Journey with Joy

home sweet home

2012-01-23T17:29:00.000+02:00

I can remember the way the sky looked on that cold November day when my brother and I stepped off the train in Dachau. This was part of our "once in a lifetime" backpacking trip across Europe back in our twenties. Our visit to Dachau was one of the more sobering stops on that trip. Walking through the former concentration camp where tens of thousands of Jews were exterminated brought history to life. I remember standing in front of a huge plaque that said 'plus jamais, never again.' Don't we wish!

I found this quote online.

Dachau: plus jamais (except for Rwanda and Kosovo and Darfur and . . . )

I wonder if Sudan and South Sudan will be added to that list? You'd think that the atrocities committed in Darfur would be enough for one country but the killing goes on. Are you aware of the devastating consequences of tribal conflicts in Jonglei or the assault upon the people of the Nuba Mountains, the escalating violence in Blue Nile, the displacement of thousands in Abyei, or the unremitting fighting in Darfur.

Nubans on the move again!

While Syria, Lybia, and Egypt gather media attention, the suffering of several million Sudanese receive meager attention. Can we allow a crisis of such proportions to be invisible?

Pray! Pray for leaders to make wise decisions. Pray for the hearts and minds of Sudanese and South Sudanese. Without Jesus the killing and violence will continue.

Learn more about what you can do:
Sudan Advocacy Action Forum
Satellite Sentinal Project

Pray for Mango Ministries as we utilize these tools for transformation:
STS - Simply the Story - Biblical storytelling
CHE ~ Community Health Empowerment

Pray for upcoming trainings and clinics:
Simply the Story training in Werkok/Bor, the end of February
Surgical clinic in Werkok, March 21 - 30
Simply the Story training in Tonj, March 23 - 31
Cataract Clinic in Akot, April 27 - May 3
CHE training in Tonj, hopefully in May

Adhanom needs a place to live!
For the last several months he's been blessed to be able to stay with a family in Rumbek. Our desire is for him to move out into the village and be a part of the community. One of our goals is to provide a place for him to stay in the heart of East Rumbek County. That means starting from scratch.

What Adhanom and I envision is . . . . a place where Adhanom can stay comfortably in our target community. A place where visitiors (including me!) can stay when visiting. A place where a kitchen garden can be planted. Vegetables to eat and modelling a nutricious diet. Maybe some fruit trees too! A place where simple technologies can be put into practice to show the local residents options that don't cost much and can be made with local resources.

A colleague sent me an email recently about soda bottle light bulbs - how cool is that?!

On my trip to South Sudan last month Adhanom showed me a shallow hand dug well that he would love to try and replicate at his new home.

I know many of you reading this have spent time in less developed countries. And some of you are research nuts. If you have any suggestions for appropriate technologies that could be used at Adhanom's new home please let me know. If your idea is used we'll showcase it here for all to see.

A few other neat ideas from Tenwek's Greenhouse Training Center.

Shower buckets

BioSand water filters - OK, this one takes a little more than locally available products but it's still do-able!

Tire garden for herbs and vegetables

Whether we're talking about appropriate technologies to make homes across South Sudan healthier and simply more comfortable or whether we're talking about the displacement of thousands of people from their homelands please pray with us that homes across South Sudan will know and love Jesus and cling to the hope that only He can give.

Home interprets heaven. Home is heaven for beginners.
Charles Henry Parkhurst
Shalom,

joy

a word from my sister

2011-12-29T14:57:00.001+02:00

Unexpected Journey

In mid-November I got an unexpected e-mail from Joy inviting me to accompany her on a trip to South Sudan in December. In just four weeks I was able to get all the necessary arrangements made and was off for my unexpected journey to South Sudan.

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey

I knew a lot going into this journey. However, experiencing things gave a whole new meaning.

I knew it was the dry season and there were no paved roads.

I experienced dust billowing, almost blinding us, as a truck passed our vehicle on the road. I also had the dust, dirt, and grim on the inside of my shirt to prove how dry and dusty it was.

I knew it was hot and clean water would be scarce.

I experienced walking back to the compound at 3 pm, draining the last of my water bottle and thinking, "How much water do we have left? Where will we be able to get more? Will we have enough? I'm really thirsty!"

I knew the Dinka people were friendly.

I experienced seeing a lady just hand her baby to Joy to hold.

I knew that the church is not a building, but the people.

I experienced church with the Aduel Episcopal Church of Sudan congregation. All 400 of us worshipping together under a tree.

I knew that the night sky and the stars were brighter when there was no electrical lights around.

I experienced the brilliant night sky that was just amazing. I had no idea the milky way was so was bright, clear and beautiful. It was better than any planitarium I've ever been to!

I knew that the instability in South Sudan had taken a toll on the educational system.

I experienced seeing a school with walls riddled with bullet holes, with classrooms that were empty - no books, no chairs, no tables, no desks, no pencils, no posters . . . nothing but a chalk board (children walk to school with their chairs and use their laps for a desk - also students are grouped by grade level not by age so you can have a 20 year old in 3rd grade).

I knew that things don't always go as planned . . . .
I experienced the stress and uncertainty of "will we make it out?" We had a driver set to pick us up from Aduel at 1:30pm and take us back to Rumbek so we could fly back to Nairobi the next day (on the last flight out before Christmas), 1:30 no driver, 2:30 no driver but word that he'd be there at 3pm to get us. 3:45 and still no driver. It's now time for plan B! We had to find boda boda's (small motor bikes) to take us and our luggage to the main road (about a 45 minute walk) to wait for public transportation to get us back to Rumbek (about 1 1/2 hours away). All the while the clock was ticking... we knew it would be dark by 7 and travel would be too dangerous after that.

5pm and we're finally loaded in public transportation to begin the journey back to Rumbek - only 7 stops later and we safely arrived at 7:15pm.

I knew that South Sudan has incredible needs.
As we departed Adol, the compound manager said to me, "We don't need people to just send money, for true development in South Sudan we need them to come and see with their eyes."

I experienced, with my eyes, the vast needs (clean water, health care, education, food, and infrastructure). I also experienced how Mango Ministries is working with the people and churches of South Sudan to help bring development and transformation through Jesus.

by Linda Phillips

It was great getting to take my sister into South Sudan with me as we visited Adhanom before Christmas. It's fun to see something that has become everyday to me through someone else's eyes and I trust you have enjoyed seeing South Sudan through her eyes.

As we begin a new year will you prayerfully ask God if He is calling you to 'come see with your own eyes' the needs in South Sudan? On this trip we were made aware of so many opportunities for serving Jesus in South Sudan. Some of the needs are: tutoring elementary level students, teaching basic computer skills, teaching English as a second language, sports ministry, working with women and youth, discipling pastors, and the ongoing needs for short term and long term medical personnel. Email me if you'd like to discuss the needs and possibilities for serving with WGM's Mango Ministries in South Sudan.

Thank you for your partnership during 2011! God is answering prayer as we demonstrate compassion and facilitate the building up of God's Kingdom in this new nation.

Peace ~

joy

PS - if you're looking for an end of year gift that will help bring transformation to the South Sudanese check out the bottom of my December 2nd blog for several giving opportunities!

. . . . not again!!

2011-12-02T12:33:00.045+02:00

It's been one of those weeks. I wanted to get a blog update out last week but life got in the way. Then this week it was number one on my priority list but again. . . . life got in the way.

Here are a few of the 'divine' interruptions I had:

A painful farewell to a really good friend of 25 years who is retiring
An unexpected opportunity to visit with a Nuban pastor learning more about the suffering in Sudan and hardships in Kakuma refugee camp
I wrote an article for wgm's magazine The Call - look for it next spring
I wrote a ton of emails, despite the internet's on and off again temperament
Phone network bouncing all over the place creating many dropped calls
Failure to reboot my computer, a little hum but a black screen!!!!!
Thankful to be able to use an unused computer in a nearby office
Frustrating not to have my documents, pictures, or email addresses on this computer
What seems like constant power outages - it's not, it just seems that way
Issues with our back-up generator
Rain, rain and more rain

Unlike the uncertainty of my days and my sometimes whining attitide I have to smile when I remember how faithful God is. Again, he is here, even in the midst of a seemingly bad day.

Despite the fact that I've just spent a good amount of time complaining I hate to complain because I am smart enough to realize that I have nothing to complain about in the bigger scheme of things. I see real suffering, hardship, and pain around me all the time. These minor inconveniences are just that - minor inconveniences.

As the Christmas holiday approaches the question I know I need to focus on is "What can I give Jesus for Christmas this year?" I have been blessed in so many ways: a supportive family, great friends, committed colleagues, a challenging ministry, a super support team, a great place to live and plenty of food when so many in East Africa are hungry and without shelter. I am blessed!!

My plan for advent is to find ways to give gifts to Jesus through creative giving to others. I'll let you know how that goes. How are you celebrating Advent? I'd love to hear from you.

If you're looking for ways to give creative gifts to Jesus this Christmas season read on for some exciting giving opportunities.

1. Community Health Empowerment training ~ What is CHE?
"It is a church initiated, wholistic development ministry that trains and equips local volunteers called CHEs (Community Health Educators) to share God's love in their communities by bringing physical and spiritual teaching to the homes around them."

A group of CHE trainees learns how to build a safe stove

After sending 6 South Sudanese and our new staff Adhanom to Uganda this fall for session one of CHE training we think many more will benefit if we can take the training to South Sudan in 2012. A gift of $500 will train one Community Health Educator by enabling us to fly a team of trainers to South Sudan and cover expenses for them and the trainees for 3 separate weeks of training. Click here to give a gift of education and empowerment.

2. Help the Nuban Episcopal Church of Sudan in Kakuma Refugee Camp reroof their church

I mentioned all the rain we're having in Kenya this fall and you can imagine what it's like in this church when it does rain. Would you like to assist these Sudanese refugees living in Kenya to reroof their church? Give a gift for the roof online today! Pray for the many people who cannot go 'home' this holiday season!

3. The gift of sight

The Tenwek Eye Team and Mango Ministries are gearing up for 2012. Our goal is to hold two cataract clinics next year. It breaks our heart when blind people get the message too late and miss receiving sight restoring surgery. The need is overwhelming!

A gift of $150 will enable a man or woman to receive sight restoring cataract surgery, including the opportunity to hear about Jesus who loves them.

4. Joy's ministry needs

I've been blessed with a generous support team. Thank you to all of you who make it possible for me to be a part of God's Kingdom building activity in South Sudan through your financial giving. Gifts to my ministry account will go towards my support needs and various other ministry activities.

If you'd like to give a gift through check here's how:
Send a check made out to World Gospel Mission to WGM, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948. Indicate which project(s) your gift is for.
1. Community Health Empowerment (130-25790)
2. Church Development (Kakuma roof project, 130-21790)
3. Cataract Clinic (130-25791)
4. Joy Phillips support & many other ministry needs (130-07338)

Let's pray that Jesus will show us some very creative ways to show His love to others this Christmas season.

O come let us adore Him,

joy

A city in the middle of nowhere

2011-11-14T19:28:00.001+02:00

Kakuma is the Kiswahili word for 'nowhere.' Two weeks ago several WGM leaders, Deng Jongkuch - a South Sudanese Lost Boy, and I traveled from Logichoggio in northwestern Kenya to Kakuma. You can see that we are headed . . . . nowhere.

As the hills rise out of the scrubland, so a city was raised up 20 years ago to meet the needs of the thousands of Sudanese who were walking south out of Sudan, looking for a place to lay their heads and call home. It is called Kakuma Refugee Camp.

