Just over a week ago Sabet returned to East Africa and once again we found our family separated by miles of land and ocean. Time seems to stand still when we count the days until we are reunited. It got me thinking about the many years during the war, when I was pregnant, that we spent weeks apart. The Lord would always comfort me then and He is comforting me now. “Wait on me, I see you and all you are going through. Just trust ME.” Oh how I want to finish this race with honor and strength. So here I am, waiting…in ‘rainy’ Florida!

Rain…Good or Bad?

We are beginning our 6 month rainy season in Tonj. You can almost hear the land cry out with relief after months of the sun scorching every bit of life from the dirt. As the torrential downpours begin pockets of grass spring into action washing over the brown landscape with vibrant greens and splashes of color. Rain is such a precious commodity in Africa. With the rain comes busyness, as the woman attend to the gardens while men enjoy free ‘catches’ from the river and their cattle feast on fresh grass.

What a respite from the intense heat, even coolness follows a downpour. Frogs, frogs and more frogs all blurting out their own song and rhythm joined by the relentless drumming as they celebrate the first rains, pounding into the early morning hours.

The spectacular thundery theatre in the afternoon sky tells me I’m deep in the African basin where rain causes havoc and sometimes even tragedy for the local South Sudanese. Tonj is well known for its extensive flooding, impassable roads, disease infested swamps and rampant malaria.

Flash bolts of lightning claim lives every year. Many believe the witchdoctors tales and pay for the curse of that lightning that would strike against the one who has wronged them.

I always know my insignificance and God’s mighty power and authority in the midst of such a storm. Don’t fear the storm but the ONE who is Creator and in control of the storm. The one who calms the storm with a spoken word.

Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” – Matthew 8:25-27

As the rains are just getting under way, we wonder what this rainy season will bring to In Deed and Truth? Will there be flooding? Loss of gardens and famine? High numbers of infant deaths in the clinic from malaria? Food and fuel shortages due to trucks not getting through on the roads? Death of those we know and love? Tragic misconceptions of witchcraft and Jesus… Who has the real Power?

We can only pray in anticipation of what the Lord has in store and how we might be used to bring calm in the storm.

Praises: For our wonderful team of medical professionals and staff serving the South Sudanese around the clock and countering fear with hope and truth.

Praises: For the safe arrival of our visitors. Dr. Destinee’s father Bryan and his friend Richard are helping the Macleods to construct a home for their family.

Prayer: For the deteriorating security situation and for wisdom in decision making as it effects our team on the ground.

Prayer: One truck arrived but we have three remaining, two inside South Sudan and one in Nairobi.

Prayer: We should get news about the next step in Agum’s case before this month ends.

Prayer: For the health and safety of our team, especially the little Macleod kids who have both been sick with diarrhea for several weeks.

Prayer: For the good and the bad that comes with the rain.

 

2015 International Wholistic Missions Conference!

Many of you know we use CHE programs in our ministry in South Sudan. The Community Health Evangelism (CHE) Network team facilitated this amazing conference which brought together partners and individuals, practicing or interested in CHE, from around the globe. Suzy and I were privileged to attend and spend a week with like-minded missionaries who share the same focus and vision for Christ centered community development.

It was so encouraging to hear testimonies of God moving through the effort of CHE around the world. This is true and real sustainable ministry that transforms lives. It starts with us as we change our approach to missions and ministry and pass that onto our team and the nationals serving alongside us, eventually reaching into the depths of the villages to a community level through CHE’s.

We are convinced that equipping and encouraging the nationals towards ownership and multiplying the truths and lessons they learn, we will witness a change of heart and explosion of church plants and believers across South Sudan.

Our conference week started out with a two day training and vision seminar which for us was a refresher in CHE. This program focused on discipleship and evangelism alongside equipping entire villages to identify issues and mobilize resources to achieve sustainable change and transform lives.

At the three day conference we had access to over 64 conference workshops and numerous resource exhibits, we listened to amazing keynote speakers share their experience of transformational development work and we networked and met many amazing people. The conference was called “The Whole Church on Mission”.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2

Samaritan’s Purse!

Samaritan’s Purse contacted us a few months ago to ask if we might have cleft palate patients in need of surgery. They are offering an amazing opportunity to be flown to Juba and then returned to Tonj after the surgery. So Dr. Jono and Dr. Destinee from our clinic have both been registering patients and this week our first patients went to Juba. Please pray for these people as they face many ‘firsts’ this week, like flying and surgery.

The Story of Machiek!

