tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26126981926168515022024-03-24T00:10:05.639-07:00Serving in South SudanJacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-76927227937696114362017-09-26T14:12:00.000-07:002017-09-26T14:42:15.812-07:00Developing a Strategy<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0pt 0pt 10pt; text-indent: 0pt;">
<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I have taken nearly a year without posting so though I cannot touch on everything, I want to share briefly about the direction our team is going and some stories about a few individuals.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Discovery Bible Studies.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In May our whole unit in South Sudan went out to Lokichoggio, Kenya where we joined together for fellowship and training for starting Disciple Making Movements through Discovery Bible Studies. Disciplemaking Making Movements refer to training self-propagating followers of Jesus. Discovery Bible Study is a method used for making disciples which emphasizes obedience to God's word in a supportive group setting by which the learners read together a selected bible passage and talk about what it teaches them and how they will commit to obeying it. Most of us were familiar with the Discovery Bible Study method and had talked and read about Disciple Making Movements, but it was helpful to see and hear from our teacher at the retreat who was practicing and seeing churches formed through such a method in East Africa. We had a lot of good discussions and our Laarim team decided that we wanted to begin implementing many of the principles we learned. Though we cannot hold a study with text for a group to read and follow because very few are literate, we are able to share the Bible stories and teach people to memorize them. And we believe that through such means the Holy Spirit can speak to hearts, teach, and empower people to obey and follow Jesus. Some team members are currently working on a set of Bible stories in chronological order to be translated into Laarim for sharing orally during such meetings.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the meantime, our team has begin implementing some of the principles of the Discovery Bible Studies. Some days go better than others, but each time as a group meets God's truths are being presented and a number of people make a commitment to obey what what they are learning from God's word. One by one, lives are being changed and more people are coming to know Christ. </span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A New Season for Andrew</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My first team member to join me, Andrew, has finished up his two-year commitment to serve among the Laarim and has returned to England. I thank the Lord for bringing Andrew to South Sudan and using him effectively in ministry. Andrew impacted many lives, including mine, by demonstrating Christlike character during his time with us. He really made the most of the opportunities God gave him and was an example and encouragement to us all. </span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Loduko.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last January was a difficult month for me with the loss of my friend Loduko whom I had known for two years. Loduko was about 16 years old. He stood out to me as the one in the group of children and youth who would speak out for what he believed was right, sometimes in my defense and other times harshly against my decisions. But I enjoyed spending time with him and we grew closer over the months as he patiently helped me with the Laarim language and I spent time teaching Laarim literacy lessons and Bible stories to him. </span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Over time I noticed that Loduko became more respectful toward me and others even if he did not agree with our decisions. I also observed that Loduko did his best to be honest with me even if it was not to his benefit. Whenever we had any activities or prayer times together Loduko was usually there with us. Eventually Loduko trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. But a few months later I noticed Loduko had not been around for a some days. When I asked someone about him I was told he was sick. I quickly went to his home and found Loduko on his sleeping mat in his house with a high fever and without the strength to even walk. I prayed for him and took him to the clinic with his mother and brother where Loduko tested positive for malaria. But sadly the treatment he received was not adequate and he died two days later. It was a painful time. I learned from his mother that Loduko was the one she could always count on to be of help in the family, even though she has two sons older than him. I pray that Loduko's mother and siblings will also come to know Jesus as he did. </span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our friend and brother Loboi</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I had first become acquainted with Loboi, a Laarim, in Torit when I came back to South Sudan in 2011. We became friends and I would visit him regularly. A couple of years later Loboi trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Though I had moved out to Loryok by that time, I still would see Loboi during my stays in Torit. During one of our conversations Loboi told me that he wanted to be a pastor. Loboi was still in school, but we would still meet and pray together when there was opportunity. A number of times, Loboi had volunteered to come out when different needs arose. One time he came and helped me put up a fence around a compound I was working on. Another time he and I went out with a group to help build a new house for Kenyan missionary Jacinta in the village of Farasika when hers was destoryed by termintes. </span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Loboi continued in school until he finished his final exams in March of this year. After finishing, he eagerly came out to work with our current team of 10 adults helping us with language and ministry outreach. Now that Loboi stays with the team, he divides up his week spending a couple days at each of our three locations. During his free time, Loboi has been visiting his friends and family, often sharing the gospel and encouraging those whom he has led to Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span><span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ZK6rqtaSdsNIWxZrmNPqfrw30Id3-W0Z2kjhUpulMv6d0X-UceEKRr7Bf1cY1h_fctcSXK1qsGbW6H15w47XsHkLDyEmRNL6WldjtpCK-vQ-ABXuOGNtXL8HGK59RIwJhdTbkmriW0/s1600/DSCN3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b45f06; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52ZK6rqtaSdsNIWxZrmNPqfrw30Id3-W0Z2kjhUpulMv6d0X-UceEKRr7Bf1cY1h_fctcSXK1qsGbW6H15w47XsHkLDyEmRNL6WldjtpCK-vQ-ABXuOGNtXL8HGK59RIwJhdTbkmriW0/s320/DSCN3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Loboi's baptism, January 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">(Andrew standing at the far left. Loboi standing second to left. Loduko standing at the far right.)</span></td></tr>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Home Assignment</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As of late August I have been on home assignment in the US and plan to be here until January 2018. I have been enjoying seeing friends and family as well as having the time and space to focus on tasks with minimal interruption. Now that I have access to my blog I hope to post again before too many months go by.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How you can pray</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Please pray for team members as they continue to reach out by sharing Bible stories at different family compounds in the villages. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and open hearts as the word is shared.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Pray for Loboi to continue growing in his love for Jesus and his fellow Laarim so that he would continue to be effective in ministry.</span></div>
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<span dir="LTR" style="background-image: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Pray for me to be refreshed and encouraged while in the US so that I will be prepared to return and continue joyfully serving among the Laarim.</span></div>
Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-39552972129083143102016-10-07T21:42:00.001-07:002016-10-07T21:42:33.990-07:00
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In the latter part of July this year we, who were in the
Kimotong at the time went out to Kenya because of conflict in certain
areas of South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering that
the conflict was unlikely to reach our area, a short while later we were given
permission to return. So two weeks after arriving in Kenya, I returned to
Kimotong and was warmly welcomed by many in the community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As of the beginning of September, the full team of AIM missionaries to the Laarim has come and begun the ministry of learning language and culture.<span> </span>The team consists of 12 adults and 6 children representing five nations: Australia, Holland, Rwanda, the UK and the US.<span> </span>Many of the children in the village have been especially excited to see the little ones on the team who have come from abroad.<span> </span>We have begun our weekly team meetings which consist of a time of prayer, worship, Bible study, discussion over assigned readings, and team business.<span> </span>This month, most of the team is in Kenya for a three-week orientation while our team leaders are visiting their home country. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Through late July and August the days in the village were
quiet as most of the children would wake up before sunrise and head out to
their fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These children in their
fields would sit up on stands erected from cut wooden poles and spend the day
protecting the ripening heads of sorghum from the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As birds would land in the field the children
would shout and sling balls of clay at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This continued each day until all of the sorghum was harvested. After
the heads of sorghum are cut off, many of the stalks which are like a type of
sugar cane are harvested and consumed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often, as those who were coming from the fields would pass by our
compound, they would also share with us a few sorghum stalks from which they
harvested the grain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the evenings
after sundown we would hear the children returning home laughing, chattering,
and playing their bamboo flutes. We are thankful that this year the harvest was
satisfactory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We praise the Lord for two boys and one girl who have
expressed that they have made a commitment to follow Jesus and trust him as
their Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of these
youth have gone to other locations for a season: one off to school and the
