Wes Bentley, a former Marine, first traveled to Africa in 1996. Crossing crocodile infested rivers, and wading barefoot through swamps, he delivered food, medicine, clothing and hope to predominantly Christian native people in South Sudan where rebel soldiers battled to stop Islamic jihadists from genocide.This civil war pitted the Muslim and Arab controlled northern Sudan government against the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) from the south. Millions of people have died as a result of war and famine since 1983. Despite denials from the Muslim controlled Sudanese government, they have sponsored genocide, have used chemical weapons and established a thriving slave trade; all perpetrated against the predominantly Christian South. Wes has personally witnessed children die from lack of medication and food, fields where thousands lay dead and people being led away to the slave auction.

Prior to Wes’ work in Africa, God prepared him as a missionary in Russia prisons where he served for five years. Then the Lord led Wes to recognize a greater need in Africa. After much prayer, Wes was convinced that God gave him a vision to reach the entire continent of Africa. In 1998, Wes founded Far Reaching Ministries (FRM).Since its inception in 1998, FRM has graduated nine classes of chaplains, deploying over 400 men throughout Sudan who minister to their fellow soldiers, as well as plant churches in remote villages. In addition, the women’s ministry has flourished. Indigenous women who have matured spiritually are able to start other women’s ministry groups throughout the region. Looking to the future, it is FRM’s hope to host tent revivals in villages all across South Sudan, showing The Jesus Film. The chaplains will share the gift of salvation and establish small bush churches where they will continue to teach God’s Word. Wes believes that South Sudan is at a critical time in history where a great harvest is to be had.