Dr. Jono shared this story with us about one of his patients. “Machiek was born near Tonj five months ago with a cleft lip. Machiek is the local name for ‘creature’, because children here with cleft lip are total outcasts. This week Machiek underwent surgical repair of his lip with our partners SP in Juba – when the mother returned and stepped off the plane this morning you could not wipe the grin off her face, she was so excited! Most of the 30 patients and caregivers who traveled to Juba accepted Jesus as Savior when the chaplains shared the good news of Christ. Now these children will no longer be seen as ‘creatures’ by their communities. But even more important than their new physical identity is their new found spiritual identity, as they discover that they are precious children of the most high God!

Sabet is back from Africa!

Today our family celebrates daddy’s (Sabet’s) return from his 10 week trip to South Sudan. We are now all together in Panama City, Florida, staying with Suzy’s mum and awaiting news on Agum’s US citizenship status.

While in South Sudan, Sabet revisited the court there to obtain additional evidence to support Agum’s case for citizenship here. We refiled her case two weeks ago, and we pray that this will satisfy the immigration requirements for proof of her custody prior to our adoption being completed in 2013.

Sabet was joined by one of our board members, Ted Miyake, and together they blessed and encouraged the team on the ground. They have many amazing stories to share, but one in particular is extremely close to our hearts.

The Story of Kana!

We first met Kana when she was six years old. Her mother brought her to us when we were hosting a cataract clinic, and we learned that Kana was blind in both eyes since birth. Upon examination, the cataract team wasn’t sure that surgery would restore Kana’s sight, but in light of her young age, and the high probability that this may be her only chance, they made the decision to give it a try. After the surgery, unlike the other patients who could instantly see, Kana could not see clearly, but she did acknowledge seeing shapes, and she was able to differentiate light and darkness. The surgeons explained that Kana was probably born with cataracts, which blocked the light and hindered her eyes from being able to focus. This condition prevents the brain from developing the usual wiring connections that occur as a baby’s eyes are developing from birth to age eight. Since she did not have the surgery until she was six years old, her brain sustained a permanent loss of most of the neural connections, and that is why she had a permanent reduction in her vision. In faith, we prayed and laid hands on Kana before she returned to her village. We all prayed and laid hands on Kana before she left to walk back to her village.

During this recent trip, Sabet visited a church in the village of Timtok. In traditional South Sudanese style, the children of the church greeted the visitors with singing and dancing. It was at that time that Sabet and Albino recognized one of the dancing children as Kana!

It was a beautiful blessing and surprise to see Kana doing so well, as we were all concerned for her well-being following surgery. Now that she is able to focus again, her brain has been able to reconnect some of the neural wiring, and she has improved vision. And although her vision would have been even better had she undergone the cataract surgery as a younger child, her mother says she continues to improve and that is our prayer!

As we plan for our next annual cataract clinic, we estimate a week of surgeries will cost over $15,000, but for 200 patients to regain sight that is only $75 per patient! If you feel called to partner with us in transforming a life spiritually and physically, please donate online and designate your gift for ‘cataract surgeries’.

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17

Hunger Gap!

In 1998 we both were deeply moved and took action in response to one of South Sudan’s most devastating famines. And still today between the months of May and August, thousands of families run out of food, and they depend on outside assistance to feed their children. This is when we start to see malnourished mothers and babies in our clinic. During Sabet’s recent trip, he witnessed several cases, and we know this number will only increase as the rainy season comes. A combination of insecurity, displacement, lack of imported supplies and flooding have all contributed to the current food crisis. Please pray! We know well the suffering that took place in 1998, and the many lives that were lost. Tonight children are going to bed hungry again, and mothers have no hope of feeding their little ones. What can be worse than watching your child starve? Even though we’ve lived there for 16 years, it never gets any easier to see people suffering, unable to meet the basic needs for their families. Pray with us for this community we serve as we ask our Jesus how we might be used to help in this crisis.

A Story of Healing, Hope and Wholeness!

Mid-February a lady called Awien brought her 5 day old baby Adhel into our clinic. Adhel had developed a fever and stopped breastfeeding shortly after birth, and now had sunken eyes, doughy skin, and was barely breathing – her chances of survival were definitely low. Despite our strongest antibiotics, the next morning the child was even worse – her fontanel was bulging out in a way that Dr. Jono had never seen before, as the infection had spread to her brain (meningitis). Ted Miyake was visiting In Deed and Truth Ministries at the time and wrote, “The doctors here said even in the best hospitals in America, this baby would only be given a 50/50 chance of survival.” Knowing that we had nothing more to give medically, the IDAT team really prayed their hearts out, and “amath, amath” (slowly, slowly) over the next few days, the child became more awake, the fever subsided, and the fontanel swelling reduced. After a week, Adhel was breastfeeding and almost looking like a normal, healthy baby! It truly was a miracle and we’re all praising God for that!