other to the cattle camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that we
would make the most of each opportunity we have to disciple and mentor the
youth and children and pray for these new believers wherever they go to
continue growing in their trust, love, and obedience to Jesus.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Many months have passed since I started teaching mother
tongue literacy in the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
process still feels rather disorganized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One group shows up to learn and the next day it might be a different
group. Most of the time I would have a mix of children who were all at very
different levels of learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But those
who have continued to come are learning well and I am encouraged by their
eagerness to keep learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also
gives me opportunity to share from translated books of the Bible, pray, and
share Bible stories with the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many in the group also like memorizing bible verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even some adults in the community are
expressing interest in learning how to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please pray that those who are learning will develop a desire to know
the Bible more and read it themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Laarim friend and brother in Christ, Angelo, continues
to be with us over the school holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
this last holiday, he joined us for three weeks and spent time helping team
members with language, translating a script for a Christmas program written by
Andrew, and meeting with youth and children to share the word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that time, our unit leader came to
Kimotong by air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and the pilot stayed
for three nights to make some repairs on the electrical systems and water
systems on the compounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Angelo
need to return to Torit and I was ready to go there for a break, we were able to
catch a ride on the five passenger plane that was taking our unit leader back
to Torit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being his first time on a
plane, Angelo was quite excited and enjoyed the 30 minute flight. I did not
enjoy it so much as I had gotten airsick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise the Lord for Angelo's love
for Jesus and his willingness to serve and share the gospel with his fellow
Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for more Laarim to come to
Christ and have that same passion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-44334428445060373132016-07-15T08:56:00.001-07:002016-07-15T08:56:27.910-07:00Strength
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(This update was written to be posted at the beginning of
July, but due to problems with our internet I was unable to send it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently our team has come out to Kenya due
to the conflict in South Sudan, but we are hopeful that we can go back soon.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be so easy to react to the pressures of expectations surrounding
us. Most of us at times feel pressure to hurry because of others expectations
or the perception of what is expected of us. I find in many instances that I
can easily get anxious when others are waiting on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I rush through that which is
important, whether it is my quiet time in the morning or a task which I know I
needs my careful attention, I often find myself frustrated. After a struggle
though I know that I must quiet down and come to the Lord in repentance,
admitting my sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does happen more
often than I would like to admit. But I am thankful for God's mercy and grace
which brings me back to the point of quieting the competing voices and being
able to hear Him through His word. Over the last few months, I have been
brought back to the passage in Isaiah 40:31 which says, "Those who wait on
the Lord shall renew their strength."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am comforted when I remember that it is the Lord who not only guides
me into my activities for the day, but also gives me the strength to accomplish
His purposes through them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find that having a rest day each week is also important, but
I have also found that I need to occasionally withdraw and go to a different
place where I don't feel the pull of my usual responsibilities in my location
of ministry. Recently I tore a muscle in my thigh and I decided to go to Nairobi
for an MRI and to see an orthopaedic specialist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew out to Nairobi and after a doctor
looked at the injury, he decided that surgery would not be a good option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except for the first three days after the
injury, I have experienced little pain and have been recovering remarkably
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though my injured leg tires a bit
more quickly, I am able to walk well now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the time in Nairobi, I got some good
rest. I also had some time reading the Gospel of Luke in Laarim for practice as
well as expanding my vocabulary with words I had collected in writing, but
never learned well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to see some
friends as well, one from Omaha, and a couple from Loryok, which was my home in
South Sudan for three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned
out to be a time of rest and refreshment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just days before my injury, I was talking to
my friend Lotao on the phone, who was brought to Kenya to study and stay with a
Kenyan family in the Nairobi area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
asked me when I would be coming and I said it would probably be awhile, perhaps
the following year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks later we met
in Nairobi and he reminded me that God sometimes has other plans for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A Growing Interest</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ministry among the Laarim has gone well and the boys have continued
to eagerly come in even larger numbers to play football, hear a Bible story,
pray, and sing together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number from
the group often come in the afternoon for a literacy lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most attend irregularly and are learning very
slowly, but two youth who come regularly are moving ahead more quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am greatly encouraged by their desire to
keep learning God's word and how to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently, our team member Andrew started a class at the primary school
to help the students develop Laarim songs in their own language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the first day, Andrew showed us a video
of the class enthusiastically singing a song they developed in Laarim about God
creating the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children in the
villages during the Sunday meetings learned the song and also sing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Sunday recently, Linda invited women in
the community to come over for tea and watch the Jesus film in the Murle
language, which can mostly be understood by the Laarim because of their
language similarities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seven women came
and watched very attentively expressed much excitement during the scenes with
women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it was getting late, they
had to stop half way through, but they hope to come back on another Sunday to
finish the film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizBXqUkUSATCqVVaDiQj1TGjMEX0IacodSAB9tI_Gbd2Wqi_AeMFW8WV1jDRZF_jjRCz5d-gWOu6HBGzjDRJl5mKs9g9OrY7lgR6CtyT0UbG6Xc3fcy_4NQKcXAsmZ_eu1p4zLDJB1io/s1600/p1781741_1881969784_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizBXqUkUSATCqVVaDiQj1TGjMEX0IacodSAB9tI_Gbd2Wqi_AeMFW8WV1jDRZF_jjRCz5d-gWOu6HBGzjDRJl5mKs9g9OrY7lgR6CtyT0UbG6Xc3fcy_4NQKcXAsmZ_eu1p4zLDJB1io/s320/p1781741_1881969784_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting with children for a Bible story after playing football</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are thankful to the Lord that the required support has
come in for all of the team members and they are set to come in this
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the construction of the
houses is complete so that families will be able to move in upon their arrival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ways you can pray:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray for the nation of South Sudan during this time of
conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for the door to be open
for missionaries to continue to serve there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray for a continual hunger among the Laarim for Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray for good connections and relationships between the
missionaries and community members in each area we settle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-46195552358201099642016-02-20T09:39:00.003-08:002016-02-20T09:39:47.361-08:00Growth
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ministry here seems to have its months of
being in routine and out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
experienced much transition over these last few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the changes have been good, but the
frequent adjustments do take energy and add a degree of stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I praise the Lord for the many wonderful
things he has brought about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">December was the beginning of school
holidays and we had two Laarim students, Angelo and Lotao, stay with us over
those past six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Christmas we joined
together with some adults and children in the community to share the Christmas
story and have a time of singing and prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the end of the program, we passed out sweets and biscuits for
everyone to enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In mid-January we had a team of youth come
out from Torit for evangelism in the area. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit of a surprise to the team to find
fewer people in villages because of dry season and lack of food in the area. But
those who remained in the villages heard the gospel as our group went home to
home to share the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the
dry season, many people migrate to different areas where there are larger
sources of water and food for themselves and for their cattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually return in April after the rains
