Let Me Introduce Need

I had been to Sudan before, five years ago on a survey trip. We barely got across the border but I was thrilled because I could "check" Sudan off my "passport" list of countries that always sounds impressive in certain circles. Somehow that trip as a recent college grad with the whole world before me, jet-sitting down my "country bucket list," was different than this one. We drove up Saturday, the 160 kilometers (100 miles) taking just shy of six hours. The trip was honestly fun, nothing like putting the ol' land rover through her paces. We delayed twice, once to visit some missionary friends and once while the de-land mining crew got out of the way. They say the major roads are all clear but we were warned to not even step off the road to use the toilet. They haven't de-mined the shoulders. Somehow before that would have been awesome, as in, dangerously cool. This trip though, with Joanna and Elsie Jayne on my heart, it wasn't as awesome. We were thankful for our missionary friends' latrine.

It was exciting to finally reach Yei. Rinehimers, Mark Landerour volunteer, and I made up the Arua team and we joined Jonathan Mayo (our Ugandan field director), Terry and Karen Duncan (our African Regional Director) and Joy Phillips (WGM's representative in Sudan). The fellowship with such African-seasoned, Jesus-loving missionaries was worth the trip. Our three objectives were 1.) visit with several of our Sudanese pastoral contacts 2.) discuss the opening of Southern Sudan as a WGM field (opportunities & needs) 3.) actually see what the town of Yei was like.

What I walked away from our time together with was the comment I heard from several Sudan-veterans: "Sudan is hard. Nothing comes easy." Needs? Oh' my yes. We had a great brainstorming session of discussing just a few minor ones: grassroots pastoral training, water, literacy, training of school teachers, children programs for the war orphans, AIDS/sex education, youth sport camps, bible studies, and serious discipleship for all ages.

The list was overwhelming. The question that I came home with was how?

What came to mind though was a couple of folks who would be willing to trust God for the Overwhelming. the Impossible. Someone who would be willing to plunge up to their fears and even beyond that God might transform his people and grow his church in Southern Sudan. I think five years ago there was something in side me that relished the difficulties. There are difficulties: no running water, no good roads, no reliable electricity, no support network, nothing but Need... Need dressed in deep black skin, a t-shirt with a torn collar, wearing broken flipflops. Nothing but Need herself...and God.

Whereas before there had been an almost youthful pride in the challenges, somehow this time, I didn't feel like that was the solution. More than Zealous Ambitition, Southern Sudan needs a teachable spirit clothed in humility. Keep your eyes open, the impression I get is they are hard to come by.

So we are left with the only guarantee we can offer as being Himself. Ultimately that is all we have whether in Sudan, America or Uganda. So there is no guilt, no pressure, no shame but coming home, I felt let I couldn't help but to extend an invitation to all - "Sudan is hard. Nothing is easy." But you are invited.

Daddy's in Sudan

So, Billy left for Yei, Sudan on Saturday and I started to feel quite sick right away...not missing him sick only, but REALLY sick. Some dear missionary friends stepped in and cared for Elsie Jayne while I prayed Jesus would touch me!!! He did! After I went to the clinic to be tested for malaria and crazy parasites!...It was just a really un-timely 24 hour bug. I trust it's also an encouragement that Jesus is really working in Sudan and helping my teammates and husband there. Join with me in praying God orders their time as they meet with our Sudanese pastors and converse with them about the future of WGM/AGC in Sudan. Pray Jesus continues to keep Elsie Jayne and I as we trust Billy and the rest of the team will return tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Don't forget to praise Jesus for no roaming cell phones before you go to bed tonight!!! I did get an email from another missionary friend telling me she had seen Billy, so I know they arrived in Yei on Saturday just an hour later than they had expected to! That's great!
Elsie Jayne is growing while daddy is away. She has just discovered the rubber ducky that has been in her tub with her every night!! What delight I find watching her own delight and discovery! Jesus is so good to us!

WELCOME HOME

"You went two and have come back three!" Everyone is so excited about Elsie Jayne and the blessing she is to our family! We are so excited to be back and introduce her to her Aruan friends. She is pictured here with Tina (our friend who miscarried earlier, but now is 7 months pregnant!...thank you for praying!!!) and Hope (who has a 7 month old baby) as well as Jane!

A men's bible study Billy was leading when we left welcomed us home on Sunday through a meal and bible study all together. They made a yummy meal (one of them is a chef, Tina's husband, Imam) and even a "WELCOME HOME" cake!

As well as meeting her Ugandan friends, Elsie Jayne has enjoyed getting to know her missionary aunts and uncles...she is here with John Rinehimer! John and Erica were AMAZING to carry all that Jesus has entrusted to us as a team here in Arua while we were away. Thank you for praying for them and for continuing to carry all of us as we catch up and join together in moving forward.

This weekend we train in Nebbi on Friday and Saturday. Joanna and Elsie Jayne will probably just go down for the day on Saturday to teach. The following Thursday Billy and the Rinehimers will head out to Sudan to visit the men that are being trained there. Up until now those men have been trained through John Onek who has traveled to Arua each month of training. It will be good for us to see where they actually are and visit their congregations. Please pray for health and safety in these travels and all of the unknowns Jesus may have in between!