Christmas is for Children

handmade toy trucks in Lui, South Sudan

This well known phrase reminds me of the frenzy of a Western Christmas with visits to Santa, cookie baking, wrapping gifts, and play practice. But realistically Christmas is for everyone. Would you pray with me that during these tense days before the referendum vote in South Sudan (it's only 2 weeks away now) that the men, women, and children of this country would recognize that God has given them the greatest gift of all ~ a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And that only through a personal relationship with him will they realize the hope for the future that they so desperately crave after years of war and suffering.

I'm happy to report that the voter registration went well with over 3.2 million people registering to vote. In recent weeks there have been reports of North Sudan bombing Southerners along the border areas. Earlier this fall Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, called Sudan a ticking time bomb. Looking at the situation from a human standpoint it can easily appear desperate.

Prayer is the key. Please continue praying for this nation; both north and south and for God's will to be done.

Specifically would you pray with me for the church in Lui? A week ago the church Bishop passed away while in a Nairobi hospital for treatment. Pray as the church raises funds to clear his hospital bill and plans his funeral. Also be in prayer for the interim Bishop and the process of appointing a new Bishop. It is WGM's desire to come alongside this church in ministry in 2011.

Have you ever heard of the Christmas massacres? The rebel army from Uganda known as the Lord's Resistance Army has a history of brutally attacking the people of Southern Sudan and Congo during the holiday season. Let's pray that the plans of the LRA would be stopped this year. Pray that the hearts and minds of children who have witnessed and seen the effects of brutality would be protected and healed. Only Jesus can erase the harmful images and emotions that come from witnessing such atrocities.

Children in Africa also suffer from lack of health care. Karen Duncan shares from Lui Hospital some of the needs we can pray for.

Pictured above is Dr. Steve Manchester, a missionary to Tenwek Hospital, in the overcrowded and understaffed Pediatric ward at Lui Hospital. Would you consider giving a gift to help care for sick children at Lui Hospital? Click here to give on-line or send a check to World Gospel Mission, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 for Account no. 130-25791-7620. If you'd like to give a gift to my ministry account to be used where most needed click here.

Thank you for your generous gifts to me and to my ministry this past year!

I like this translation of one of the familiar scriptures about giving gifts to children.

"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?"

Matthew 11:7, The Message

As we his children cry out on behalf of the Sudanese he hears our cries and answers. Thank you for praying.

Asking God for more than we can hope or imagine this holiday season as Christ's Kingdom continues to be revealed in our hearts and in Sudan,

joy

Up close and personal

I don't know about you but I have a hard time getting excited about history unless I'm there. After I stood in the middle of the concentration camp at Dachau the holocaust became real. Seeing the mouth of the Nile River in Jinja, Uganda made the journeys of explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke come to life.

The same for people. Meeting people, hearing their stories, and laughing with them makes all the difference in understanding their situations. So, this week as we pray for the 100 day count down to South Sudan's Referendum on January 9th I'd like to introduce you to some of the people I've had the priviledge to work with. They need our prayers. Their first languages differ, their stories vary, but one thing they all have in common is the desire to see God's Kingdom grow in Sudan.

Please pray for wisdom as each man exercises leadership within his circle of influence and for courage and boldness in the face of adversity. As the referendum draws near (in only 56 days) I pray God's favor will rest on each of these men.

1. Stephen Dokolo, Lui

Stephen is the Secretary for the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) in the Lui Diocese. Stephen was in Seminary in the US when I lived in Lui so I have only recently met him. Stephen gives quite the tour of Lui from the Slave Tree - turned Salvation tree to the history of the first missionary doctor, teacher, preacher - Dr. Frasier. Stephen has shared some of his exciting plans for the Diocese with us. Pray for resources and personnel so that the many churches in this Diocese can be transformed.

2. Bishop Isaac Dhiou, Akot

Here my missionary colleague, Billy Coppedge, is meeting with Bishop Isaac of the Akot Diocese of the ECS. They are enjoying a traditional Ethiopian meal in Rumbek as they discuss the needs of the church and pastoral training opportunities. A month and a half ago the WGM Sudan Board joined the Bishop and others from his church as they began a weekend of prayer for Sudan in preparation for the Referendum. We were humbled to meet people willing to commit a weekend to pray for their country.