have come and they begin planting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On the last day that the team was with us, I
had the privilege of baptizing two Laarim youth, Lotao, and Loboi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a great joy to see them growing
in their love for Jesus and take this step of obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have known Loboi for several years and would
see him regularly during my visits to Torit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have seen Loboi over time grow in his boldness for Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over this last year, I have spent much time
with Lotao in the village and have seen him rapidly grow in his love for Jesus,
knowledge of the Bible, and his ability to share the good news with
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lotao has started attending
school in Farasika, which is at the southern end of Laarim territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he will be staying with a couple of
Kenyan missionaries who are teaching at the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will miss always having him around, but we
trust that the Lord will continue to grow him and use him as he continues to be
discipled by the missionaries there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In our village there are a couple of boys
who have been regularly coming to us to hear a story or message from the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exciting to see them increase
in their understanding of God's word and desire to learn more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking to spend more time working with
them over these coming months, but I really need to keep improving in my Laarim
language ability to effectively lead these young men who have no English. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Andrew, my fellow missionary, continues to improve
in his ability to communicate in Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He continues to work hard at the language and he has even begun sharing
simple Bible stories and having discussions with the listeners in the Laarim
language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God for Andrew's
progress! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently he has agreed to
start teaching at the nearby primary school and lead devotions there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am also thankful that our leaders for the
team, Phil and Linda, have arrived. They<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>eagerly began the language learning process and seem to be enjoying it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For these coming months, Phil and Linda will
be settling in, building relationships and taking time to observe before they
assume the team leader role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil was
serving as the South Sudan unit leader for AIM when I first came out in
2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later he took on leadership of the
Central Region which includes South Sudan and five other African nations. Now
he is here to lead our team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God
for their arrival!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am also thankful for Clement who is
working with the housing setup and preaches on Sunday mornings at two of our
building locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clement is Laarim
though having grown up away from home, he had not learned the language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over these past months he has been learning
how to communicate in the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clement loves Jesus and really desires to see his people come to Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How you can pray.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">-Please pray for Phil and Linda as they are
learning language, culture, and building relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that God would guide them through these
few months as they observe, learn, and transition into role of team leaders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">-Please pray for Andrew to continue to
progress in language as well as fit in well to his teaching role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May Christ use him to impact many lives at
the school.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">-Pray for the Laarim students, Angelo, Loboi,
and Lotao that they would continue to grow in the love for Jesus and obedience
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for Lotao to adjust well to
his new environment in Farasika.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">-Pray for the boys who continue coming to
our place to hear the word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May
they come to faith in the Lord Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray that I would continue growing in my ability to communicate in
Laarim so that I may train them well to be disciples and disciplemakers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">-Pray for Clement to continue well in his
work as well as communicating the gospel as he preaches on Sunday
mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for him to keep growing
in his ability to communicate in Laarim. </span></div>
Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-85844757671294858672015-10-28T07:27:00.000-07:002015-10-28T07:27:19.538-07:00
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<br />
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August was a big month for me as my first teammate, Andrew,
arrived to South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew came from
England and has committed to working with the Laarim for the next two
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Language learning and
relationship building are a priority for him for these first six months of
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has gotten off to a great
start and is picking up the language at a much faster pace than I ever have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beginning of September had me and a team of four youth
on their school holiday traveling from Torit to the Boya Hills area for home to
home evangelism in Yei village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of
the four youth had never been to the Boya Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Torit, we boarded a crowded Land Cruiser
and travelled on a bumpy road for four hours to Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reaching we spent the evening planning
for the week of evangelism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early the
following morning we started our 13 mile journey by foot. We reached our compound
in the village tired, but looking forward to the following days. That week the
team visited homes and shared the gospel with families throughout the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially when planning the trip I was
uncertain how it would work out, but everyone did a great job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the team members was impressed by the
respect shown to them while they shared the gospel at each home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the Laarim boys from the area, Lotao, joined us for
the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lotao gave his life to Christ
early this year so I have been spending a lot of time with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having this group of youth come was good opportunity
for Lotao to spend time with other young believers to be encouraged and learn
from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the end of the week,
Lotao commented that he is no longer afraid to share the gospel with
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems like I have been able to follow a weekly routine
for awhile now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the evangelism group came, Lotao and I have been
meeting twice a week with children playing games and sharing a Bible story,
which Lotao usually leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For several
months we have also been meeting once a week for Bible study at the primary
school in Kimatong with a few other youth and children. Twice a week I go a few
kilometers outside the villages to the riverbed where the young boys and youth
take their cattle for water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we
talk, sing, and pray, and then I share a Bible story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find nearly everyone at the river eagerly
participating and listening intently during the story as there are few
distractions in such an environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
Saturdays I am usually in Loryok doing shopping and meeting with the youth in
the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday mornings we
gather together for worship and then I go back to the village on my
motorbike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a couple others in
Loryok who are involved in the church and they are a great help, but we are
also praying for someone to come who can stay permanently in Loryok to pastor
the church and continue evangelism. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that the airstrip is open in Yei, it is much easier for
us to get fresh produce and comfort foods regularly as well other useful things
available within the region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
still facing a water problem though, as the borehole on our compound failed
again after being repaired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first two houses are nearly done along with the kitchen/sitting
area for Andrew and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After completing
the work in Yei village, the construction crew including our friends Charlie
and Clement, will move on to the next building site in Cauwa village which is
about 4 1/2 kilometers to the north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Andrew and I will remain in Yei.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How You Can Pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for us as a team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether we are building houses, learning language, or sharing Bible
stories, we want to demonstrate the love of Christ in all that we do towards
one another within our team and in the community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for Lotao to continue growing in Christ and sharing
his faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for others who are
joining us regularly to grow in their love for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for wisdom in use of our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The possibilities of direction for ministry
in the village are numerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be
intentional about seeking the Lord's guidance for what is best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for a full-time pastor who can stay in Loryok. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-64374274339335443762015-08-10T07:18:00.000-07:002015-08-10T07:18:53.216-07:00