When given a chance to speak at a function a common way to begin a talk here in Kenya is to start by saying, "I don't have much to say!" Today, I don't have much to say because Tim Rickel, one of our team, has already said it really well. Please go to his blog and meet Deng, pictured below. Here are just a few pictures to accompany his thoughts about our trip.

Deng stands in front of the gate where he heard his name called, telling him he had the opportunity to go to the United States.

Deng sits in Pastor Mubarak's church in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Pastor Mubarak is from the Nuba mountains where fighting is currently going on.

Team members Vera Steury and Karen Duncan meet with the women and pray for their needs.

Nothing is wasted, not even the tins from cooking oil distributed by the United States Agency for International Development. An entire church was roofed with these homemade shingles. Is that 'going green' or what!?

Deng showed us where his tukel (hut) used to stand.

Although it had been many years since his last visit many excitedly remembered Deng and crowded around when he showed up unexpectedly in his old neighborhood.

As Thanksgiving approaches here are a few thoughts:

If you haven't had to leave your home due to threat or persecution - thank the Lord. Pray for the 42 million men, women, boys and girls uprooted worldwide. In Kakuma Refugee Camp alone there are twice as many people than those living in Marion, Indiana where WGM has it's International Headquarters.
Pray that the pastors ministering in the Kakuma Refugee Camp and town of Kakuma will be empowered to share light and hope. Those WGM has met are: Pastor John, Pastor Kenneth, Pastor Mubarak, and Pastor Benjamin.
Pray with WGM as we continue to explore what God might have us do in light of these incredible opportunities.
Have you had a "hunger" day this month? (see Tim's blog for the definition of a hunger day) If not, praise the Lord for keeping hunger at bay. Consider giving a gift to WGM's crisis relief fund to help the Church reach out to people in crisis on one of WGM's fields.
Pray for the people of the Yida Refugee Camp in northen South Sudan. Over the past several months people from Kordofan which is now part of (north) Sudan have fled their homes due to bombing. And last week the refugee camp where they have sought refuge was bombed too.
To learn more about the Lost Boys of Sudan read, What is the What by Valentino Achak Deng or watch God Grew Tired of Us.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His contenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Numbers 4: 24-26

Faithful men

2011-10-28T08:31:00.001+02:00

In this blog I'm going to introduce you to two men who have committed their lives to serving Jesus Christ. I hope you're as challenged as I am by the commitment they exhibit as they follow Jesus.

People frequently ask me, "How are things in Sudan?" Along with Dickens I am tempted to reply that, "These are the best of times, these are the worst of times!"

Security in South Sudan is always at the top of people's minds. In the sites where WGM is working the security situation remains fairly calm - a good thing. But that is unfortunately not the case for everyone in Sudan and South Sudan. Read what Nicholas Kristof has to say in last Sunday's New York Times about a former colleague of mine when I worked with Samaritan's Purse, Ryan Boyette.

The article is entitled, "The Man Who Stayed Behind."

Please pray for the people of the Nuba Mountains and along the border of Sudan and South Sudan as they persevere through much hardship.

I'd also like you to meet Adhanom Hidug. Adhanom joined our Mango Ministry Team in September.

He has just finished up a Masters in Public Health at a University here in Kenya and is also a Clinical Officer. He and his wife and their two small daughters have been living in Nairobi but this is not home for them. Adhanom was raised in Eritrea. Who knows where that is? I'm guessing most of you will have to get googling on that one.

In Adhanom's testimony he explains that he was a good Catholic for much of his growing up years. Later he came to know Jesus as his personal Saviour and joined an Evangelical church movement. Life isn't easy for Christians in Eritrea. Operation World states that "persecution and restraints on personal freedoms test believers sorely." Adhanom can personally testify to this yet his faith remains strong.

For awhile he lived in Khartoum, Sudan then came to Kenya to further his studies. While in school he became friends with a nurse from Tenwek Hospital who was attending the same school from Tenwek's School of Nursing. Adhanom shared his interest and call to serve the people of Sudan and Philip shared with Adhanom about WGM's new work in South Sudan. Can I say the rest is history!

During the past two months Adhanom has been getting oriented. He spent some time with the staff at Tenwek Community Health and Development. He attended a week long training in Uganda on Community Health Empowerment (CHE). He worked at a busy clinic in Tonj, South Sudan getting to understand the health needs of the people, and we visited the area where he will be working most of the time - East Rumbek County, Lakes State.

Today Adhanom is flying back to South Sudan. We have many questions: where will he live, will he be able to clean out the carburetor of the motorbike and get it started, will the people warm up to the ideas of community transformation after forming a relief mentality about development during decades of war?

Starting off on a new venture is exciting too. We have prayed that God has gone before us to pave the way. There are new people to meet, new customs to learn, learning of the Dinka language, and really understanding people.

Adhanom's goals for the next two months are these:
Begin learning the Dinka language
Learn as much as possible about the community and it's people - in otherwords, he's going to be taking a lot of tea under the mango trees!
Begin to implement the strategies of CHE - with a seed project
Encourage the 6 other Sudanese who attended the training with him from Tonj and Lui
Form a team of champions who will pray for him and contribute to his support needs.

Would you like to be one of his champions? Shoot me an email if you'd like to be part of his prayer team or if you'd like to contribute to his support needs.

I feel really blessed to be doing what I do and with such amazing people, men AND women. We could use some help though. There are incredible opportunities to be a part of God's Kingdom building activities in South Sudan. Is God calling you to go . . . . to come and join Mango Ministries?

Here are two hot opportunities: join a team facilitating transformational development or get involved in training of church leaders.

faithful men and women
is God calling you?

Seeing Sudan

2011-09-24T14:10:00.000+02:00

Seeing a child leading adults who can't navigate on their own due to blindness just breaks my heart.

But that was countered by a vist to one of our cataract patients after his surgery. How exciting to see him take out his Bible after getting home! And a special bonus was that his Bible came from the Bible distribution I was involved with in 2008.

Girls will be girls and I will have to say that I always enjoy a little shopping, whether it's in a modern mall in Nairobi or in rural South Sudan. Unfortunately, I didn't see anything that caught my eye and I came home with all my Sudanese pounds unspent.

My friend, Heather, who is working at Tenwek was able to join me and experience a little of South Sudan, including teaching under a mango tree. David (to her right) is a pastor and is helping her with translation. He and 6 others are on their way to northern Uganda, even now, to attend a training facilitated by WGM Uganda on Community Health Evangelism.

Judah, another pastor from Tonj (assisting a cataract surgery patient below) is attending the training as well. Please pray for our new staff, Adhanom, and 3 men from Tonj, including David and Judah, and 3 from Lui who will be introduced to many new ideas this next week. Pray that they will return home transormed and that the new and exciting ideas they are exposed to will spill over into the lives of others within their circles of influence.

Here's an exciting testimony from the cataract clinic. The man below was a soldier during the war. He had an accident when his gun exploded and he lost his right eye. That accident also left him with a traumatic cataract in his left eye. There was a chance that surgery could leave him with less sight than he had and the doctor originally refused to operate. This man was persistent and pleaded with the doctor to do the surgery. He had never clearly seen his child. The doctor did the surgery which was successful and this man could now see out of his one eye. During this process he was very open in discussing the animistic beliefs he held and eventually prayed to give his life to the Lord. Not only that but he asked the doctor who did the surgery to cut off the charm that was around his child's neck.

This young woman (below) had cataracts at an early age and had never seen her young baby. The Tenwek staff were so anxious for her to be able to see again, as they could imagine what it was like to have young children and not "see" them. Everyone was happy the day this woman's bandages came off. She was not an emotional woman but you can see the relief in her smile as she easily passed the visual acuity test!

To see how some of our patients expressed their excitement after being given their sight watch here!

How is God working in your life? Do you sense a call to South Sudan and Mango Ministries? Maybe God is calling you to join a team involved in transformational development? Or to volunteer for a short term medical assignment at a mission hospital. There is an pressing need for short term medical doctors and surgeons at Memorial Christian Hospital. Interested? Let me know. . . I'd love to chat.

Shalom,

joy

Seeing Eyes . . . .

2011-09-07T18:34:00.000+02:00

In three and a half operating days 137 cataract surgeries have been completed here in Tonj where Mango Ministries is partnering with In Deed and Truth Ministries.

“I can see your teeth.” These were the first words out of our first cataract patient when the bandages were removed the day after surgry.

We’ve had an incredible time here in Tonj since arriving mid-day last Saturday. In this blog post I’ll walk you through what's been going on.

Planning for this one week cataract clinic started in April with the logistics of getting here – a half day of flying. And the staff of In Deed and Truth started looking for cataract patients. Dr. Tom (kneeling) and Dennis (in black) found many patients to refer to us this week. Also pictured are Dr. Dan Gradin (left), Richard Tonui, and Dr. Ben Roberts (on right).

On arrival Saturday we were greeted by our friends Suzy and Sabet Kuj and were wisked off to the government hospital which has some unused rooms they have allowed us to use for this clinic.

We brought about 750 pounds of equipment from Tenwek including 2 operating microscopes (being assembles above), lots of eye drops, drapes and even the operating tables.

Registration of patients came next. Besides the clinic referrals the news of our coming had gone out on the local radio so we have seen an incredible turnout. That and the fact that no one can remember eye care ever being offered in Tonj before.

Next the staff examine each patient to see if they are a surgical canditate.

Wilson (pictured below) checks each patient’s eyes to ensure that the right lens is inserted after the cataract is removed.

Scrub sinks are improvised.

Instruments are boiled in between cases to sterilize them and Richard has been running between the gas jiko and the operating room where he circulates.

I have beem doing odd jobs trying to keep things moving. Here I’m folding drapes to prepare for sterilizing.

It is rainy season in South Sudan which is great as it’s been relatively cool with daytime highs about 85 degrees F. But that blessing is countered by the difficulty in drying the drapes to keep ahead of the busy surgeons!

Patients receive a local anesthetic block and are then taken to the operating room.

With a patch over their eye each patient is led to the ward where they rest until morning.

Eash evening the wards are bursting at the seams, 43 patients were operated on one day.

The local staff have helped immensely with translation, washing operating drapes, running between the clinic and hospital to bring forgotten items, and cooking delicious meals for us. The South Sudanese pastors who are studying at the pastoral training school here at In Deed and Truth are sharing Bible stories, doing one-on-one counseling, and praying with patients and family members all day long.

I’ll share some of the patient’s stories in my next blog as well as some “day after surgery” pictures when physical sight is restored.

A HUGE thank you to those who are praying and those who have given to make this cataract clinic possible. It's still not too late to give a gift of sight to one Sudanese. A gift of $150 ensures one South Sudanese receives sight giving surgery and hears about God's love through Jesus Christ. God is definitely at work!

8 days and counting . . . .

2011-08-25T16:27:00.002+02:00

It's almost here!

The 2nd Annual Mango Ministries Cataract Clinic.

Months of planning are coming together.

248kg of equipment, meds and supplies were flown up to Tonj today.

Tenwek Eye Department staff have received their yellow fever vaccinations.

Paperwork for South Sudan travel passes has been accumulated and sent for processing.

The doctor and clinical officer at Tonj have scheduled over 100 blind patients to come.

Radio announcements are on the air.

The missionary team at In Deed and Truth is ready to receive our team of 9.

Chartered flights are booked to get the team to and from Tonj - it's a little bit in the middle of nowhere.

The Tenwek team leaves Tenwek on Friday, September 2. After spending the night in Nairobi we fly to Tonj on Saturday, September 3 and will begin operating that very afternoon. The team will leave Tonj on Friday, September 9th and return to Tenwek the following day.

None of these details will matter if God is not in it. The Eye staff at Tenwek are mobilizing their colleagues at Tenwek Hospital to pray for this outreach that will offer both physical and spiritual sight. This is the sign-up sheet where over 150 staff have committed to pray for this outreach.