3. Dr. Ajak Abraham, Werkok
Mango Ministry nurse volunteer, Stephen Leimgruber, is hanging out with Dr. Ajak in Werkok. Years ago Dr. Ajak was sent to Cuba to attend medical school. When he was finished the war was raging in Sudan and he took refuge in Calgary. Several years ago Samaritan's Purse provided medical refresher courses and a residency in Nairobi. Ajak is now the sole Doctor at Memorial Christian Hospital facing many challenges daily! He's a pediatrician, surgeon, obstetrician, and infectious disease doc all wrapped up in one - with few resources or colleagues to talk things over with.

4. Peter Knight, Lui
Peter Knight is the Administrator at Lui Hospital in the middle of South Sudan. This is where I lived for a year in 2006/07. Then Peter was in charge of the TB program but with several upper level staff leaving to further their education Peter has been drawn into management. Shortage of staff, gaps in operating expenses, and equipment that's worn out are a few of the challenges he faces.

5. Jacob Gai, Werkok
Jacob is the only US citizen among this group! He's also a published author. He has written a book detailing his journey from Sudan through Ethiopia and Kenya ending in Michigan called, "Unending Journey." He is known as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. After receiving his education in Michigan he has returned to his home area of Sudan and is the Administrator of Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok.

6. Sosthen Amin, Lui
I met Sosthen on my first two-week trip to Lui in 2006. I went out into the community to attend a graduation of community volunteers. I asked the staff member I was with why Sosthen had come along and was told, "For security! He used to be in the army." Sosthen has been an HIV counselor and chaplain at Lui Hospital and after attending Seminary in Nairobi he also works with the church. Sosthen has a real heart for his people.

7. Gabriel Amat, Akot
Gabriel is in his 20's - he has a wife and family. He's the pastor of the ECS church in Akot. He's also finishing up secondary school. War kept everyone who stayed in Sudan from finishing school when normally expected. There are many older students like Gabriel in high school. The clashes in Akot almost a year ago were very disruptive to his church. Gabriel has been very helpful to our team in Akot despite trying to juggle several responsibilities at the same time.

Thank you for taking the time to meet these men of God. Pray that they will remain rooted in Him in order to nurture His Church in the days, months, and years ahead.

Shalom,

joy

62 days and counting

1. Pray for the people of North Sudan
But I maintain a constant level of concern for those friends (living in Khartoum) as well - walking those dusty streets that could erupt in violence "without warning." Yet - without them there - who offers any real Hope to the people behind stories like those depicted in the video? (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/317095003/the-waiting-room-a-revealing-film-about-sudan) All I can cry is Maranatha! Really, I mean, what is the use of praying anything less? Corrie Heinrich

2. "Because when the enemy hears that you are aware of his plot and that God has frustrated it, you can return to your work." Nehemiah 4:15 Isn't that what we want to do? Sometimes we get so overwhelmed, we can't do our work! Here is the key: the enemy has to know that you are aware of his plot and that God has frustrated it so you can go back to work. But there is a condition: "but go equipped with spears and shields and bows and arrows." (4:16) In other words put your armor on! Be prepared! WOTH June/July 2002 p9

3. "We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world and the spiritual agents are from the very headquarters of evil. Therefore, we must wear the "whole armour of God," that we may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when we have fought to a standstill, we may still stand our ground." Corrie ten Boom

4. Peace is like the rain that makes the grass grow,

War is like the drought that withers and kills the grass. Sudan proverb

5. Prayer from a Darfurian Woman

Lord, I want to join my prayers to many other voices. Every few months we are driven away from one refugee camp to the other, so far in the desert where nothing, nothing at all exists. This is no way for a human being to live. No way to live in such a shocking place - uncultivated, waterless, treeless and barren region...! Everything is burning, Lord, around me, around us ... in me, in us ... Everything is barren, hell, hell...! Yet, Lord, we believe you are there, beside us. We pray for all the Africans living now our same condition. Bring back peace and tranquility to our beloved country. Peace which is desired by everybody, the old and young, rich and poor, women and men. Amen ... amen ... Let it be so.
Gloria Silvano, Sudan / CAFOD, www.savedarfur.org

Bishop Bismark Avakayo (ECS Mundri Diocese) and Billy Coppedge in Mundri

6. Bishop Bismark is asking YOU, the church of the west, to pray not for peace during these trying times, but for perseverance for himself and church leaders as well as praying for the spiritual formation and growth of those in the church in South Sudan.

7. Pray as voter registration for the referendum vote begins on November 15th ~

Pray for voting materials to be in place, workers to be trained, budget allocations to be made, and unity of the Referendum Commission.

Thank you for standing in the gap for the country of Sudan.