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Getting our Attention with His Word</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colossians 2:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the weekend in Torit and on Sunday morning, I went
to our partner church's English service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pastor preached on Colossians 2:5-7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the service, as I was walking back home I came by a church
of a different denomination which holds its Sunday service at the courthouse in
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was someone attending the service there whom I wanted to meet in the evening so I decided to step in to see
if I could find him and get his attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But as soon as I walked in I was noticed by the man speaking up
front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He welcomed me and gave me a
chair in the front row next to the pastor, whom I knew well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in not wanting to offend anyone, I stayed
for the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the pastor came up
to preach he read Colossians 2:6-7, the same reading from the other church, and he
preached about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both sermons were biblical,
well delivered, and pertained to the verses, but they were done in very
different styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that perhaps it
was more than just a coincidence that I heard these two messages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I have been challenged to keep walking in Christ, which
requires daily discipline and reliance on Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Circumstances do not take away the need for that discipline and neither
does going in to full time ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe this really is an area that I need to keep growing in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank the Lord for his word and for the ways he speaks to us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Preparations for the Team</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first couple of months that I spent in Yei village were
quite difficult, but it has now gotten much easier as I have been learning what
my responsibilities are and what they are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have decided to take weekends with the church in Loryok and the rest
of the week in Yei village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
village I am able to share Bible stories, visit families, and read the Bible
and have a discussion with some of the Laarim students in Kimatong nearby every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have been encouraged by the interest
expressed in a number of Laarim who want to learn more about the word of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is hard for me to believe that I have lived in Laarim
territory for over three years now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel like I am continuing to improve in the language and yet I do not feel
comfortable with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week I had a
very difficult time trying to translate from Laarim to English to the group for
the preacher in Loryok on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have far to go in the language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am greatly encouraged by the fact that
my first teammate, Andrew is coming to join me this week on either Wednesday or
Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are experiencing God's
answer to our prayers for the last three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Andrew comes from the UK and is willing to spend these next two years to
minister among the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very
much looking forward to meeting him and working as a team.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another big event in the village was the opening of the airstrip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie who is working with AIM, and Clement,
a Laarim builder oversaw the work and spent many days clearing and leveling the
airstrip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after it was considered
usable, one of AIM's planes landed on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pilots were very impressed with it and quite thrilled that they can
now make flights in and out of the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIKg5lxTY9vrjVP3OY0arsgtuw5Ybu3IGvOkAa9VmoqKPyro8hQ3xl0FfWiGqktHWRDr1-FisJYBK7W25_Nj5TnCpMOTm91vXYbiDAGG4MQpEWZhuu3ylJmzI4S6CwCGE6hNegbbL2ZI/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIKg5lxTY9vrjVP3OY0arsgtuw5Ybu3IGvOkAa9VmoqKPyro8hQ3xl0FfWiGqktHWRDr1-FisJYBK7W25_Nj5TnCpMOTm91vXYbiDAGG4MQpEWZhuu3ylJmzI4S6CwCGE6hNegbbL2ZI/s400/IMG_0413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our construction camp setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39H91MlVGFdm2cJixRhDoIQv39OxRuzRQCraIC8BQoLhBizK267x1OS5d45uJGF8hKPwzYsTlMqT_d1ka_D55AG-4JFbSSX6hBrg_yj_BPOQ8UIeTl11WcBDo-uOTT0MX-VVj_nvj140/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39H91MlVGFdm2cJixRhDoIQv39OxRuzRQCraIC8BQoLhBizK267x1OS5d45uJGF8hKPwzYsTlMqT_d1ka_D55AG-4JFbSSX6hBrg_yj_BPOQ8UIeTl11WcBDo-uOTT0MX-VVj_nvj140/s400/IMG_0415.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking southeast from the camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How you can pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray for Andrew and I as we meet and get to know one
another and learn to serve together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
plan is that Andrew will initially be spending most of his time as a learner of
the Laarim language and culture before focusing on other activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for him in this process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>-Please continue to lift those up in prayer who are working
with the housing setup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently, we
have Charlie, Ron, and Clement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ron will
be leaving for another assignment in two weeks and handing over the
responsibilities to Charlie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Housing
setup is both logistically difficult and an emotionally draining job with there
being unrealistic expectations from many in the community of what we can provide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Angelo, a Laarim believer in Torit, and I are considering
getting a team of youth evangelists to come to Loryok and the Boya HIlls area
to share the gospel during one of the school holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be in a few weeks, or a few
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray that the Lord would
direct us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-Please continue to pray for the Laarim
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for open and hungry hearts
for the gospel and pray that we would be faithful in proclaiming.</span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-19098817983858655042015-04-13T23:49:00.001-07:002015-04-13T23:49:48.562-07:00
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<b>Serving with the Right Focus</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of
God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God - this is your true and proper worship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Romans 12:2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Ministry is difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are frequent conflicts and misunderstandings to be addressed and
they are exhausting and sometimes painful to deal with. Those active in
ministry will often frequently hear opinions from others about what they should
or should not do and they quickly realize that it is impossible please everyone,
even in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore we
ourselves as ministers of the gospels will make mistakes and often fail to do
things in the best way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even when we
do what is best, we will face criticism by others who are not happy with how we
have handled one situation or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are definitely moments of joy and satisfaction in the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are also many times where it is easy
to wonder if such work is worth the trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I came across the verse in Romans which reads "offer
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" and I began
to think of the ministry that I work in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If my focus is to give my life to please others and I am driven by
success in doing so, I will either end up compromising the very principles
which I have stood for in order to please everyone, or I will become
discouraged and likely give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I
am called to be a living sacrifice to God and give myself up for his purpose,
then regardless of how I am treated or what results I may see on this earth, no
hardship or difficulty would be able to keep me from doing what God has called
me to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only because I know that
obeying God is the right thing to do, but because he empowers me to obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can think of a number of times where I have
felt powerless to do what I believe God wants and yet somehow I have been able
to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's grace is wonderful even
though it sometimes leads me on a road that is difficult and sometimes painful.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The Construction has Begun</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In late February, a group of missionaries and I went up to
the Boya Hills area to look at some land options that were offered to us and to
select one location to start building housing for the team which will be
forming over the next year and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were well received by the community leadership and after looking at
all the locations, we made the decision to start in the village of Yei (not to
be confused with the larger town of the same name in South Sudan) because of
its centrality to the population of the Boya Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A few weeks later, four of us went to Yei and started the
work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived we were greeted by
the chief. We quickly found a place to camp out while we decided on a location
to set up temporary compound to live and store materials while the house was
being built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those first two nights
before we set up, the chief and sub chief slept outside near us so that we
would not be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After the two nights we decided on the location to set up.