Will you join the staff from Tenwek in praying for God to work miracles in the eyes and hearts of the many Sudanese who will come looking for help? Join our virtual prayer4eyes2see team by leaving your name in the comment section at the bottom of this blog entry.

Mr. Geoffrey Langat, the CEO of Tenwek Hospital, one day said to me, "it's payback time," when talking about Tenwek Hospital sending volunteers to help in South Sudan. If you've been blessed with sight and want to bless a Sudanese with 20/20 vision and the opportunity to hear the Gospel message click here. A gift of $150 will bless one Sudanese.

Rev. Emmy Mugisha accompanied the eye supplies that flew up to Tonj today. Mugisha is a pastor with the Africa Gospel Church in Uganda. This is his second trip to Tonj this year. He will be working with a group of pastors who are in training. They are learning how to use stories from the Bible to teach and apply Biblical truths to our lives. They might be working on how to tell Mark 10:46-52 this week.

I love what the disciples tell blind Bartimaeus. "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Whatever burden we are calling out to Jesus with today let's cheer up, throw aside our wrap, and run to Jesus. Jesus wants to hear from us!

Thank you for taking our concerns and praises to Jesus! A prayer praise is the addition to the Mango Ministry team of Adhanom Hidug. Pray for a good transition as Adhanom joins us next month. I'll be sharing Adhanom's testimony and how he fits into the Mango Ministries strategy in an upcoming blog. A few weeks ago Pastor Simon and I were warmly welcomed to the home of Adhanom and his family.

Good to Great Governance

The WGM Sudan Board took advantage of Dr. David Stevens being in Kenya this summer to lead a team from the Christian Medical and Dental Associations. David, a former WGM missionary and colleague at Tenwek, taught us about Board Governance. Several other WGM colleagues and the two largest Africa Gospel Church institutions in Kenya joined us. Implementation will be the challenge for the Boards present. Pray for us!

Tenwek Community Health and Development Directors (in order of service from L to R: David Stevens, Susan Carter, Joy, and Jonathan Bii) enjoyed a meal together at Jonathan's home.

Some of you met Jonathan when he visited the US with me in the fall of 2003. Here is his family! He is married to Joyce, who is a teacher, and their children are (clockwise from L rear) Amaris, Alan, Angela and Aileen. Jonathan stays very busy leading the Tenwek Community Health and Development project. The staff have "adopted" one of our project sites in Sudan so it's been fun to reconnect with everyone there.

Hope in action

2011-07-27T16:31:00.000+02:00

Hope 4 Sudan

is really

Hope in Jesus

Here's a glimpse of hope. . . .

Thoughts from Roger Sharland, a friend, who returned to South Sudan for the Independence Day celebrations.

"The overall impression we bring home is one of great hope and potential in the new nation of South Sudan. It has been so uplifting to return to a land of peace and to see the way things are moving forward. There are many challenges but in many ways the experience of returning to Mundri and Juba after a time of peace is of a country that must be developing faster than any other, given that the material development was so far behind. In conclusion I would like to share the image from Job 14:7 that I shared at the independence day celebrations in Mundri. In the 1980s I planted a number of teak trees behind our home. These were harvested by someone during the war, but they have sprouted from the roots, and I spent time pruning and sorting them out. The new shoots from the stumps grow much faster than new seedlings and I believe this is a marvellous image for South Sudan. Although a new nation, it is not starting from nothing. There are many years of experience and a heritage to sprout from and this means a very different scenario from starting from scratch."

Isn't that a great word picture for Sudan! Although I don't have teak trees growing in my backyard this blue gum tree exhibits the concept Roger Sharland was explaining.

I'm thankful for the chance we've recently had to bless one of our partners at In Deed and Truth as they see growth in their ministry that includes a clinic and a pastors training school in Tonj.

Hillary Langat (holding syringe below) and Emily Serem, both Clinical Officers, are each spending a month in Tonj this summer. Pray that the burden for the Sudanese that was on Hillary's heart when he returned to Kenya will ignite a 'missions' awareness & involvement among the staff at Tenwek.

Pray for Emily who is there now as she sees many patients with severe malaria.

This is an incredibly neat story! Recently the staff at In Deed and Truth felt the need to be more intentional about sharing the gospel message with their patients. They see a minimum of 100 patients daily ~ what an opportunity, although also a challenge with so many sick patients and few staff. This week as the message of Jesus' love was shared with this woman, who had brought her 2 children to the clinic to be treated for pneumonia, she felt led to ask Jesus into her life! She was convicted to get rid of the charms that hung around her children's necks and personally cut the charms loose.

A charm is something carried or worn because it is believed to bring good luck or ward off evil.

This is why we want to help people know what the Bible teaches. James 1:17 says that, "every good and perfect gift is from above." Amen.

Suzy Kuj, Emily, and the rest of the staff need our prayers as they share about Jesus' love in both word and deed. Spiritual battles are being fought - let's do our part on our knees. Also consider giving towards the expenses of sending Hillary and Emily to Tonj.

Read more about how WGM and Tenwek Hospital have blessed the ministries of In Deed and Truth.

You may have caught the international news about the drought in Africa. My colleague Billy Coppedge preached a sermon entitled, "Bring on the rain," last Sunday at Loudanville Community Church in NY. It's well worth your time. Where is your umbrella?

The hope of a free nation was realized on July 9th.
Now let's pray that the hope we have of transformation through Jesus Christ will be a reality to all men, women, and children in the Republic of South Sudan.

Shalom,

joy

Hope 4 Sudan

2011-07-07T14:37:00.002+02:00

When I look into these eyes I see hope. Lots of it. Hope for a future. I see the Kingdom of God in Sudan.

I see young boys and girls, mom's, dad's and grandparents all living lives at the fullest of their potential with access to preventive and curative health care.

I see a church that really knows God, is able to study his Word - even if they don't know how to read, and as a church body they are in the process of figuring out how they are to bless and transform their communities.

I see communities with thriving markets, full of useful things to people's lives - like fruits and vegetables and healthy food. People who are able to earn a living in order to meet the needs of their families.

I see families growing enough food to have strong families that don't need to rely on relief food. Farmers who innovate and try drought resistent crops and can weather the variable rainy season successfully.

I see communities with functioning boreholes and pumps. Where water is near home and never runs out with responsible usage for bathing, cleaning, irrigation of kitchen gardens, and of course drinking.

And I see schools with well trained teachers who are challenging students to learn more and more to be prepared for life. I see adults who never had the opportnitity to attend school learning to read their own language for the first time.

Join with me in praying for a smooth transition as South Sudan becomes the world's newest country this Saturday, July 9th. There will be hurdles . . . there are hurdles, and fighting continues along the border with North Sudan. We can claim the promises of His Word in Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

May God have his hand on this new nation.

Check out what my colleague, Whitney Smith, a new missionary on her Homeland Ministry Assignment, has written about South Sudan's first Independence Day.

On June 11th the first Hope4Sudan Walkathon was held. A BIG thank you to the walkers and sponsors. We'll do this again next time I am in the U.S.

Early arrivals in Cape May Court House: My Mother - Carol Phillips, Anne Sudol, Harriet Reardon-Bailey, my No. 1 Champion and sister - Linda Phillips, and my Father - Bruce Phillips.

We also had a satellite walkathon in Florida. Thanks Cindy!

My colleages in Uganda, Billy Coppedge and Scott Rambo (far left and right) were able to attend the Bishop's enthronement in Lui last month. Please be in prayer for Bishop Stephen Dokolo and his family (pictured center).

Last month I joined other WGM field leaders for two weeks of meetings. Pictured below are the leaders in Africa.

Alice and Jim Vanderhoof, Karen and Terry Duncan, Lisa and Jon Mayo, and me - Joy Phillips

While in Marion, Indiana at WGM's Headquarters for these meetings I was able to connect with my brother and his family. I was even able to witness my nephew's baptism where this family picture was taken. Since they are missionaries in Bolivia, South America family get-togethers like this don't happen very often.

Anna, Betsy, Luke, Len and Abby Phillips - missionaries in Bolivia with WGM

More news on the world's newest nation soon.

Shalom,

joy

between

2011-06-01T16:36:00.001+02:00

Between north Sudan and South Sudan lies a region called Abyei. Both sides lay claim to this small parcel of land. In recent weeks the people of Abyei have been forced out of their homeland and they are on the run from air and land assaults. (for more detail check out the Satellite Sentinal Project) Those words sound so sterile, so. . . not my problem. Imagine though, leaving everything behind, not sure where your family is, and running into the bush in order to survive. What to eat, what to drink, where to sleep. Imagine. . . and pray.

Sudan finds itself between the referendum vote held in January 2011 and July 9th when the South officially becomes an independent nation. These are difficult times. Supplies that come from north Sudan are not coming through. No diesel, food prices skyrocketing, supplies in short supply.

You might even say that many people in South Sudan are between a rock and a hard place. This picture shows one of my favorite places in Lui. The trees are literally growing out of the rocks! And seeing life springing forth from rock reminds me of Luke 19:40 that tells us that if man fails to praise God, even the rocks will cry out! I praise God for his plan for the Sudanese. I praise God for allowing me to be a part of his work in this land. I praise God for your participation in what God is doing in Sudan!

You've prayed for the selection of a Bishop for the Episcopal Church of Sudan Diocese of Lui. On May 14th Rev. Stephen Dokolo (pictured above) was selected as the new Bishop. Between the election and the Enthronement being held on June 26th let's continue praying that God will have His way in this Diocese. With a strong foundation laid back in the 1920's by Dr. Kenneth Frasier I believe God wants to continue growing His Church as Jesus meets people's spiritual and physical needs.

The Kuj family who minister with In Deed and Truth in Tonj, South Sudan are taking some much needed R & R in Kenya. Last week I had the pleasure of linking them to some of my friends at Tenwek. It was great that they could meet the Tenwek Eye Team who will be traveling to Tonj in September to perform cataract surgeries.

In between various meetings Sebit had the opportunity to share a devotional with the medical staff. God spoke to several Clinical Officers who have expressed an interest in serving in Tonj to cover for staff on leave.

In May WGM sent a team to Tonj to train pastors about Biblical Storytelling. This is what Suzy Kuj had to say about that:

"We have never before witnessed our pastors involved in such lively discussions and interested in every part of the story, asking questions and eager for their turn to share. They could easily talk and discuss for more than two hours about a ten verse story. Some of the discussions just blessed my heart to see the depth of understanding they have reached, making observations and comments that everybody in the group was blessed to hear and sometimes tearing from laughter.

In the last two years we have spent discipling these pastors it was always clear to us we are desiring them to increase in knowledge of the Word for their own growth and spiritual maturity. Some of the churches they pastor have as many as 500 people and as high as 99% are illiterate, so this has been a challenge. We have now brought an effective tool that the pastors can use and is suitable for their congregations. They have bible stories in their pockets that can be pulled out and used at any given moment. It’s brilliant!"

Thanks for praying!

To the naked eye it would appear that our work in Akot has come to a standstill since we haven't had any staff there for a year now. We have been praying and strategizing about the way forward. My prayer is that during this time between prayer and implementation God will be at work preparing the way forward. Preparing the right people to respond to His call on their lives. Preparing the hearts of the community, the leaders, and even smoothing over the logistical aspects of working in a challenging place.

Bishop Isaac is the Bishop of the Diocese of Akot and is very exited about partnering with World Gospel Mission.

Join me for the Hope4Sudan Walkathon at the Cape May County Park on Saturday, June 11th at 10am. If you don't care to walk, bring a picnic lunch at noon and I'll be sharing an update about Mango Ministries. Funds raised from the Walkathon will help different aspects of the ministry. See my previous blog for more details and how to give.

