Don't stop now. . .

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

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

handmade toy trucks in Lui, South Sudan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 11:7, The Message

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

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

joy

Up close and personal

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

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

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

1. Stephen Dokolo, Lui

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

2. Bishop Isaac Dhiou, Akot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

joy

62 days and counting

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

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

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

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

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

5. Prayer from a Darfurian Woman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

joy

100 days of prayer for Sudan ~ continued

October 22

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

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

October 23

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

October 24

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

October 25

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

October 26

"Bad things happen in the dark."

Check out BBC news interview with George Clooney

October 27

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

October 28

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

October 29

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

October 30

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

October 31

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

November 1

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

November 2

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

November 3

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

November 4

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

Board trip hardly boring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shalom,

Joy