Shalom,

joy

100 days of prayer for Sudan ~ continued

October 22

Join Jim Vanderhoof from Sudan - with a challenge to utilize the gifts God has given you to build the Kingdom of God.

"And if something has to be done that seems quite impossible, the same certainty holds good. Over and over again I have seen the Lord do “impossible” things. I think He delights in the impossible, and He delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Him and says, “Lord, Thou know I cannot, but I believe You can.” Amy Carmichael

October 23

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

October 24

Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King, Jr.

October 25

"He himself is our peace, who has. . . . destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14). That barrier is between God and all humankind.

October 26

"Bad things happen in the dark."

Check out BBC news interview with George Clooney

October 27

". . . The darkness is passing away, and the true light is shining." I John 2:8

October 28

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

October 29

Join Carol Spears from Lui Hospital in praying for resources needed to provide compassionate health care for the hurting people of Sudan.

October 30

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

October 31

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty t the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19

November 1

"The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him even to His ears." Psalm 18:5-6

November 2

"The most important question in the world is, Why is the child crying?" Alice Walker

November 3

"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah 6:8

November 4

"Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." Ephesians 4:30

Board trip hardly boring

My recent trip to Sudan with the Mango Ministry WGM-Sudan Board was hardly boring. God broke our hearts, surprised us with new sights, tastes and sounds, and blessed us with the opportunity to serve our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Opportunities for ministry abound. Although this is a really long entry ~ join me in reminiscing about our trip.

Our team included our pilot from Mission Aviation Fellowship, David Mutai and new Sudanese friend, Carol Spears, Joy Phillips, Jim Vanderhoof, Christine Stanfield, Jeff Stanfield, Karen Duncan, Terry Duncan, and Simon Kariuki.

We were humbled by the tenacity of the Headmaster of the Akot Primary School as he gave us a tour of facilities that have endured many decades of use. Children have to bring their own chairs to class.
Board member, David Mutai, enjoys a lively discussion with several students after class is out.

We were honored to visit with church members who were headed to their church for a weekend of prayer for peace in Sudan. We had the priviledge to pray with them.

After touring the market a magnificent sunset took our breath away ~ God's blessing on the end of a very thought provoking day.

The next day we were off to Lui, where I used to live and work. It was exciting to be back and catch up with friends and acquaintances who seemed to be everywhere!

Dr. Carol Spears, a surgeon at Tenwek Hospital, was able to perform two life saving surgeries saving the life of this little baby whose mother had been in labor for 3 days. By the way, the baby is named Carol too!

Jim Vanderhoof (on left) led our team and the Lui church leaders in a rousing chorus complete with actions after a meal shared together one evening. We sang in Arabic, Moru, English, and Swahili.

Jeff Stanfield took time off from his picture taking duties to help his wife Christine shop in the well-stocked market. Well stocked compared to when I lived there ~ it wouldn't compare to the choices available in the US! We all especially liked the homemade g-nut paste (aka peanut butter).

Karen Duncan took a rather upside-down interest in traditionally made Moru baskets. They are beautiful and exquisitely made.

To maintain my friendship wtih Karen let me show her loving on a set of twins with Pastor Simon! Reality is sometimes hard to swallow though. While we were visiting another set twins was born and only one went home due to the death of it's sibling. Suffering abounds.
Terry Duncan, WGM's Africa Regional Director, was able to share a challenging and encouraging word in hospital devotions one morning.

All in all it was a great trip. We sense open doors for continued partnerships in these needy communities. We believe WGM has much to offer. You have much to offer. Start by praying with us in the 100 day count-down to the referendum on January 9th. Check back for fresh prayer reminders during these 100 days.

I will be visiting Sudan again in the near future to work out details of ways WGM can come alongside these partners. Pray for those meetings. Pray for Christ-led relationships that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.

And pray that that you and I will see clearly what God has prepared us to do in the building of His Kingdom in Sudan, across the street, and around the world. Specific opportunities with Mango Ministries coming soon. Is God tugging on your heart?

Shalom,

Joy

100 Day Prayer Count Down for Sudan ~ week 2

Here is the short video introduction that I was not able to post last week as I scurried around in preparations for a trip to Sudan. And below are thoughts and scripture for this next week to help you focus your prayers on peace for Sudan as we approach the referendum vote in early January 2011.

October 8 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

October 9 - Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than about peace, more about killing than we know about living. Omar Bradley

October 10 - One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. Martin Luther King, Jr.