We hired people in the community to help with the work of gathering materials
and building the storeroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many gladly
came and we had all the help we needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except
for a few bumps here and there, the work has been going really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, this has been one of the
more difficult and stressful times of ministry for me, but I am thankful for
how the Lord is working in my life and stretching me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I have been staying in Yei village to help with the
work, I was concerned about the condition of the church in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few people had been joining us on Sundays and
there was only one other adult joining us regularly. At that time I asked many
to pray for the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, Pastor
David came back to Loryok after being home in Kenya for three and a half
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been a few others in
the Loryok area who have stepped up also and have been more active in the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result others in the
community are being encouraged and touched by the lives of those in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly believe this is God answering the
prayers of many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the time I have
taken back in Loryok, I have enjoyed spending time with some of the older
children sharing the word of God, praying, and singing together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has clearly been a difference in the church
since I had last written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise the
Lord!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How you can pray</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for those who are working on the construction of
the housing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray also for our
relationships with the people of Yei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is not one adult staying in the community who speaks English and
this makes communication and dealing with problems more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise
the Lord that the work has gone smoothly overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray or a hunger for the word of God to be stirred up in the
hearts of the people in the village of Yei.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for the church in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for members to recognize their
individual roles as part of the body of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for wisdom for caring for my health in this new
more remote and harsher environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have found that I need to give extra attention to my body to stay healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for praying!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-8827962998593824472015-01-06T23:04:00.001-08:002015-01-06T23:04:39.661-08:00Back on the Ground
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"When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do
not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of
slavery."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deuteronomy 6:11b,12</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We often experience our faith as followers of Jesus being
strengthened and growing through life's difficulties as we are reminded of our
powerlessness and need to depend on God in such circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently though I have been further
challenged to recognize the importance of depending on the Holy Spirit when the
road ahead looks easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often during
such times that I am unprepared for even the smallest difficulty and I then fail
to do what is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These surprises
come in different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example it
may be the problem of simply not being in the mood to do what I know I ought or
allowing the demands around me to divert my attention from doing what is best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I fail to do what I believe the
Lord calls me to do at such times, the result is usually discouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In response to this I believe I need to
recognize my need for the power of the Holy Spirit to please God not only in
the big tasks that appear to be difficult, but for the simple ones that look
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that when things are easy I
am prone to forget my need to depend on God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I believe that when we remember God's faithfulness to us in the past
and we regularly acknowledge our need to depend on God regardless of what we
see ahead, that we are in a position that allows us to follow his leading in
our lives in every moment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Return to South Sudan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had fun with family and friends during my final months of
home assignment in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I had
been looking forward to coming back to Africa, the longer I stayed in the US,
the more comfortable I got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at
the beginning of December I was on my way back to Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I am there, my time in the US felt
like a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After departing Omaha on December 2nd, I reached Nairobi on
schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Nairobi though, I
experienced a number of upsets in my travel plans that had me scrambling to
find another way to get to South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ended up travelling through Juba because I would not be able to make
my connect flight from northern Kenya to Torit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully though I am now in Torit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A few days after arriving to Torit, I along with two other
AIM missionaries, and a group of youth with Africa Inland Church traveled to
the southern part of Laarim territory to build a new house for Jacinta, a
Kenyan missionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacinta's house had
recently collapsed and she did not have the means to build a new place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the AIM missionaries Jordan and Ray
contributed by providing transportation with their vehicles, most of the other
needs for the building of the house, including our feeding, were provided by
the church and contributions from individuals here in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone put in a lot of effort and we
enjoyed working and spending time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was greatly encouraging to see each one play their part in helping
this missionary in need who has sacrificed much to serve faithfully for many
years in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc61T2aT_KKpM-ybaxxJkhTgnBVzufBbc0sO6tjORy1QFPMlzv0PbWwzSZIEkZ8t8yYeqm1x3GPtJvl65Ssxuw3y6TQhTMDRfNwGMHt9Uwv6FfqxDwSXrqtKfzsVdtUSznhhdy9L3ZhMo/s1600/P1030729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc61T2aT_KKpM-ybaxxJkhTgnBVzufBbc0sO6tjORy1QFPMlzv0PbWwzSZIEkZ8t8yYeqm1x3GPtJvl65Ssxuw3y6TQhTMDRfNwGMHt9Uwv6FfqxDwSXrqtKfzsVdtUSznhhdy9L3ZhMo/s1600/P1030729.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team putting up the structure of Jacinta's house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVi1LTinOevVk5gH_I34m3Lc_cnd8yhVNWvdYhlw76A1GT6aXov_ORT03b4Y-p5dG6c26UMAJcZAOgVFjIXxqJMMXb5AO7FxO_G_nHp40UbLL9Y7Cmwe_cZTEdDVNVufxErIC2CS1As0/s1600/P1030756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVi1LTinOevVk5gH_I34m3Lc_cnd8yhVNWvdYhlw76A1GT6aXov_ORT03b4Y-p5dG6c26UMAJcZAOgVFjIXxqJMMXb5AO7FxO_G_nHp40UbLL9Y7Cmwe_cZTEdDVNVufxErIC2CS1As0/s1600/P1030756.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacinta in front of her new house. The remaining work of mudding of the walls <br />is now being completed by the local church members in their community.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve in Torit with
the other missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
turkey brought up from Kenya and we had a feast with all the good stuff
followed by exchanging gifts and playing a game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week, I spent six days at my home in Loryok to
reconnect with the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of
the need to renew my visa in Torit, I was not able to stay longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to reconnect with the people
there and to see an interest among many of the children to continue learning
the word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was saddened to see
an apparent decline in interest among some of the youth in meeting together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hopeful though that as we begin having
more activities that more will join us and hear the word of God and experience
his working in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The year ahead is looking very busy for me as I will have
some responsibilities related to a team coming to join me in the effort of
reaching the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first team
member is planning to join me in July or August 2015 and a couple who will lead
the team is planning to join in early 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Praise the Lord for this answer to prayer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How you can pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Continue to pray for me as get back into using and