I hope to see you there!
Between now and my next update keep praying for the the Prince of Peace to reign in Sudan.

Shalom,

joy

Hope 4 Sudan ~ Walk-A-Thon

2011-05-05T08:36:00.013+02:00

hope

Offering hope through sharing God's Word

Offering hope through training pastors to tell the stories of the Bible

Training team departing Nairobi as they traveled to Tonj this week to

train Sudanese pastors in the art of Biblical storytelling

Offering hope by cracking open the darkness, offering light to the blind

Offering hope through compassionate health care

Offering hope through building relationships and offering encouragement

Offering hope through transformation of communities

Will you help us bring hope to Sudan? Join our Walkathon to raise funds for ministry in this needy country.

Hope 4 Sudan Walk-A-Thon

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Cape May County Park (Pavillion 2)

Cape May Court House, NJ

Start time 10 am

Join Joy Phillips and friends in this 1.5 mile walk-a-thon to raise funds and awareness for Sudan and Mango Ministries. Find sponsors and select a project(s) to support.

Whether you walk or not, at noon, join us with a picnic lunch and a lawn chair and get up-to-date news on what God is doing in Sudan as Joy shares. FAQ sheets on Sudan and updated prayer and praise requests will be available.

Projects to support:

Transport to and in Sudan. South Sudan is as big as Texas and Oklahoma with no paved roads. Staff travel by air to get to Sudan and then the muddy roads beat up vehicles. Help our team get around this big country by helping with airfare and vehicle maintenance.
Lui Hospital is providing health care to many. Patient fees in such a poverty stricken country cannot cover the cost of staff, especially nurses. Your contribution will ensure the hospital can pay their nursing staff each month. Click here to give towards salary support for Lui Hospital now!
Transformational Development – contribute towards hiring dedicated Christian professionals from East Africa to mobilize and mentor communities as they facilitate bringing the Kingdom of Heaven here to earth. Click here to give towards transformation in Sudan now!

4. With a gift of $150 you can help a blind Sudanese see when the Tenwek Eye Team visit Sudan this fall. Physical and spiritual sight will be offered to all. Click here to give towards Sudan's Caratart Clinics now!

Registration: Send Name, Address, E-mail, and Home Church to mangoministries@gmail.com. A sponsorship form will be emailed to you. Bring it to the walkathon with the funds you’ve raised. Checks can be made out to World Gospel Mission and tax deductible receipts will be issued for all contributions.

Not from South Jersey and want to be involved?

Host your own “Hope 4 Sudan Walk-A-Thon”

Choose a route to walk, find friends to walk with you, and sign up sponsors.

Send the details and your ‘Satellite Site’ info will be posted on Joy’s blog.

Sponsor Joy to walk if you can’t make it to Cape May Court House.

Send all correspondence and questions to mangoministries@gmail.com.

Thank you for joining with me to bring hope to families, churches, and communities of South Sudan.

I hope to see you in Cape May Court House next month!

joy

the dawn of hope

2011-04-20T16:37:00.013+02:00

Prayer Tour

From April 4th through 6th a group of 5 of us took part in a prayer tour in South Sudan. What an incredible experience to listen to people's stories of how God is working in their lives and ministries and then have the priviledge of praying for them.

At Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok Rev. and Mrs. Harriman met Jacob Gai, the Hospital Administrator and Dr. Ajak. What do you think Rev. Harriman and Dr. Ajak have in common? Other than both being tall? It was fun hearing them converse in Spanish! Rev. Harriman grew up in Bolivia as an MK and Dr. Ajak attended medical school in Cuba.

In Tonj we visited Sabet and Suzy Kuj and family at the In Deed and Truth compound. They run a bustling clinic and a pastoral training school where we were blessed as we listened to their stories of God at work.

At the Akot Medical Mission we reconnected with many pastors. Below Billy Coppedge greets Pastor Gabriel Amat.
In Lui the team got to hear about Dr. Fraser's faithful testimony as he served in the early 1900's. Fruit continues to be harvested today through the ministry of the Church and church run hospital and school. One key rule of missions came in handy - as seen in this early morning hair washing exercise for Sarah Harriman.

Adaptability is the key!

Tradition!

There are only a few things in missionary life that you can set your watch on but one of those is the WGM Kenya Annual Retreat. Every April the WGM missionaries from Kenya (Sudan and Zambia were invited too!) get together for fellowship, spiritual renewal, and fun. I had the priviledge to lead a session on Transformational Development. The book When Helping Hurts guided our discussion. If you haven't read it I highly recommend it.

High School graduations and retirements in the year ahead are recognized with special parties. This year Chris Stanfield was honored as he will graduate in July. And my good friend Mary Hermiz was honored before her retirement later this year for her 25 years of service as Principal of the Tenwek School of Nursing.
We were hysterically entertained as Barbara Walters (aka Carol Spears - on left) interviewed Mary (aka Robyn Moore - on right). Since Mary was 4 years old all she ever wanted to be was a missionary nurse.

I believe God is still in the business of calling missionary nurses! (doctors and other health professionals too, and farmers, teachers. . . . . )

Who will be next?

In the links at the top of this blog entry you can read about several Christian health facilities that we work with. They all need help. Let me know if you'd like to talk about how God might want to use you.

As Rev. Harriman reflected on our prayer tour earlier in the month he described South Sudan as a dry and thirsty land. Visiting at the end of the 6 month dry season you could say it was hot, dry, dusty, and thirsty! Literally of course, but also politically, socially and relationally. The good news is a new dawn is coming to South Sudan. On July 9th South Sudan will become Africa's newest nation.
There is still much to do as the country prepares to divide. There are reports of increasing signs of destabilizing forces. Rebel groups are growing. Pray for the leaders, army, and police. Pray for reconciliation between tribal groups. Pray for peace to prevail in the hearts of all.
On May 2 WGM is sending a team to Tonj to train pastors in Biblical storytelling. Join us in praying for the trainers and the pastors that this method of sharing the Word will show many more of Jesus and his love.

As the dawn of Easter brings new life in our hearts a new dawn is coming to Sudan.

Join me in praying Isaiah 58:8 for Sudan:

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Shalom,

joy

Confessions from an impatient missionary

2011-03-20T17:25:00.006+02:00

I've always been pretty good at getting things done. As I look back at what God has allowed me to do over the past 25 years I'm amazed. God has blessed me!For that reason I'm having a hard time understanding why things are not farther along in Sudan. Things are moving in S-L-O-W-M-O-T-I-O-N. I don't think my organizational, management, leadership skills, or spiritual life have taken a dive. Working in Sudan is quite a different ballgame and this is a very unpredictable time in history. I've been praying, and many of you tell me you're praying, so I keep asking God, "Why aren't things moving faster with Mango Ministries in Sudan?!"

I keep praying that God will give me more patience. But in the past few weeks I've come to the conclusion that what I really need is more humility! I think my impatience comes in part from the fact that I hate feeling out of control, that it's not always as simple as making a plan and carring it out, that I don't really want to wait on the Lord, but I want Him to take his cues from me and my timeline.

In January I attended a Beth Moore Bible study on the book of Esther. As Beth shared in the dvd lesson I was convicted that I've been waiting on events and not waiting on Jesus. In the past several years I've been waiting for the right staff, for reconciliation of warring parties in Sudan, for peaceful national elections, and most recently for a peaceful referendum. I've been waiting, but not necessarily for the right things.

My desire is to be able to wait on Jesus, for what He has planned for Mango Ministries, without being impatient because "I" should be able to get things done. I believe God wants to do incredible things in Sudan as I wait for Him to lead!

South Sudan's transition of becoming a new nation in July is not going to be an easy one as there are still many issues of contention. Along the border between North Sudan and South lies the oil rich region of Abyei, pictured below. In recent weeks satellite images from the Satellite Sentinal Project show that villages have been burned.
Please continue praying for Sudan as important decisions are made regarding the demarcation of the border and the Abyei situation. Also there is tension between the North and South as well as continued fighting between rival groups within the South.

What I have been up to since my last update?

In February Pastor Simon and I visited Lui to meet with the church and hospital leaders (pictured above) to discuss WGM's partnership. Continue to pray for a Godly man to be selected as the new BishopWe were able to meet many old friends and make new ones. Pastor Simon enjoys a cold 7-Up in the local market with new friends.

A week of outreach was planned by the church. The ladies above have walked for hours. As they enter the homestretch they are singing, carrying food on their heads that will be cooked for the group.

I've made two trips to Tenwek to meet with my former colleagues at Tenwek Community Health and Development. They are interested in championing our ministry in the town of Akot where Reuben Kirui worked last year. It's been fun being with them again as we embark in a joint ministry project together.

In two weeks I will be headed to Sudan on a prayer tour. Please join me in praying that our small team will have an effective time of ministry. Pray that we will be an encouragement as we visit 4 of our partners, praying with and for the people serving day in and day out in challenging situations.

And lastly

In June I will be hosting the first "hope 4 sudan walkathon" held in Cape May County, NJ. I'd love to see you there. If you're the athletic type, or not, you can help raise money for the work of Mango Ministries in Sudan by registering for this event and getting sponsors. For those of you who are praying I will give prayer praises and updates. And over a picnic lunch I will share a brief overview of how things are going. More details to come soon. I hope to see you there!

In Africa there is a saying that rain brings blessings. Here in Nairobi we are a very blessed people this weekend!! The dry season is over and the rainy season has begun. Soon the rains will head north to Sudan.

Waiting together for God's richest blessings as we join the Sudanese in Kingdom building!

Shalom,

joy

Redeemed

2011-02-04T09:31:00.009+02:00

Definition: Redeem

to free from what distresses or harms
to free from the consequences of sin

The sun radiated down from the hot tin roof. The building was packed with smartly dressed men and women, many of whom carried crosses. The sound of children's singing came from the building next door. Without moving a muscle I was working up a sweat. The heat however did not dim the excitement pulsing through the congregation of Sudanese refugees meeting in Kitale, Kenya last Sunday.

Excitement was palpable as the speaker read the preliminary referendum report announcing that 99% of Southern Sudanese voted for secession. Some Sudanese have lived in Kenya for 20 years! When I asked if they were planning on going home now that they have won their independence they responded positively.

I was really glad for the opportunity to worship with my Sudanese brothers and sisters here in Kenya. Pray that Mango Ministries and the host pastor and church, Pioneer Africa Gospel Church, will have the mind of Christ in knowing how we can walk beside our new friends.

Thankfully 2011 has been peaceful in South Sudan and I anticipate my first trip to Lui next week. Pastor Simon and I will be meeting with the church and hospital leaders to work out how Mango Ministry can best assist them.

The hospital Administrator has shared with me the urgent need for surgeons. among other medical personnel. Please pray for our meetings between February 10th and 15th as we pin down the details on how we can best serve the people of central South Sudan.

The buildings above make up Lui Hospital. In Africa most hospitals are spread out in many different buildings. (the buildings at the very top of the picture are part of the Lui market) During the process of selecting a new Bishop please join in praying for God's annointed man or woman to be placed in this key position.

During my last visit to Lui in the fall Pr. Sosthen (left) shared with us about a church leaders conference - celebration event. My colleague, Pr. Simon (right) and I are excited that we'll be in Lui for it and while I don't understand the Moru language I will be praying for a fresh wave of God's spirit to infuse the leaders. Please join me in praying for good Biblical teaching and hearts that are open to responding to the challenges the spirit lays on each leader's heart.

