for him.
We are raising $75,000 to purchase a house for Roman, his wife, and his daughter. The house will be a small, safe home far away from the constant threat of death.
Please stand with us to protect Roman’s family and give them a safe home. If you would like to help, please mark “Home for Roman” on the enclosed gift card, along with your donation.