100 days of prayer for Sudan ~ continued

October 22

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

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

October 23

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

October 24

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

October 25

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

October 26

"Bad things happen in the dark."

Check out BBC news interview with George Clooney

October 27

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

October 28

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

October 29

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

October 30

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

October 31

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

November 1

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

November 2

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

November 3

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

November 4

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

Board trip hardly boring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

Joy

100 Day Prayer Count Down for Sudan ~ week 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Sudan trip update will follow soon.

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

joy

Summer excitement slides into fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

Joy

On the Road Again. . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

joy

Elephants, orphans, and trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet me at. . . . .

June 13 – Trinity UMC, Mullica Hill, NJ

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

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

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

July 4 – Strathmere UMC, Strathmere, NJ

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

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

July 18 – Hope Christian Fellowship, Woodbury, NJ

July 19 – Sicklerville UMC VBS, Sicklerville, NJ

July 29 – Erma Campmeeting, Erma, NJ

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

pm – Ennisville UMC, Huntingdon, PA

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

August 8 – Seashore Campsites, Erma, NJ

August 15 – Tabernacle UMC, Erma, NJ

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

Shalom,

joy

Today's forcast: both rain and shine

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