In December I was priviledged to visit Cairo, Sudan's neighbor to the north, with several friends. I was enchanted with this bustling city of 17 million people, it's ancient treasures, and kind people. We enjoyed the scenic Nile River at night. It's with real sadness that I'm watching news of this lovely city fall apart at the seams, with the hope of being rebuilt on a new foundation.

In the last few weeks the fight for freedom from oppression has spread from Tunisia, to Egypt, to Jordan, and even to Khartoum, Sudan's capital in the north.

I am so thankful for the incredible answer to so many prayers for a peaceful referendum in Sudan. Thank you for standing in the gap! Let's remember the Arab world during these uncertain times. May His light charge the darkness of oppression, injustice, servitude, and the established order of these nations undergoing power struggles.

Remember the story in Exodus during another conflict in Egypt? God reminds us, "I am the Lord."

Celebrating His redeeming love,

joy

Don't stop now. . .

2011-01-09T13:09:00.010+02:00

It's here at last! Voting day, or at least the first of 7 days when the polls will be open for voters in South Sudan to vote on whether whey want to seperate from the North and divide Africa's larget country. The news reports are that that voter turn-out is high. Almost 4 million people have registered to vote, with sixty thousand of those living in 8 countries outside of Sudan: including Kenya, Uganda, the US, Canada, and the UK. Polling stations have been busy, yet orderly and calm. Several Sudanese interviewed by the media report that they have waited for this event for years, even decades, and there is a palpable sense of euphoria in the air.

Because of the high rate of illiteracy in South Sudan voting will be done with a thumbprint made below the symbol of the voters choice. A sample ballot is below.

It is widely expected that the South will vote for secession from the North. In order for this to happen 60% of those registered need to vote and win a majority of the ballots. The final results are expected to be officially announced on February 6th. And if the outcome is secession South Sudan will become the world's newest nation on July 9th, 2011.

The oil-rich area of Abyei is waiting to hold a seperate vote on whether to join the north or south. The border has yet to be demarcated. Pray for this precarious situation and the people inhabiting this area. Pray also for the western area of Darfur. Rebel leaders have yet to sign a peace agreement with the central government in Khartoum.

Here are a few excellent resources to help you understand more about this part of the world as you continue to pray.

In this BBC article there is a great map of north and south Sudan. By clicking on the headings of the map you can see the stark differences in food security, education, infant mortality rates, etc. between north and south.

Thorough up-to-date news on the situation in Sudan can be found here.

What happens in Sudan during this next week will have consequences internationally, locally, and in His Kingdom. Much is at stake throughout Sudan so let's continue praying that there will be a fresh outpouring of His spirit in this divided country.

Pray for those of us in Mango Ministries to be available and ready to walk with the Sudanese, whatever the referendum outcome, in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Shalom,

joy

My Christmas Poinsettia

2011-01-02T11:55:00.028+02:00

It may be a little cheesy but I love Christmas poinsettias! Having them in the house at Christmas is kind of like eating comfort food. So, last year at the annual Christmas Craft Fair in Nairobi I was excited to purchase a small planter with several blooms as a table decoration. After the holidays my thrifty nature took over and I vowed to keep the plant viable until this Christmas. After all, poinsettia plants grow into bushes up to 10 feet tall here in the tropics. How hard could it be?!

Without doing any research I thought I was providing the right ingredients for this to happen. Water, sun, a bigger pot, and sweet nothings whispered over them each time more leaves would drop. But drop the leaves did and after a year of struggle I barely have a living plant. It's actually smaller than it was last Christmas and there are no flowers on it, but there are a few small green leaves. I have just googled poinsettias and see where I maybe didn't do everything quite right, so there is hope for next year!

"But as for me, I will always have hope." Psalms 71:14

As I've pondered what Mango Ministries has accomplished this past year I've felt a little bit like my poinsettia plant. First there was the clash in Akot between the army and the civilians producing chaos and suffering to that community for months. Then our two Kenyan staff finished their contracts and didn't renew for various reasons. And the approaching referendum vote in January kept us from starting something new. And the footnote, ". . . by the way there may be a war in less than a year," is less than a stellar recruiting technique.

Another day last month I was pondering what Mango Ministries had accomplished in 2010 as I wrote up a short report for my boss. This isn't what I expected things to look like at the end of this year. That's one of the hardest things I have to deal with working in Sudan. I keep coming to the point of realizing that I don't have control of things and I need to allow God room to work His plan, not mine. As I thought back over the year I was actually encouraged by what God accomplish through us even though it's not exactly what I had in mind last December.

Pastoral Training

A formal follow-up meeting and informal times of encouragement were held with those who attended Mango Ministry's storytelling seminar in the Akot area
Visits were made to church leaders, Bishops, and other missionaries for networking, learning, encouragement, and prayer in Akot, Lui, Mundri, Tonj, and Arua, Uganda

Transformational Development

These activities were most affected by the clashes in Akot a year ago. To express our concern in a tangible way we were able to assist in a small relief distribution of cooking equipment to those most affected.

Learning continued about the Dinka people and their animistic beliefs and relationship building continued in the Akot area.
Missionaries, staff, and friends working in Sudan attended a "Community Health Evangelism" (otherwise known as CHE) and Samaritan Strategy training seminars.

Medical Assistance

Dr. Carol Spears at Lui Hospital

Placement of short term volunteer medical staff at 3 mission hospitals including the cataract clinic where 101 eye operations were done.
Consultation with several health facilities and development of a new partnership with Lui Hospital

Overall

Along with short term volunteers our Mango Ministry team currently consists of myself, Billy and Joanna Coppedge who are working with Sudanese 40% of their time, based in northern Uganda; and Whitney Smith, a new appointee who is on homeland ministry assignment. Many partners heard personally about what is happening with Mango Ministries as we were all in the U.S. for part of the year sharing about this new work. If you'd like to learn more check out the Mango Ministry video.
We have been blessed with short term medical assistance through the Kenya Africa Gospel Church Missions Department and Tenwek Hospital.

I feel that part of our work this past year has been to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41) as we anticipate the referendum vote that begins a week from today, January 9th. This will be a historic occasion. All sources agree that the South will vote to secede.

South Sudan waits with bated breath for the cutting of the umbilical cord that will give birth to the world's newest nation. As in the delivery room this birth could be a bit bloody given it's complex situation. With only one week to go before voting begins don't stop praying for this precarious situation.

Pray for:

continued peace between tribal groups, north and south Sudan, and Sudan's neighbors. And if there is fighting pray that bloodshed, suffering, and loss will be minimal.
resolution of contentious issues such as the north-south border demarcation and Abyei, the Nile basin water rights, governance of north Sudan with new allegations against President Bahir concerning his finances, and the myriad issues that will need to be addressed in the days ahead
the process of re-integration of Southern Sudanese back into South Sudan as they return from Khartoum in the north and neighboring countries
Church leaders to be Godly witnesses and beacons of hope
the people of Sudan to understand that hope and dignity do not come from a new government, wealth, or power but from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
reconciliation of the Sudanese with 1. God, 2. each other - as horrible atrocities have been seen and participated in by peoples on all sides, and with 3. the resource rich land God has given them.

In church this morning the words of this song rang true in my heart. Let's pray this with the Sudanese as we continue to watch and pray during this final week before their world changes.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

(Amazing Grace by John Newton)

As Mango Ministries looks ahead to 2011 we've prepared plan A and plan B ~ we're ready to minister to the Sudanese in Sudan or in neighboring countries. There are literally thousands of Sudanese in Kenya and Uganda. Next Sunday I plan to worship with a congregation of Dinka believers in Eldoret here in Kenya. Whatever unfolds, please pray that we'll be on track with God's plan.

Your prayers, financial giving, encouragement, and participation are accomplishing His purposes in Sudan.

Shukran!

Joy

PS - for more information check out the Satellite Sentinal Project. "Help stop a war before it starts."

Christmas is for Children

2010-12-16T16:55:00.014+02:00

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

2010-11-13T11:55:00.008+02:00

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

2010-11-05T13:06:00.006+02:00

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

2010-10-22T10:23:00.010+02:00

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

2010-10-13T14:13:00.012+02:00

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

2010-10-08T11:46:00.007+02:00

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

2010-08-12T21:50:00.013+02:00

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. . . .

2010-06-21T14:47:00.008+02:00

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

2010-05-27T17:23:00.011+02:00

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

Today's forcast: both rain and shine

2010-05-15T16:59:00.008+02:00

The past 2 months it's been raining like crazy in Nairobi and it's starting to rain in Sudan. This morning Nairobi started out surprisingly and spectacularly sunny. Mid-afternoon it was gray and raining. Then I realized it was sunny above with dark heavy clouds all around. And now, at sunset, it's drizzling outside my window and I can see the sun on the horizon. The weather today pretty much sums up this past year! I'm glad the day is ending with just a drizzle and a clear picture of the sun on the horizon. I know I will face challenges but they will not overcome me as I keep my eye on the Son.

On Saturday, June 19th whether rain or shine I'll be at the Kountry Kitchen located on Route 40 in Elmer, NJ for their Breakfast Buffet and ready with an update of Mango Ministries. Will you join me? I need your reservations by the end of May - only 2 weeks away. Cost is $7.75 for adults and $6.75 for children (6 – 10). If space is available after 1 June cost will be $8.75/7.75. All payments will be collected at the door. Welcome from 9am with breakfast served at 9:30. See you there! Email me with your reservation if you'd like to join me for breakfast.

Joseah and several of our partners working in Sudan will be attending 2 weeks of seminars beginning tomorrow. The first week is the Samaritan Strategy Vision Conference and the second week is Community Health Evangelism. Both of these teachings have made a huge impact in my life and ministry. Pray for the facilitators and each participant to understand the principles of transformational ministry in ways that will positively impact their ministries.
We are still in the process of looking for team mates to join our Transformational Development team in Akot. We're looking for committed men or women who have training in education, agriculture, health, development, and Christian ministries who want to build relationships with Sudanese and help them realize the Kingdom of God in their families, churches, and communities. We're looking for people of different nationalities to join us. If you're interested or know of someone who might be please check out the available job descriptions with Mango Ministries. Pray as we connect with potential candidates in East Africa and pray for more missionaries.

Thanks for praying for our Sudan Board meeting. It went very well and there was much helpful discussion as we continue moving forward in this new ministry. It was followed by an Africa Regional Leaders meeting which was also thought provoking and helpful. The leaders who are currently in Africa are pictured below.

I'm in the process of arranging both a medical and an exploratory trip to Sudan in the near future. Trip logistics are always a challenge. Pray for each detail that needs to be worked out and for each person traveling to be led of Jesus as they share His light and love with the Sudanese.

Thanks for standing with me in prayer and with your financial support during times of both showers and sunshine.

Shalom,

joy

Flexibility

2010-05-04T10:31:00.010+02:00

My body is definitely feeling less flexible as the years go by but fresh fallen snow (on my last HMA) still calls out for me to flex my muscles and make snow angels! Despite the encroaching signs of aging God seems to be prodding me to greater flexibility in my thinking and activities. From revelations that God is so much bigger than I think He is to lots and lots of changes to our plans for ministry - my journey in Sudan has certainly been a stretching exercise.

When Reuben Kirui joined Mango Ministries last May 1st I thought he would be with us for a long, long time. I never imagined I'd be looking for another Development Officer this soon. But I am. Please continue praying that God will send us his perfect man or woman to fill Reuben's shoes as team leader in Akot.

When there are no reports of gunfire from Akot for a week or so a sense of security seems to come over me and I breath a sigh of relief. I think, "Good, it's over, everyone is going to get along now! The team will be free to travel around and the community can concentrate on important things like planting crops, school, and church activities can proceed instead of everyone's focus being on survival." But Sunday night in Akot there were gunshots fired, someone was injured, and the community once again is fearful and movement is limited.