October 11 - For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

October 12 - When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix

October 13 - "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

October 14 - A person who never recognizes his mistakes will never know peace. African proverb

Join Christine Stanfield in this video clip to see how the Sudanese are praying for peace. Together our prayers will make a difference.

A Sudan trip update will follow soon.

Many thanks for traveling with me to Sudan with your prayers.

joy

Summer excitement slides into fall

Greetings from Cape May, NJ! I've had a few days at my sister's this week to begin catching up after an incredibly full summer of meetings, camps, church visits, and celebrations. This summer has been packed so full I have not been able to see many of you, or call, or keep up with correspondence. While I've visited with some of you during the past 2 months I've been reminded of how much God loves me and has surrounded me with committed prayers and faithful givers. I've also been thrilled to share with some of you who have been praying about and exploring ways God wants to use you in the building up of His Kingdom here on earth.

One such person is Whitney Smith ~ she is the newest member of Mango Ministries. She is beginning her Homeland Ministry Assignment, based in Alabama, and hopes to be able to come to Sudan by late winter / early spring. I was able to spend some time with Whitney when we both attended a seminar at WGM's headquarters last month. I enjoyed getting to know her better and believe she'll be a huge asset to our team.

Here is a glimpse of some of the activities that have filled my summer.

My time in the US began with a great time of fellowship, sharing, and breakfast at the Kountry Kitchen in Elmer, NJ.

It was exciting to attend WGM's 100th anniversary Celebration in Marion, Indiana in late June. There were so many retired missionaries, former colleagues and friends to see! Many conversations were started and before finishing one it seemed that someone I hadn't seen in ages came by and another chat began. I was able to share a testimony about how God is at work in Sudan at one of the services.
Since I don't get to see my brother and his family (Len and Betsy Phillips) very often since they serve as missionaries with WGM in Bolivia my Mother and I decided to go see them. We enjoyed a week of vacation hanging out with their family, seeing the work of WGM in Santa Cruz, and even visiting retired missionary Meredith Sheflen (pictured above with me and my brother Len) who many of you from NJ will know. It was exciting to see the Bolivian Evangelical University that she was instrumental in starting.

This next week I will be busy meeting with partners and champions of our ministry in Sudan. As the fall-ish air blows in with the accompanying sound of crickets many are looking forward to the transition from summer to fall. I also look forward to returning to my home base in Nairobi, Kenya in 10 days and am excited about the many opportunities opening up for us.

This last picture is from WGM's Celebration. Retired missionaries Tim and Sharon Hawk are handing over their ministry torch to newly appointed missionaries Zach and Esther Motts. Are you willing to step out in faith and pick up the torch that God is calling you to carry in order to bring His Kingdom to men and women across the street and around the world? Check this out!

Thanks for helping carry Jesus love to the Sudanese through Mango Ministries!

Shalom,

Joy

On the Road Again. . . .

I'm in the car beginning the journey to Marion, Indiana for WGM's 100th Anniversary Celebration. Over the past 3 weeks I've been on the road, or in the air, quite a bit.

Three weeks ago today I was in Sudan. It was a lot of fun showing Jeff (photographer on our trip - thanks Jeff!) and Christine, missionaries in Kenya, what Mango Ministries is doing in Sudan as they explore future ministry possibilities. It was also exciting to have Brian and Debbie Mutai with us. They are missionaries with the Africa Gospel Church in Kenya and are working with Mango Ministries for the next few months.

In Akot we were warmly welcomed to the home of Michael - one of the patients seen at the Eye Clinic held in March. Unfortunately he is blind from glaucoma which is too far advanced to be treated. A friend of Mango Ministries purchased a solar powered radio for Michael that is pre-tuned to the local Christian radio station. We were able to present that to Michael and his family. Please pray that Michael and his family will be encouraged. Michael's biggest concern is to not be a burden but be able to help support his family.

Joy, Christine Stanfield, Brian and Debbie Mutai and Michael at his home in Akot

From Akot we traveled to Lui Hospital where I worked several years ago. We were warmly welcomed by many friends and enjoyed touring the hospital and talking with church leaders. We left Debbie who is a Clinical Officer (similar to a Physician's Assistant in the US) and Brian behind to help at the hospital and with the church. The Pediatric ward was overflowing with patients and Debbie's assistance was much appreciated. Pray for Debbie and Brian's time in Lui and for future opportunities of working with this community.

Christine and Joy talk with Loice, the head nurse of Lui Hospital

A week after returning home to Nairobi from our trip to Sudan I was on a plane again but this time a much bigger plane - headed to Philadelphia. It's been wonderful to be home, especially at strawberry and blueberry season! Only 3 days after getting home I was able to spend a day with my WGM Sudan colleagues and friends, Billy and Joanna Coppedge. We had a great time catching up since they have been in the US on their Homeland Ministry Assignment for the past 6 months.

