Once Tortured for his Faith, Sudanese Man Becomes a Pastor

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<p><u>Photo above</u>: The Rev. Botrous Tutu, a newly licensed local pastor, receives his clergy robe from (left to right) Rev. John Gargis, Rev. Michael Sluder, and Rev. Charles Maynard during a June 11 ceremony. <u>Photos at top of page</u>: (1) Rev. Charles Maynard tells the story of the "Magic Stick." (2) While Rev. Buzz Trexler watches, Maynard presents the stick to Tutu. (3) The congregation sings in celebration.</p>

Botrous Tutu has been a preacher for many years — since the 1990s when he was tortured in Sudan for refusing to renounce his faith — and for the last four years, in a little church in Alcoa, TN.
On June 11, 150 people came from three states to see Tutu put on a clergy robe and celebrate his official status as a licensed local pastor in the United Methodist Church.
Now, the Rev. Botrous Samuel Tutu, age 50, is under appointment to Green Meadow United Methodist Church, serving the Spring of Living Water community of worship, mission, and discipleship at the church.
“I’m so happy, because the Holy Spirit was moving when he gave me that stick,” Tutu said, referring to a highlight in the Saturday afternoon ceremony. “I’m going to be the leader of the people.”