Please pray for an end to the fighting, regardless of the reasons which are many (cattle raiding, disputes over elections, disarmament, tribal fighting, etc.) and for people to concentrate on living together in harmony. The insecurity has impacted our teams ability to travel around in our target communities and people's availability to engage in dialogue and activity.

Pastor Martha tells a story at her church after the first Storytelling Seminar

Today Joseah and Simon are conducting a follow-up seminar to the Bible Storying Seminar held last October with 25 church leaders. Pray that all who attend may leave with a renewed enthusiasm for sharing scripture through stories, digging for the treasures within, and opportunities to encourage others to apply those treasures, or Biblical truths, to their lives.

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit former Tenwek colleagues, Len and Cindy Ramsey, who are now involved in a medical ministry on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. I had a wonderful time seeing their ministry and discussing ways to strengthen their ministry. I'm thankful for opportunities to visit, encourage, and share and learn from fellow missionaries in an effort to strengthen our Kingdom activities. Pray that I'll be a Kingdom networker: taking full advantage of opportunities to share experiences, resources, and insights.

Please also pray that I will be able to exercise my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical muscles so I'll have maximum flexibility in East Africa's ever changing landscape.

Thank you for your prayers that strengthen me and the impact Mango Ministries is having.

Shalom,

joy

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow." James 4:14

God Only Wise

2010-04-17T12:05:00.006+02:00

Earlier this week I returned to Nairobi after attending the WGM Kenya Field Retreat. I had a great time and enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues, worshipping together, and the inspirational teaching/preaching of Stan and Katy Key. We enjoyed learning about the good Kings of the Old Testament. The song that is going through my head on this Saturday afternoon is, "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise." God's wisdom is seen then and continues today. Here's a glimpse of my world in recent days.

It appears that the first multi-party elections in Sudan in over 24 years ended Thursday (after a 2 day extension to ensure everyone had opportunity to vote) on a peaceful note. Various news sources reported minor problems but there was no major violence. Election observers are yet to weigh in on whether the elections were free and fair. Election results will be announced this Tuesday.

Thank you for your prayers for the country of Sudan during the past few weeks. God has been present. The people of Sudan are not out of the woods yet so please continue praying for acceptance of the results and for the leadership transitions that will be made. Continue praying that God's chosen men and women will be placed into positions of leadership.

As long as the security situation is stable Joseah will soon return to Akot.

Joseah looking at devastation in Akot in January

One main objective will be to follow-up from the Bible Storying Seminar we held last fall. We want to encourage and reinforce what was taught so the Bible can be shared in relevant ways.

Small group during seminar

Joseah will be assisted by our friend Pastor Simon who has worked in Sudan for many years, including with me at Lui Hospital as chaplain and evangelist. We're thankful for his assistance in ministry.

Pastor Simon and Joy at Lui Hospital several years ago

The reason Joseah will be heading back to Akot alone is that Reuben's contract ends this month. Due to family needs he will not continue with Mango Ministries in a full time capacity. We look forward to having him as a consultant and champion our ministry from Tenwek where he will jump back into work.

Reuben assisting a cataract patient at Akot Medical Mission

Join us in praying for Reuben's replacement. Although extremely saddened to lose Reuben from the team we are excited about God's plans as we continue moving forward each day.

I leave Monday to visit Len and Cindy Ramsey, former colleagues from Tenwek Hospital, who are now working on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. We will be brain storming about community health ~ one of my favorite things to do! Pray that I will be an encouragement to them as they have been facing many spiritual battles in recent weeks.

Thank you for praying with us. My prayer for Sudan is this: "Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6

Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise ~

joy

Sunset in Africa

2010-03-19T17:38:00.014+02:00

There is a beautiful sunset over Nairobi tonight. In about 30 minutes it will set over Akot. And in about 7 hours it will ride over the western horizon for many of you. We're approximately 7,433 miles apart for those of you in the northeast U.S. At times it seems as if we're a world apart and then other times I ask myself, what's so different?

I mean, when you can see Lucy the Elephant in Akot ~ you can't be that far from home! (for those of you who don't hail from South Jersey Lucy is a revered National Landmark)

Whether at the beach or taking a stroll through the market in Akot nothing beats a cold soda on a hot day. (from L to R: Joseah and Reuben)
Don't you help pump gas when the tank is empty? Although maybe not a drum at a time.
Mothers almost always pass their babies over to strangers when someone wants to love on them.

Don't we all need a little push sometimes to get to the second floor?

I don't know if I've ever enjoyed a mango quite like I did this mango. Messy, but well worth it!

These are a few additional glimpses from the Cataract Team's trip to Akot. But on a serious note things have not been good in Akot since our leaving 2 weeks ago.

A mandatory de-armament exercise is going on throughout South Sudan. The army has been given the job of collecting all guns and ammunition belonging to civilians. I don't think anyone in the world gives up their guns easily, but when the threat of war is hanging over you . . . . you can imagine the hesitancy on the part of the people here with elections coming in less than a month. And so the army has resorted to using a heavy hand. Friends of ours have been detained, interrogated, and beaten in the search for guns.

Today the army entered the hospital compound where Reuben and Joseah are based and they searched for guns. I thank the Lord it was an uneventful visit. Many of you were praying ~ thank you!

The exercise continues. Please continue to pray for Akot. Pray for justice and mercy. Pray for healing of relationships, not the opening up and infliction of new wounds. Sudan has suffered. She has suffered enough. The Sudanese are our neighbors regardless of the time and distance that separate us. Let us sacrifice our time and get on our knees to ask the God of all creation to protect the innocent and that righteousness will prevail in these tenuous times.

"and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

There's just a sliver of a moon over Nairobi tonight ~ what's it like where you are?

Joy

The Red Carpet in Akot

2010-03-09T09:07:00.022+02:00

This week the Internet is full of glimpses of the Oscars and their Red

Carpet moments.

Here are some Red Carpet moments from the 2010 Akot Eye Clinic.

The Tenwek Eye Team: Dr. Ben, Emily, Joyce, Leah, Richard S., Richard T, Wilson, and Dr. John, accompanied by Joy

The Tenwek Eye Team performed 101 eye surgeries in 5 days surpassing our goal of 100. God answered your many prayers for the right patients, health of the team, and security in the area.

Each morning the post-op patients marched down the sidewalk (our red carpet) and gathered together for the ceremony of the bandages coming off.

On having her bandages removed one woman looked down and exclaimed, “Where did this come from, this isn’t my dress.” I wonder how long it had been since she had seen what she was wearing?

I wish you could have heard the patients remarks and songs and witnessed their smiles, embraces, and eye chart exams when they could actually see that little ‘E.”

This man asked Dr. John if he would be able to see his grandkids after the operation. He said people referred to his grandson as the one with the red gums. The morning after his surgery he sat with two of his grandkids – not letting them out of his sight. He told the doctor, “For sure, my grandson has red gums!”

One day the team went to buy a goat for a celebratory meal to thank the local staff for their hard work. In a distant town their truck came up behind a man walking alone towards town. The surgeon’s mouths dropped open when they realized it was their patient. Two days earlier he would not have been walking alone but would have been led everywhere he went by a family member. What independence!

We are so grateful that so many of these people are able to be more independent, interact with their families and have regained dignity and independence.

Despite the fact that all you may ever hear about Sudan on the news is about war and fighting the Sudanese are fun loving too. One older man, claiming to be 100 years old with a handshake grip that almost brought me to my knees (and not me alone!), had just done his eye chart exam after his bandages came off. One staff reported to another, “The old man’s vision is ?/?." This old man knew English and yelled back, “What old man?”

Not everyone we saw last week was elderly. Some very young children had the job of leading their grandparents around – each holding a 3-foot long stick. And one 4-year-old boy had a cataract caused by an injury to his eye. With only a local eye block he lay completely still while his cataract was removed and a new lens was put in place. He was a very brave little boy.

Then there was Michael. Michael didn’t have cataracts but was going blind from glaucoma. He is a schoolteacher, one of the few with an education, and has only 5% vision in one eye remaining. Surgery was done to try maintain what limited vision he has for as long as possible. Michael is feeling hopeless and in despair over his darkening world. Yet he still showed his gratitude to Dr. John with a gift of a chicken. Please pray for Michael and others suffering from glaucoma. Pray that they will realize the unchanging hope we have in Jesus.

Still other’s who don’t acknowledge Jesus as Savior, such as magicians and spear masters, came and received sight. They listened to Bible stories and had good discussions with the hospital chaplains, even agreeing to be prayed for. Will you continue to pray that those who came to the clinic and witnessed the powerful healing hand of God will also acknowledge Him as Lord of their lives.

The clinic was a week to remember. Thank you for being a part of this outreach through your prayers and financial gifts. Continue praying for the Akot community to experience true reconciliation after the conflict earlier this year and that they will will have 20/20 vision when it comes to seeing Jesus and experiencing his forgiveness and reconciliation.

Praising God for sight!

Joy

Updated prayer requests are in the sidebar.

Ready, Get set. . . .

2010-02-17T16:40:00.004+02:00

Go! The Tenwek Eye Team is ready for the upcoming Eye Clinic in Akot to be held February 27th - March 5th. Our goal is for the team to do 100 cataract surgeries. Since pre-registrations are slow in coming in we decided to challenge the entire Tenwek family to pray the patients in. Almost 200 staff have agreed to pray daily for this outreach. Below are Drs. Ben Roberts (L) and John Cropsey (R) from the Tenwek Eye Team. I invite you to join us in praying in patients. The latest report is that 27 people have registered for surgery - will you pray in another one? Another way to help give sight to a Sudanese is with a financial gift. See sidebar "Check it out." A gift of $200 will help give sight to one Sudanese.

We are committing the people of Akot to God for both physical and spiritual sight. We are honored to be a small part of the process of transformation that God wants to bring to this community.

I will be Going to Akot on Monday, February 22nd. Reuben and Joseah report that God is at work in Akot. We praise God that there has been no fighting recently. New leadership in the Army is helping build trust. Prayer walking has been going on and last Friday a community prayer meeting was held. Thank you for praying with us for God to move. With the extreme winter weather in the U.S. (I am jealous of all that snow!) I doubt there has been much outside prayer walking but I hope you've been blessed by praying for Akot in your heart and mind. We need God's continued presence and direction in the coming days and weeks. See side bar for up-to-date prayer praises and requests.

While at Tenwek recently I spent some time at Tenwek Community Health & Development and was able to meet and greet all the staff. I shared with them about Mango Ministries and challenged them to be involved. Below are 3 of the staff (minus Reuben who is in Sudan) who have come to the US with me during past Homeland Ministry Assignments. (from L to R: Jonathan, Joy, Monica, and Andrew). They are all doing well and continue to be excited about the challenges for ministry that God has given them in this part of Kenya and beyond.

Faith and Stephen have returned from their short term ministries in Werkok. Faith set up a lab and oriented a Sudanese Lab Technician. Stephen organized all the medicines and supplies for the hospital and set up record keeping for the same. This was all done in temperatures around 110 degrees. No snow in Sudan this winter! I'm thankful for the work Faith and Stephen accomplished and for their willingness to be His witnesses in Sudan.

Stephen with Dr. Ajak at Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok

You can read more about Stephen's experience in his blog.

May we all 'see' Jesus this week and pray for those who do not 'see' Him.

Thank you for your involvement on behalf of the Sudanese.

Joy

Picturing Akot

2010-01-27T16:16:00.010+02:00

I trust these pictures will help you pray for Akot. If you are interested in joining the Mango Ministry Team and taking a virtual prayer walk through Akot but do not receive my email updates send me a note (joy.phillips@wgm.org) and I will send you a map and some suggestions of what you can pray for.