Billy and Joanna Coppedge and their daughters Elsie Jayne and Lucy and Joy at the Lobster House Docks in Cape May

Joy and my parents, Bruce and Carol Phillips, and sister, Linda

And on Father's Day I was able to attend Strathmere UMC where my Father pastors. I have enjoyed spending time with family and sharing with many of you. I look forward to meeting up with many more of you over the next two months.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers ~ God is at work in Sudan.

Shalom,

joy

Elephants, orphans, and trips

Aren't these baby elephant orphans cute? I had a fun opportunity this week to entertain visitors from home and we visited an elephant orphanage where we saw baby elephants frolic and enjoy a mud bath. We heard about the process of caring for these orphans through their childhoods and integrating them back into the wild. An opportunity was offered to sponsor an elephant and I was amazed at the crowd of people around the 'adoption' table.

And this verse came to mind: "Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil." James 1:27 (Contemporary English Version) As my heart was stirred by the sad stories of poaching and abuse of the baby elephants I asked the Lord to strengthen my commitment and compassion for His children in Sudan.

My hope is that you and I will crowd around the the feet of Jesus praying that we will be who He wants us to be as we come alongside the people of South Sudan who need to see, hear, touch, and feel Jesus.

On Monday I'll be making a trip to Sudan. Jeff and Christine Stanfield (pictured below) who currently work at Tenwek are exploring ministry opportunities in Africa. I'm so excited to show them around! Our first stop is Akot where we'll visit some of the folks we've been able to minister to there.

Brian and Debbie Mutai are newlyweds and will be joining our trip too. The Mutai's are Kenya missionaries with the Africa Gospel Church working in Sudan. Debbie is a Physicians Assistant who did her internship at Tenwek Hospital. She has been working at a clinic in the western part of South Sudan and this year was joined by Brian, her new husband. Since the rainy season has started they are unable to get to their ministry site and have offered to join Mango Ministries until their airstrip is usable. After visiting Akot we will travel to Lui where I worked three years ago. They have expressed a need for medical and development assistance and Debbie and Brian will be a great addition to the work there.

There are many details in planning a trip to Sudan. It has been exciting to see God orchestrate the details and pave the way forward. I ask for your prayers this next week that we will be a sweet aroma for Christ in Akot and Lui.

Joseah will be flying back to Akot on Monday also. He and 2 friends working in Sudan have had an incredible experience attending the Samaritan Strategy Vision Conference and a Community Health Evangelism Training of Trainers course. Please pray for Joseah, Clarke, and Simon as they put the things they learned into practice . . . they are jazzed!

Two weeks from tonight I will be at the airport in Nairobi waiting to fly out at midnight. Whew - a lot will be happening between now and then. Pray that I'll use my time wisely as I wrap up things here and prepare to share with you all during the activities listed below. I'm excited to see many of you.

Meet me at. . . . .

June 13 – Trinity UMC, Mullica Hill, NJ

June 19 – Breakfast Buffet at the Kountry Kitchen in Elmer, NJ. Email me if you want to make a reservation. Find details in the previous blog.

June 20 pm – Zion UMC, Egg Harbor Township, NJ

June 24 – 27 – WGM celebrates 100 years of ministry. Join us in celebrating at Indiana Weslyan University, Marion, IN. Register now! http://www.wgm.org/wgm100

July 4 – Strathmere UMC, Strathmere, NJ

July 9 – 11 Teaching at the Cooperative School of Christian Mission (of UMC) on Sudan at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ

July 12 – 16 – Champion Migration Strategy Workshop, WGM headquarters, Marion, IN

July 18 – Hope Christian Fellowship, Woodbury, NJ

July 19 – Sicklerville UMC VBS, Sicklerville, NJ

July 29 – Erma Campmeeting, Erma, NJ

August 1 am – Bird-In-Hand UMC, B-I-H, PA

pm – Ennisville UMC, Huntingdon, PA

August 2 – 7 – Rawlinsville Camp Meeting, Quarryville, PA

August 8 – Seashore Campsites, Erma, NJ

August 15 – Tabernacle UMC, Erma, NJ

My prayer is that our team will be an encouragement to the body of Christ in Sudan. I appreciate your prayers and financial giving that make it possible for us to touch the lives of the Sudanese.

Shalom,

joy