When we started our missionary journey in 1999 I remember asking God, “Are you sure Lord? There’s so many people better qualified than us! What can you do with the likes of us?” Despite our obvious imperfections and shortcomings, He did not disqualify us but instead made us into a vessel He could use. He removed all traces of self-will and slowly transformed us. As I ponder this thought I am mostly amused because I know this has been a flesh battle every day to ‘die to self’. Instead of His cup running over I have lamented to have the cup taken away on many occasions!! I remember a fellow missionary telling me, “A missionary’s life is not their own, it belongs to God.” And this truth is helping us more than ever as we face great loss to our family and long stretches away from each other.

But, let me return to ‘present day’. Sabet is in Africa tending to his mother’s needs as she spends her last days on this earth. There is much to do to care for her; the cancer in her esophagus has spread to her lymph nodes and lungs. She knows her Savior and we are so grateful for His mercy and peace. In South Sudan, she cares for 14 grandchildren, and so there are plans to make so she can have peace about their future without ‘Hububba’. Pray for Sabet as he leads his dad, uncle, two brothers, two sister, nieces and nephews through this difficult time.

Mosquito Mania!

Malaria season is upon us and that means overwhelming numbers of mothers and babies attending our clinic.

This photo taken in August of the medical clinic with mother’s waiting outside after their babies have seen the doctor, is an all too familiar sight. As an ‘outpatient’ facility with limited beds, we can only admit a few serious cases per day. The remaining patients wait it out on the ‘porch’ under the watchful eyes of our Community Health Workers. They begin treatment as we monitor their condition and try to reduce the high fevers and prevent convulsions. As I recall from my previous years of serving, I can remember the fear the mum’s have, and the peace I would have and share with them that Jesus is in control. Just having one person desire that peace was the highlight of my day. Malaria has devastating effects on under five year olds, it is running rampant through our villages and accounting for 85% of the cases in our clinic.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

• Pray for God’s Will to be done for Mama Sabet and her family.
• Pray for Sabet as he ministers to his family.
• Pray for peace for South Sudan.
• Pray for Agum’s citizenship.

The story of STS in Malony

Simply the Story (STS) continues to be a powerful evangelism tool for the IDAT pastors who go from village to village holding two day workshops and teaching the Bible stories. Recently they held a workshop in the village of Malony. Despite the physical hunger lingering throughout South Sudan, the pastors reported there is also a hunger for God’s word. This is so exciting to us as this village has resisted the gospel in the past. After we planted a church there in 2012 many abandoned their traditional beliefs, stopped going to the witchdoctor and started to follow Christ.

Our pastors are very encouraged by what they see happening in this church, the brothers and sisters heart for the Lord, their appreciation for what God has done in their lives and the welcome they gave our pastors. It is evident God’s word is bringing change and transforming lives. God is healing the sick through prayer and bringing peace to this village. Earlier in the year the clan fighting was so bad and brought many casualties upon families. The church responded in prayer and the Lord gave peace to their land. More and more ‘God stories’ are being told and passed around, it is so awesome to witness this fruit after years of preparing the soil, planting and water seeds. Yes!!! God is so faithful.