practicing the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
have far to go with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for a growing hunger for the Lord in Loryok as we
continue to focus on reaching the community with the gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray the team that is forming for reaching the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for the preparations that need to be
made.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray for peace in the land that will allow the
gospel to spread among the unreached in South Sudan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-76818834455822247562014-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:002014-10-07T07:51:09.640-07:00When a Crocodile Gets in the Way
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During my first year of living in Loryok, I loved going out to
jog in the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would get up at
six o'clock when there was just enough light to see and go along the road out
of town for a few kilometers and then turn around to come back. Those mornings
outside of town were quiet and peaceful and I enjoyed watching the sun rise
from behind the hills in the east as I ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One morning I jogged along looking straight ahead of me as I was
crossing an irish bridge at the edge of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must have really had my eyes fixed on something ahead because at the
moment I looked down I saw a crocodile right next to me that I had not noticed
beforehand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn't very large but it
didn't matter to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terrified, I
sprinted ahead as quickly as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't think I even bothered to look back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once past the bridge I slowed down to a jog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my way back as I approached the bridge again,
I saw the crocodile ahead of me still in the same place and I began to worry
about how I would get around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
reached the bridge though, I realized that the crocodile had been dead and I
could cross without fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A year and a half ago I came back from Africa for a
five-week visit to Omaha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to
see friends and family, but the sudden change of environment hit me pretty hard
and I had an anxiety attack that night of my arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feeling was like looking down and seeing
a crocodile at my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For awhile the
anxious feelings would come and go, and sometimes I feared that I would be
overwhelmed by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jump ahead to the
summer of this year when I was returning to the US for home assignment and those
familiar feelings returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time
around though I have been learning that such feelings and thoughts need not
control me or even the way that I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I consciously cast my anxieties on the Lord, those moments of anxiety
become less intense and less frequent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is like coming back to the bridge and seeing that the crocodile that was once
so terrifying never had the power to harm me as I feared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Back in the US</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have now passed the halfway mark of my home assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly has been good seeing and spending
time with family and friends here and to be with my home church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the beginning of September, I was able to
enjoy a couple of weeks in Mississippi with family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of September, I enjoyed a long
weekend with relatives in Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have had the opportunity to share at a few churches and groups. Wherever I have
gone, I have been encouraged by the many who have taken a genuine interest in what
I am doing in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time here has
been a good balance of rest, fun, and work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in some ways, it has been hard to be away from South
Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I left Loryok two people
who were dear to me there have passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My adopted Laarim father Joseph, had been ill for a few months before he
passed away in August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent quite a
bit of time with Joseph over the past two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often sat, talked, and prayed
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taught me a lot of
practical things for working on and around the house and in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I was often slow to learn, he was
always patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also demonstrated a
love for Jesus and a love for his people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More recently I received news that Mama John,
a kind and caring Kenyan woman who was active with the Loryok church, passed
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She often would join us during our
times of fellowship and outreach throughout the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When neither David nor I was in Loryok, Mama
John gathered the children together and led them in singing and prayer on
Sundays. She will be missed in our fellowship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE3j_qOEsXZLyi6ADHAtAxwShikCR51XGuWBILc1yKDvqw9VWp2xdvueCyXXRk7Z1RWaahAyoDnssYGsXsNvkqfmIc-QHLvIc-VXW6V3-Mz-ZjNkZdea_KCdfQqjShMAFANNaj9s3wDg/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE3j_qOEsXZLyi6ADHAtAxwShikCR51XGuWBILc1yKDvqw9VWp2xdvueCyXXRk7Z1RWaahAyoDnssYGsXsNvkqfmIc-QHLvIc-VXW6V3-Mz-ZjNkZdea_KCdfQqjShMAFANNaj9s3wDg/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph with Laarim youth in Torit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now have less than two months to go before my planned
return to South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With eight weeks
left and more to do, I am beginning to feel the pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How you can pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for the church in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no leaders there at the moment so I
am often concerned for the young believers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Continue to pray for the nation of South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that the door would remain open for the
gospel to spread among the unreached.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for me as I spend time here in the US and make
preparations for returning to South Sudan in December.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for praying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-12163250570922140872014-07-03T01:22:00.000-07:002014-07-03T01:22:24.453-07:00Wrapping Up for Home Assignment
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<br />
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Last week, I began my journey for my first home assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home assignment includes R&R, but it is
also a time that I get to speak and present at churches, meet with supporters,
visit friends and family, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
some plans in place for my time in the US, but there is still a lot of
wondering what these next five months will look like for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regarding ministry among the Laarim, I thank the Lord for
what He has been doing in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
the previous few months I had the privilege of spending many evenings with children
and youth on the compound where I stay singing, telling Bible stories, and
praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stumbled over words and
phrases with the Bible stories, those listening did not seem to mind helping to
correct me with my Laarim grammar and vocabulary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we closed in prayer each time, a number
of youth would thank me for taking time to share with them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the early part of June, Pastor Joshua came from Juba to
spend 10 days with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our first
Sunday service together, we found a number of young people who had either
expressed that they had committed their lives to Christ or wanted to do so. For
those who professed faith in Christ, Joshua called them to come for several
days of teaching which would be followed by baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had five youth who were temporarily
staying in Loryok on the side of the military barracks and two Laarim youth who
attended the teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After doing the
teaching and baptizing the youth, Joshua returned to Juba. I remained in Loryok
with Pastor David and we continued teaching on different topics in the Bible
for the following week until it was time for me to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of the days we had a good turnout of
youth who were coming for the teaching and Bible study and it was greatly
encouraging to see them hungry for the word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That last week I spent in Loryok for me was