Baby Adhel was released from the clinic after two weeks, so she could “witness” the baptism of her mom, Awien and grandmother, Adhiau!

During their stay, Sabet, the pastoral staff and other clinic worker ministered to this family, prayed with them and shared the good news of Christ’s offer of love and life, which they eagerly accepted. Inspired by the miraculous recovery of Adhel, both of these ladies made commitments to Christ, and without any prompting, asked if they could be baptized.

 

This is the real reason we do what we do and press on through hardships, heat and warfare. Is it a sacrifice? Not when you get to be a part of such eternal transformations; these moments are priceless and none of us would exchange them for anything. This is the fruit of much labor and preparation as one of our own discipled pastors had the honor and privilege of baptizing them in front of a crowd of witnesses.

“Great and marvelous are Your works, LORD God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!” – Revelation 15:3

Kuj Family in USA!

It is sometimes hard to believe it is already March, one year later and we are still in America. Sabet returned to Tonj to bless and encourage the team there and work on securing more evidence for Agum’s citizenship case. The rest of the Kuj clan left California in mid-February and returned to Florida to ‘wait it out’ and spend time with Suzy’s mum. We have peace; we are praying for the Lord’s perfect timing, for favor, and we trust Him as we stand firmly on the Rock that is Jesus Christ.

Sabet should return by the end of March, and then he’ll drive from West coast to East coast with our van. Pray he can get all of the necessary papers while in Africa, so we can refile before our end of March deadline.

Prayer Requests!

• Pray for the team and all those eagerly awaiting our return.
• Pray our ‘home’ in Tonj is completed and ready for us when we return to South Sudan.
• Pray for our container that is currently in Mombasa port awaiting release from customs.
• Pray all exemption papers would be in place as the container moves from Kenya, through Uganda and into South Sudan. Sabet is hoping it arrives before he leaves.

Waiting for Agum’s papers!

Recently we received communication regarding Agum’s process where we learnt that the U.S. government is asking for a proof of legal custody from at least 2 years prior to the adoption. We are grateful to be in the U.S., but on the other hand we miss our ministry, team and home in South Sudan. Sabet is in South Sudan now and spending time apart even for a short period of time is hard for a family like ours. God is faithful though. We continue to wait upon His timing and trust that what He has started, He is faithful to bring to completion.

Clinic!

We rejoice over the fact we have a team that is so gracious towards us. They are continuing with ministry even in our absence. We are receiving good reports from our team — some of the patients at the clinic are getting saved and counseled by Dr. Jono and the team at the clinic. It’s a great and very important point we emphasize — and that is the reason having the clinic in the first place, to harvest those lost souls. We rejoice over that as we are reminded heaven rejoices over one repented soul that come to the Lord. Dr. Jono is very encouraged to see the Lord Jesus healing physically and saving eternally people at the clinic.

James and Gabriel!

James is one of our community health workers and God’s grace has been so evident in his life. He was sharing with me how the Lord used him to bring his whole famly to the Lord when he went to visit with them over the Christmas break. James shared how the Lord started to burden his heart about his family and their salvation, knowing they worships idols and witch crafts. Knowing they were in dark place, he took Pastor Santino and called everybody to a meeting where pastor Santino shared the message of the gospel. Santino said it was James’ seriousness about the gospel that made them take to his sharing seriously and accept the invitation to accept Jesus and be baptized. James continues to show growth spiritually in our clinic and the church through serving.

On my way to Sudan, I was able to meet with Gabriel, one of our students in Kenya. I was encouraged very much talking to him. Now that he has been away from home and work for 2 years he can’t wait to finish and continue serving in the clinic in a new capacity, equipped and trained as a clinical officer.

Peace!

Peace talks in South Sudan looks hopeful. Another agreement deal was signed just few weeks ago to cease hostilities and by April both parties are supposed to come up with a unity government that will bring both sides to rule the country and hopefully put an end the turmoil this new nation has seen the past year. Please pray that this hopeful initiative will bring a lasting agreement that will hold and a true peace that is much needed will come out of it.

Board member Visit to Tonj!

I am very excited to have Ted Miyake, one of our boards members, visiting Tonj later month. Ted and I will be meeting with our staff and missionaries discussing the vision and strategies for this year. I am confident his visit will encourage our team in Sudan.

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” – James 5:11

Prayer Requests

• Pray the obtaining of Agum’s legal custody papers prior to adoption
• Pray for Ted’s visit to be a blessed one
• Pray and praise for Macleod kids safety from scorpions and snakes