Hope in action

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

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

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 
   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!
   
3. 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!

1. 


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

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

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