stretching yet joy-filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stretching,
because I was doing teaching on different bible topics in Juba Arabic every
day, but joy-filled because the youth that I was working with were willing to
come together to learn and pray together each day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I finished that week of teaching, I said a few
goodbyes, packed up my items, and hopped on my motorbike for a three and a half
hour trip ahead to Torit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully the
trip was uneventful, though it was taxing on the body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am glad to be on my way for a change of
scenery and I am looking forward to spending the coming months with loved ones
on the stateside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I am away,
Pastor David is continuing to meet with the youth who remain in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am now in Nairobi and in a few days I will be getting on
my flight to the US. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a couple of
days ago, I had anticipated going to Kampala, Uganda and flying to the United
States from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the flight to
Kampala that I was supposed to catch out of Torit was cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant I would have to find my way to Juba
and go commercial from there if I wanted to reach Kampala. It was something I
was determined not to do. By the grace of God I found that there was space for me
on a flight to Nairobi from Torit. Also for a price that was not unreasonable
to me, I was able to change my ticket from departing from Kampala to departing
from Nairobi.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer items<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for the Laarim youth who are active in the
church of Loryok and have a need to be discipled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that they would grow in their faith and
stand firm amidst<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
frequent temptation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray for Pastor David who stays in Loryok and Pastor Joshua
who makes visits there every few months from Juba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that they would have the strength to
effectively work together to teach and disciple those who are in the church<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray my return to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited to see friends and family, but I
have usually found culture shock to be more difficult returning to the US than
it is returning to Africa.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojlQG0VuxbLd37j-W8xS7VFnk5t3u3mSol3oFZIW0PEnzEzsYthT67Pd2iKUIiK8TkGBuWGk74KqAxch3Ugu7002vlEMo68XUdbuSMuXboaNpEgP0iDMpwY1U3CuLJg1-HEk_bZrAUWM/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojlQG0VuxbLd37j-W8xS7VFnk5t3u3mSol3oFZIW0PEnzEzsYthT67Pd2iKUIiK8TkGBuWGk74KqAxch3Ugu7002vlEMo68XUdbuSMuXboaNpEgP0iDMpwY1U3CuLJg1-HEk_bZrAUWM/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible study at my home in Loryok</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-86380732154790723552014-03-23T04:10:00.001-07:002014-03-23T04:10:45.043-07:00Growing Through Everyday Life
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<br />
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Since a month out in Uganda, I have now been back to South
Sudan for two months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times here have
been challenging, but it is still a joy to be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually feel like I am taking baby steps of
progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times I feel that I am
standing still, and occasionally I feel like I am stepping backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure many can identify with such
feelings. To me, serving in a nation such as South Sudan always sounded like an
exciting and challenging task and often just the thought of it was energizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reality it is challenging and exciting,
but it still requires focus and self-discipline that does not always feel so
exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Language learning is hard work
demanding much time and effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other
aspects of life here such as health and a good energy level are not easy to
maintain and I find myself needing to spend more time resting that I would like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in living out here, I am frequently
reminded that we as followers of Jesus have a responsibility to preach the
Gospel and make disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is a
worthy task that makes the daily discipline worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could say that I am always well-disciplined
in every area, but that is certainly not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something that I have been working at
most of my life though. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One area recently that I have been concentrating on is my
prayer life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always acknowledged
and believed that being devoted to prayer and spending time in God's word was
important to truly effective ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I am seeing that an active prayer life is more than just important,
it is absolutely essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must say
that prayer is wonderful and often refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It sometimes feels like a discipline, but it is often something that I
enjoy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still those periods of
time where it seems to be difficult to focus in prayer and I find sometimes that
I just need to press through. Other times I find simply adjusting the way in
which I spend my time in prayer or in studying the God's word helps me refocus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I want to encourage you that if you know
Christ, remember what a privilege it is to spend time in prayer listening and
talking to our Father and learning from Him through His written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I am being challenged to pray
throughout my activities in the day. For me, this currently looks like praying
in my heart for individuals as I encounter them or pass by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days it is easier to do than others, but
I find that the more intentional I am about it, the more naturally it begins to
come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My last stay in Loryok had its ups and downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed to have Pastor Joshua from Juba
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held some evangelistic
meetings that I often joined him in and it was encouraging to have another
believer to fellowship with as well as lead the our Sunday morning gathering
for the two Sundays that he was here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The heat was quite intense though making the nights difficult to
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it easier to sleep
outside despite the constant wind dusting me at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully some rains recently came cooling
things down and reducing the amount of dust in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the current difficulties I have been facing in Loryok
is regarding living space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I had
been focusing on getting a home established in the Boya Hills area, I also
desperately needed to get a new grass roof on my current home before the rains
came this year. The termites over the years had taken their toll on the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to the owner of the house who agreed
that the roof needed to be replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has allowed me to put my belongings in another, but smaller space so that the
roof could be replaced. The work has progressed most days, but it has moved
very slowly. Today the roof is near completion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another layer of grass still needs to be added before the final bundle
for the peak is added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping it
will be done before I return within the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once my home in Loryok is finished, I hope to
get my building materials up to Kerenge so that the work can get started there and
I can have a place to stay in the Boya Hills area. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6fXRbGPGMrJOcMoH9Jswt8MRXqOvlk7a8KuhDTBY9hHhPgDg_8Xae_nxgLgwRrJ9Pf2OfVr2O5mWUQzxo9EnTRcJmlckhYTO85xv_nbNtyn1drxFExkKoicyetBmNJ5GBkPbsfhdjPw/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6fXRbGPGMrJOcMoH9Jswt8MRXqOvlk7a8KuhDTBY9hHhPgDg_8Xae_nxgLgwRrJ9Pf2OfVr2O5mWUQzxo9EnTRcJmlckhYTO85xv_nbNtyn1drxFExkKoicyetBmNJ5GBkPbsfhdjPw/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> Thatching the roof</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the names of places probably are a bit confusing, so I
have added something here on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you look at the side bar, near the top you will find a link named "Map of
Frequented Places" to a map I have drawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Below the map here is a bit of info about each place that I stay or
regularly visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How you can pray:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Continue to pray for the nation of South Sudan as it is
still facing turmoil in a number of areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for the Lord to raise up other believers who have a