Shalom,

joy

This is the Baptist Mission compound where food distributions are taking place

My favorite restaurant in Akot . . . OK, the only restaurant in Akot

Try that in 100+ degree heat!

The women and girls journey home after a trip to the well

A typical hut, called a tukel, in Sudan

Sorghum, still on the stalk to dry, when ground is the

staple food ~ many family's harvests were looted or burned

Mango Ministry staff talk to leaders in the center of town

The Akot airstrip with a Cessna 206 coming in

The Akot Medical Mission with Dr. Clarke McIntosh on right

Akot Primary School with the Principal on left and a few students

School buildings were constructed during the British colonial period

The Episcopal Church of Sudan in Akot: the church before this was destroyed during the war and Samaritan's Purse reconstructed this church for the people of Akot

Pray for peaceful elections in April

I'll be there . . . .

2010-01-20T10:54:00.013+02:00

This past weekend I enjoyed de-decorating from the holidays to some radio tunes. I couldn’t help but enjoy a blast from the past when Michael Jackson crooned, “I’ll be there.”

This week my mind is racing with thoughts of Sudan. The news isn’t great. The two sites we are partnering at have both experienced violence in the few short weeks of 2010. Civilian populations have run into the bush seeking safety from armed neighboring tribes and/or the army. Hospital attendance is low and not for the reasons we’d all like to see. (Prevention is better than cure!)

My mind is bombarded with wondering anew what it looks like when the Kingdom of God is painfully being molded from chaos and suffering. I keep asking myself, "What does the Kingdom in conflict situations look like? How is the Kingdom expressed to people who are dying, running for their lives, hungry, hurt, emotionally traumatized and not just once, but again and again and again?"

My heroic thoughts tend to answer that question with Michael Jackson – I’ll be there. I will help bind up your wounds, I will feed you, I will tell you stories of Jesus love. Yes I will. I’ll be there.

I will if the UN security report says I can travel.

I will if a week goes by without gunfire in town.

I will if the soldiers don’t harass me.

I will if everything goes according to my plan.

I will if I don’t have to miss any meals.

I will if you promise I won’t get hurt.

Obviously those are tenuous I will's!

To be honest I have many questions. I don’t know exactly how WGM can best help. I don’t know when it will be time to stay and time to pull out. I’d be a lot more comfortable if it were just me in Sudan. But it’s Mercy’s father and Rebecca’s husband, and it’s Faith and Stephen who are there. They are the ones putting it on the line.

From the time the Mango Ministry team set foot in Akot we have had a friend in Pastor Mark (on left - not his real name). He’s a good English speaker and has helped us learn about his part of the world. Our team highly values his friendship.

He’s a young man in his twenties and along with Pastoring a church on Sundays he’s enrolled in a High School about 10 km away. It’s a Boarding School so he resides there during the week, away from his family. During the war the option of going to school wasn’t there. Since the signing of the Peace Agreement 5 years ago schools have reopened and there are many older students completing their education now.

Saturday Reuben and Joseah returned to Akot. Sunday they attended Pastor Mark’s church, only he wasn’t there. Actually no one was there to lead. It ended up being a very short service due more to the presence of many soldiers than anything else.

This week Pr. Mark shared his story with our team. To begin with his home was burnt during the violence that struck Akot town over New Years and he lost everything. The Sunday before last he tried going to his Church but was attacked. He narrowly escaped, leaving his bicycle behind (the bicycle that he uses to get to and from school), before the Army Commander arrived and brought order to the situation.

The men sat and listened and prayed with Pr. Mark and shared a few pieces of clothing. Listening, praying, giving: this is a glimpse of what it looks like when the Kingdom of God is being molded from chaos and suffering.

Please be in prayer for me and the Mango Ministry Team. We need God's direction to know how He wants to use us in the midst of the chaos. How is God calling you to bring beauty from the ashes of this world’s heartache to someone in your world?

“Jesus, the news indicates that Sudan is in for a tough year. It will get harder and less safe. I pray for your divine grace to cover Mango Ministries. Keep us in Your perfect will. May we not let go of your hand as we walk boldly into the future, as we participate in the building of Your Kingdom, on earth, as it is in Heaven.”

~joy

Isaiah 61

Change of plans

2010-01-07T14:09:00.003+02:00

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Robert Burns

Sudan is unpredictable and last week we got a clearer idea of what that means. Over the New Years weekend fighting broke out in Akot between the army and civilians leaving 16 people dead and part of the town in flames. On two separate occasions the locals fled into the bush leaving a ghost town behind.

What does this mean for the Cataract Clinic plans? It means that what appeared like the ‘best laid plans’ for travel, getting supplies on site, ministry plan, preparation of Tenwek team, etc. have been set aside while the dust and embers settle in Akot.

Pray for God’s timing in the rescheduling of the clinic, hopefully before the end of March. Pray for the ability to move around the community as Reuben and Joseah return to Akot next week. As people’s minds are focused on the recent conflict and upcoming elections in April pray that we’ll know where to focus our energies to encourage and not compete for people’s energy. Above all, please pray with us for true reconciliation between the warring parties and with God. These people need to see Jesus: the army, the cattle herders, the leaders, the shopkeepers, the youth, the impoverished subsistence farmers, and even those of us who have gone to Akot to help. I need to see Jesus clearly too!

Plans are moving forward to send Faith Shingledecker (veteran lab technologist from Tenwek) and Stephen Leimgruber (volunteer nurse at Tenwek) to Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok next week. Let’s pray that God uses Faith and Stephen to meet crucial needs in the provision of compassionate health care and that they will be an encouragement to the community and other team members.

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” Marie Louise Haskins

Thank you for standing with the Mango Ministry Team as we venture into the dark, our hands safely in God’s grip.

Shalom,

joy

Great Expectations for 2010

2009-12-31T10:06:00.013+02:00

Happy New Year!

December has flown by. My time has been filled with good-byes to good friends, hosting my sister, Linda, including some sight-seeing, mission meetings, lots of cooking, and spending time with friends and colleagues. I hope you felt God’s blessings this past month as much as I did.

My sister does a lot of leg-work for Mango Ministries in the U.S. and enjoyed a meal with Reuben and Joseah when they arrived from Sudan for their breaks. They are doing well and enjoying the chance to be with family and friends at Tenwek. They are also eager to return to Akot next week. Pray for us as we plan for 2010 on January 4^th and 5^th.

Preparations continue for the Tenwek Eye Safari to Akot, only 9 days away. Please pray for:

* Processing of paperwork for medical supplies going to Akot

* The safe and timely arrival of a second operating microscope, scheduled to arrive on January 6th

* The Akot community’s acceptance of eye surgery. We're thankful several patients have registered and are trusting that after one or two patients have been given the gift of sight many more will come seeking help

* Uncomplicated and safe travel for the team: by road to Nairobi on January 8th, and flying from Nairobi to Akot on the 9th then reversing the process on January 15th and 16th.

* A peaceful community (no fighting) before and during this outreach

* Hearts that are open to hearing about Jesus

Dr. Roberts requests prayer for the team on Youtube. (sorry for the noise interference!)

We're excited to have 2 volunteers from Tenwek Hospital going to Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok on January 14th. Faith Shingledecker will assist in setting up a lab for the hospital (pictured with Dr. Ajak) and Stephen Leimgruber will assist with nursing care.

Jonny Adkins is finishing up work on the Coppedge dvd (Mango Ministry teammates) who are starting their Homeland Ministry Assignment in January and he will soon start the editing process for the Mango Ministry dvd. Pray for inspiration and creativity for Jonny as he works.

There are a limited number of Mango Ministry 2010 calendars available. If you’d like any send me an email that includes your postal address and I’ll send details for payment. Still only $12.

I visited my favorite mall several times this month after dark and I was impressed with how much the decorations reminded me of Las Vegas. They’re bright and beautiful, I think.

Actually it’s overwhelming and anything but subtle. Very different from the first Christmas. With the coming of the fall rains I’ve been impressed with the natural beauty found here in Kenya. Spectacular masses of colors found in bougainvillea to the same vibrant colors on a fish only one inch long found while wading in the Indian Ocean. Stars seen unencumbered by city lights are better than any light display made by man. God’s decorations are incredible. As with many things in life I find I want to help God with the decorating. My prayer for 2010 is that I will let God be the designer of Mango Ministries as His creations are best. Knowing that His creations are better than mine ~ I have great expectations for what He will do to bring transformation to the people of South Sudan in this new year.

Thank you for your interest, encouragement, prayers, and financial support that is transforming lives in South Sudan as we minister together.

Expectantly,

Joy

In the Dark

2009-12-04T07:50:00.006+02:00

Literally thousands of people in Sudan are living in the dark because they live with cataracts. The most basic health care is not available to many, much less surgical eye care. That’s why Mango Ministries has arranged for the Tenwek Hospital Eye Team to take a safari to Sudan in early January to help people see. Drs. Ben Roberts and John Cropsey and 6 Tenwek staff will fly to Akot to take the same message that has always been Tenwek’s moto to Sudan. That is, “We treat ~ Jesus Heals.” Reuben and Joseah are meeting this week with the hospital staff and local pastors to prepare for the spiritual side of this outreach.

In an animistic culture people think differently than we do in the West. Sudanese are raised with an Animistic Worldview. We have very scientific reasons for why things happen which is called the Western Worldview. We accept that most cataracts are a sign of aging which causes degenerative changes in the eye. An animist will have a different set of reasons for what causes poor vision. Cause and effect to an animist is not based on science so much as on the spirit world. As we talk about Jesus to the patients and their families let’s pray that they will ‘see’ that any power that is preventing them from seeing is not nearly as powerful as that of Jesus.

I’m somehow in the dark too. Advertisements have recently gone out into the community about the cataract clinic. I thought there would immediately be a long line of cane wielding people lined up at the front door. As excited as people seem when they hear the news no one has registered yet! Is it the registration fee? This is a small fee being charged that is a step at moving away from the post-war hand out mentality towards cost-sharing which is a more sustainable model for health care in the future. Are people afraid of surgery? Will it just take one bold person to register and then others will follow? Right now we don’t know what the barrier is. Reuben wrote that the answer is to pray and I told him I’d let you know. Please pray with us that what ever is keeping people from registering will be overcome, whether it be money, fear, stigma, etc. Our goal is for many people to come and receive their physical sight but also spiritual sight too.

That’s our goal based on a Biblical Worldview! Now we need to commit it to the Lord and see how He is going to turn the darkness to light. That’s His job. Our job is to pray.

“You O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

Following His star,

joy

* Pictures are from past Tenwek cataract clinics held in Tanzania

** A gift of $200 will enable one Sudanese to see the light. Go to "Donate to Joy's ministry" in the right-hand column to give a gift today.

The Journey continues through October and November

2009-11-12T16:38:00.014+02:00

The past five weeks have been busy ones and I’m thoroughly enjoying the chance to sleep in my own bed this week and clean up my desk. Here’s a glimpse of what I've been doing over the past month or so.

