- 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 Oppo
rtunities: 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
No comments:
Post a Comment