Africa, August 2016

Dear Family and Friends,

This update is not as I visioned it would be just a month ago.  However, seeing as I'm in His hands, this place in time is where I am supposed to be.  I have to admit my cheese was moved and I didn't like it very much.  Evacuating Yei, 11 July 2016 was not my plan.  I had to ask for forgiveness for my selfishness, and let God redirect my thoughts and steps.  He has shown me so many things these past several weeks that I otherwise would not have seen.  He has given me insight and direction that I would not have had if I would have stayed in my comfort zone of Yei, South Sudan.  (That in itself is a paradox. LOL).  The world is hurting; it needs Jesus.  He is the only hope.  But sad to say it doesn't realize it.  During this time of displacement I have had the opportunity to read more letters from Father Vincent Donovan a missionary in East Africa written from 1957-1973.  In one letter he wrote  pondering the question (which all missionaries ask) what am I REALLY doing here.  What is my purpose?  After his analysis the bottom line was "My only work is to be a bearer of hope, a carrier of hope."  His words were spoken directly from my heart.  That is why I am here in Africa, away from the comforts of home and the people I love - you.  My purpose is to share the hope that is only found in our Savior Jesus Christ.  The only hope that we and the world has.  The only sustainable thing that will see us and especially the South Sudanese people through.  When we return to Yei the people there will need the reassurance and encouragement of hope more than ever.  As they were on the road to healing from several generations of war, their recovery has been set back yet again.   Why are these people facing so much trauma and suffering?  I don't think anyone has an answer for that.  But God is in control, knows, and He has a plan for them, and us.  My job is defined more than ever now - to share this hope in Christ with a vigilance.

I don't think you will ever know how much your support has meant to me (prayers and financial), how you have enabled me to carry on my work in South Sudan, and now in Kenya.  Although displaced from South Sudan at this time, God has allowed me to continue sharing His hope through health screenings and food distribution in Kenya.  All I can say is thank you for helping me share Hope.  And if you would like to financially help support the work I am doing in Africa please click on the link to The Mission Society.  It will take you to a secure sight where donations are very much appreciated, safe and tax deductible.  As always I thank my God in remembrance of you.  Phil 1:3.