Cush Consultation ~ this is an annual conference for people in ministry in South Sudan. It was good to meet contacts made in years past and be challenged in new ways. As always the time spent networking and being challenged was helpful.
Kampala International University ~ A two and a half week safari (this is what we call a trip in Africa, it does not mean we were stalking lions) began with a stop in Kampala. In Uganda WGM works with university students ~ some who come from Sudan. Our team was able to meet with a dozen students and we discussed their concerns for Sudan. We learned that MANY Sudanese live in Uganda and Kenya and this may be an avenue for future ministry. I was elated to see my former Lui Hospital colleague, Anna Yawa, who is now a student at KIU.
Storying Conference in Arua, Northern Uganda ~ our next stop was attending a conference with about 75 other participants from all over Uganda and Kenya. We learned the technique of preparing and telling stories from the Bible, looking for treasures, and how to ask insightful questions. Reuben and Joseah paid particularly close attention because the next week they would be small group leaders when our colleague Billy Coppedge was to teach a similar seminar in Sudan.
Transitioning to Akot ~ Before flying up to Akot we spent a relaxing weekend with the team in Arua that included a shopping spree into the market to buy mattresses, fruit, rice and beans, water purification tablets, a broom, among many other things! Not knowing how many would show up for the conference we were thrilled that 21+ out of the 30 who were invited showed up. It was a learning experience not only for the participants but also for us. The average educational level of the pastors was fourth grade.
Sunday Sermon ~ it was encouraging then that when we arrived under the tree where one church service was being held the pastor, who had attended the seminar, was telling a Bible story and the congregation were acting it out!
Team meeting ~ After the seminar Billy's family joined us for a few days and we were able to sit together and plan for 2010.
Board meeting ~ Then after a few days at home in Nairobi, with enough time to produce pages of reports and proposals, the Sudan Board had a successful meeting.

* One of the fun aspects of having spent a considerable amount of time on the mission field is that missionary kids grow up and sometimes come back to work with us. Jonny Adkins joined us to film what we're doing. Please pray as he plows through hours of great footage so he can bring the needs of the Sudanese and vision of Mango Ministry alive. Watch for a late winter dvd release!

As I read back through this I am thinking, "Wow, what a great trip." And it was a good trip and we saw God at work. But it was also a hard trip. Working in Sudan is not easy and everything seems hard. Not just the logistics of it, although that is certainly true. But relationships are hard. Communication is hard. The heat and lack of variety in the diet is hard. Things are just hard. Spiritual warfare is evident. Reuben was very sick for about a week during the trip and he recovered only to be held at gunpoint two weeks later. No physical harm was done but Sudan takes an emotional toll on all of us.

I am so thankful for those of you who are praying for us. We couldn't do this without you! Thank you for your notes to Reuben and Joseah. They have been encouraged by the family of God.

Hanging out in a village during the Sudan seminar reminded me of how comfortable our lives are, how much we focus on eating and food, and how much we take for granted.

This Thanksgiving season I pray that my heart and yours will break for the people of South Sudan.

Grateful for His many blessings,

joy

High 'lights' from my week in Sudan

2009-09-30T15:34:00.009+02:00

Virtual Team: It was good to connect face to face again with part of my virtual team. Reuben and Joseah are doing well. I was happy to see they are really getting into the culture, learning the language and becoming real cow lovers. They are both in Kenya now reconnecting with their families for a short break.
Freshly baked date bread: After 3 days of trying, frustrated by clouds and rain, a very nice date bread was produced in the solar oven we took up to Akot. Dates are grown in north Sudan and are available in the larger markets.
New friends: We were able to meet and share with other missionaries about their work with the Dinka. We learned about valuable contacts and cultural nuances and made new friends.
Project visits: It was encouraging to visit a project that empowers women called, Women for Women. We were able to purchase some produce they had grown that we enjoyed for several dinners. Thanks to Dr. Clarke, who hails from the south, for the fried okra! See the Youtube video of the women dancing for us!
Kudos: The Mango Ministry Team was called together by a respected hospital staff member one day. He told us that he hears everything that goes on in that community and what he hears about us is good! The community appreciates our interest in learning about them and visiting with them.
Training Opportunities: We were able to arrange for a training October 21st – 24th. Thirty pastors are invited to join us at Dhiakwei (pictured) – a church training center. Our colleague, Billy Coppedge, will facilitate a 4 day training on teaching the Bible through story telling. Participants have agreed to bring their own food although it’s not the season for plenty of food. Pray for God’s provision in food and understanding. Also pray that our translators will be right on and in sync with Billy and the small group leaders.
Stories: During hospital staff devotions I’ve tried to share a bit of my personal story and walk with Jesus with the staff. I asked last week if several would share their stories with the group and several shared. God is at work in the lives of the Sudanese! I pray that we will be able to hear many more stories from the people of Akot. Our goal is to have the Jesus story intersect with their story so that each day their story reflects more of God’s kingdom.

Prayer focus

Pray as we develop a script and shoot video later this month to help share our passion of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to the Sudanese.
While in Sudan this month the Mango Ministry Team will be developing our goals and budgets for 2010. Pray that we’ll have God’s guidance and open ears to hear the hearts of the Sudanese.
We’re processing several volunteers who are interested in serving in our partnering hospitals and with our community team next year. Pray for our future team members. Also remember Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok and the Akot Medical Mission in your prayers as they provide incredibly valuable services in a complicated environment.
Pray for our team as we attend a seminar on Bible Storying in Uganda and then as Billy Coppedge leads the same seminar a week later in Sudan. This is similar to the missionary surgeon’s moto – see one, do one, teach one!

Thank you for helping us power these 'lights' in Sudan through your prayers and sharing of financial resources.

Shalom, Joy

Scouting out the land

2009-09-16T09:55:00.008+02:00

I'd be delighted to get an email from Reuben and Joseah saying they brought home a bunch of grapes that took the two of them to carry. (Numbers 13:17-25) But alas ~ despite the fact that the soil is good and it's raining in Sudan there is not a plethora of fruits or veggies in the local market at Akot. There's hardly anything actually. That's why I'm very excited about the drip irrigation equipment that has been donated by long time friends of Tenwek. I'm hoping to see fresh veggies soon that will whet Sudanese appetites for the same.

I continue to receive good reports from Reuben and Joseah as they've spent the last month scouting out the land. They are making visits to churches, schools, other development projects, leaders, you name it ~ they're scouting it out. We're trying to learn as much as we can about the Dinka people.

For instance we have learned that in all of Lake State (pop. 700,000) there are only 5 High Schools. Adults are expressing a great desire to learn now that schools are re-opening after the war and have enrolled as students too.

A nearby Elementary School has 700 pupils and 13 teachers - you do the math!

Bells are very important! A large bell that is used for weddings, dance contests, or when moving your herd of cattle weighs 22 pounds and can be traded for 5 cows.

A child is named after the name of a cow that was given for dowry or after an ancestor. I think you see the theme that cows are an important part of this culture!

Women will come to the hospital for prenatal care but not for delivery.

We've still got a long way to go in understanding the Dinka people but we're grateful for the warm welcome we've received and people's openness to share.

I will be traveling to Akot on Friday to catch up with Reuben and Joseah and plan for the next step. We hope to contact the leaders of the area and explain our desire to do assessments and then select several communities that want to see transformation. We will need their help with that process. Pray that our communication is clear and transparent. We definitely need God to go before us.

In my July Monthly Memo I quoted from a book on Transformational Development called, "Walking With the Poor," by Bryant Myers. One quote referred to the cause of poverty being broken relationships. As I've continued to read this theme hits me loudly. "At the center of this relational understanding of poverty is the idea of the poor not knowing who they are or the reason for which they were created. When people believe they are less than human, without brains, strength and personhood to contribute to their own well-being or that of others, their understanding of who they are is marred. Similarly, when the poor do not believe that they have anything to contribute, or that they cannot be productive, their understanding of their vocation is distorted as well. With marred identities and distorted vocations, the poor cannot play their proper relational role in the world, either within themselves or with those around them." (pp 87-88) Pray with us that the hearts and minds of the Sudanese will be prepared to understand and grasp the reality of who they are in Christ and what He has created them to do.

Scouting for the Kingdom,

Joy

PS - My colleague Billy Coppedge will be praying for Sudan this Friday at 12 noon (EST). We'd love for you to join him at the throne of grace on behalf of the nation of Sudan. Call 800-868-1837 if you live in the US (code 78396872#) to join this conference prayer.

PSS - Be sure to update your prayer list from the right-hand column.

Christmas in August - lots of presents!

2009-08-26T15:38:00.021+02:00

I quoted from Exodus 33:13-14 in my last email: "Remember that this nation is your people." The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." As I think back on the past 3 weeks it's true that His presence was with us as we traveled to Sudan - but in reality His presence is our present.

We enjoyed the gift of koinonia as our team and families gathered at Tenwek officially launching Mango Ministries.

We also enjoyed the gift or fruits of the land as we savored cool watermelon at Werkok that Reuben helped plant 3 months earlier.

Reuben and Joseah may have felt like it was Christmas with their new Suzuki 125 cc motorbikes that flew in with the team. They are able to travel around the county where we are making our base in Akot, South Sudan.

A real gift for me and Joseah was seeing so many of the Bibles that we helped distribute last year. We're praying that God's Word will continue to speak to the people of South Sudan. The man on the left gave his heart to Jesus last year when he received his Bible!

Another present we hope to share with many folks is the telling of Bible stories in culturally relevant ways. Billy Coppedge shared stories from formal church services to a captive audience in the back of a land cruiser on a trip to town.

Please continue to pray that God's presence will continue to rest on the team. Join me in thanking Him for the presents we have been blessed with and that the Sudanese will acknowledge Jesus as the greatest present of all.

What gifts has Jesus given you this summer?

Thankful,

joy

2009-07-20T15:47:00.005+02:00

Harrowing Experiences

Luckily I haven’t had a harrowing experience recently. Just pushing on in what seems like the mundane work of getting a new project started. Lots of computer work and a bit of networking, which has been fun.

When Reuben was sending reports of his agricultural project in Werkok he would write that he had been harrowing. I thought to myself, “he’s afraid?” But that didn’t fit the context. He said he, “did harrowing with the tractor.” The dictionary says that’s to break up land by pulling a harrow over it. He was preparing the soil for planting.

Just as Reuben was physically preparing the soil for planting I am excited to focus our prayers on harrowing the ground in Akot: to prepare the minds, attitudes, and spirits of those Jesus leads us into relationship with.

Team Preparation

Finalization of team make-up. Praise the Lord we have just added another team member – Joseah Sang (left). Joseah was one of the Bible Distribution Coordinators who worked with me last year and before that we worked for many years together at Tenwek Community Health.
Team meeting and orientation in Kenya in early August
Clear communication
An understanding of Dinka culture and basic language acquisition
Wisdom in selecting Kingdom Villages to target – villages where God is at work and wants us to join Him
Always lots of logistics: Sudan visa’s, flight coordination, purchase of motorbikes, etc.

Community Preparation

We hope for welcoming Church and village leaders
People will not want or expect handouts. For over 20 years the country was at war and the UN and others were involved in relief activities. Some people have gotten used to receiving assistance. Our desire is to come alongside people who want to be part of the process of building their lives.

Updates

Dr. Martin (left) is very busy at Werkok Hospital. Thankfully the needed medicines have arrived. Gunshot wounds, a drowning, and enlarged spleens are a few of the patients Dr. Martin has seen in recent weeks. Let’s continue to pray for peace and safety as he reports that there are too many guns around. Also, lets pray that Dr. Martin will be encouraged as he shares Jesus with the staff and patients.

Reuben is headed to Akot today for a quick trip. He’s accompanying Martha Kosge, a nurse from Tenwek Hospital, who will be taking a report back to Tenwek on the needs and opportunities for service. They are accompanying an American doctor who will be working at the clinic for the next three months. Let’s pray for Dr. Clarke McIntosh’s transition to a whole new world of medicine.

On Wednesday July 22^nd the Hague will announce whether Abyei will be considered part of North or South Sudan. Abyei is a town in the middle of North and South Sudan and is coveted by both because it is rich in oil. Pray that the decision will be accepted by all and that peace will prevail.

Thanks for covering the Mango Ministries Team and our activities with your prayers!

Shalom,

Joy