heart for sharing the Gospel with the Laarim people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that I would have wisdom in balancing caring for my
body and needs and working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like
often fall on to both sides sometimes overworking and other times taking it too
easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-78319500564346202752014-01-08T09:00:00.002-08:002014-01-08T09:00:32.914-08:00Hoping for the Green Light
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<br />
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While I hear about sub zero temperatures in the US, I am
comfortably sitting in AIM's guesthouse in sunny Kampala where the highs are
consistently in the low 80's and the lows are in the mid to lower 60's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For weather, it's as good as it gets for me
and with Kampala being a larger city I can find almost anything I would want or
need. What is even better here is that for a reasonable price I can take a
motorbike taxi to wherever I would need to go in town usually get there quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always enjoy coming here, but I really am
hoping that in a couple more weeks I will be back in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though with the current conflict it is still
to be determined whether or not I will be able to return that soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully the areas where we live have
remained calm so far, but there are other places that have fighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am concerned for people's lives in South
Sudan, especially for those whom I have come to know and love, but I am hopeful
that we will be able to return soon. Though the question remains "How
soon?"<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life and ministry rarely go as planned here and disruptions
often seem to come at the most inconvenient times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In thinking of such times though I am
reminded of the words written by the apostle Paul in II Corinthians 4:8
"we are perplexed, but not in despair." In November, I made a visit
to Kimatong in the Boya Hills area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
purpose was to meet with the chiefs in several nearby areas to ask for some
land options for permanent housing for me and another missionary family who I
was waiting for to join me early this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After several days of visiting the chiefs and seeing different options,
I returned to my home in Loryok to contact my unit leader and another
missionary who would take charge of the building project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to a family emergency for the builder,
they were to be delayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days
later, I got word from my unit leader that the family who was to join AIM to work
with the Laarim had changed their plans and they would not be coming. This was
after more than a year of anticipating their coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The news hit us hard as we were all hoping to
have more missionaries to work with the Laarim. I returned to inform the chiefs
of the change of plan and thankfully they were gracious to me. Because of this
change though we have decided to wait on building a permanent house for myself,
but instead I will complete my temporary home which is made mostly of local
materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that house is completed,
I would then be able to take frequent short periods of time in the villages of
the Boya Hills to get started with ministry there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my initial return from the village to seek out land
options for building in November last year, I was visited by my friend Angelo
who just finished his primary school in another town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the week together and met with the
children on my compound each evening for a time of singing and a Bible
lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful that Angelo was
with me when I had gotten the news that this missionary family who was
intending to join me had changed their plans. Though it was difficult news, I
was encouraged to have Angelo with me as it reminded me that God does not leave
us to do the work alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That following
week, Angelo and I went to Torit and we met up with Loboi another Laarim youth attending
school there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we attended a five-day
seminar on Transformational Development which teaches on the root issues of
poverty and our role as Christians to be ministers of reconciliation so that we
see lasting transformation in individual lives and communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Angelo and Loboi are youth that have demonstrate a genuine
faith in Christ and a desire to reach their people with Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we all live in different places, I
have been able to spend significant amounts of time with them working, doing
ministry, and living life together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
learning to be more intentional in doing what I can to encourage growth in
these guys to help them be effective in ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time I am humbled when not only
do I depend on them for help, but I see them more effectively minister in
specific ways to their own people than I am able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's one of the things that is wonderful
thing about being part of the Body of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do hope that I can see Angelo and Loboi again soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How you can pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray for the current fighting in South Sudan to stop
and that the door would quickly open for us to return.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for the church of South Sudan including the Laarim
believers to not lose heart but to stand firm for righteousness during this
time in South Sudan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that we will be able to complete my house in the
the Boya Hills area soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-14940531806630703052013-10-21T04:13:00.000-07:002013-10-21T04:13:41.164-07:00We All Need Rest
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Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take My yoke upon
you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For My yoke is easy
and My burden is light."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Matthew 11:28-30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ministry is difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether working in a recognized position of ministry or not, when we
choose to minister by loving others we open ourselves to sorrows and
difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must also add that there
are at times great moments of joy and satisfaction in ministry through serving
the Lord and experiencing fellowship with others and sometimes even seeing
resulting fruit, but the road of ministry is indeed difficult wherever one is
may serve. We may spend much energy and time loving, praying for, and counseling
someone so that they may not fall into one of life's many pitfalls and still
they may fall into one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may spend
years preaching and teaching the truth in love and not know if it has any
effect on the hearers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may see other fellow
believers make poor choices that damage our relationships with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to add to the difficulties there are the
sins and mistakes that we ourselves commit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yesterday I
was feeling a bit down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not overwhelmed,
but saddened that a friend of mine with whom I enjoy fellowship has made a bad
choice that could have big consequences on this earth for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful that he has, I believe,
expressed genuine repentance, but I still hurt a bit for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whether you
are in distress facing great adversity, or feeling discouraged over what may
appear to be fruitless efforts, or feeling a bit down because a friend in whom
you have invested much has made a poor choice, and though the demands of
ministry still remain in addition to these problems, Jesus promises rest for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we have more than we feel that we can
handle, it is certainly not more that Jesus can handle and he calls us to take
on His yoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To find such rest though in
the midst of such trials, I believe we must be intentional about taking time
with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much more that I
could write that has probably already been written, but I want to remind myself
and my fellow followers of Jesus that if you are feeling distressed and
overwhelmed with the demands of life and ministry, perhaps it is time to come
again to Jesus and find rest for your soul in Him. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is hard for me to believe that I am sitting back here in
South Sudan, healthy, well rested, and having regained my strength after these
past couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately I have
been on the move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have totaled the
days spent in each location where I have stayed over the past two months and I
have found that the longest I have spent anywhere was the three weeks I had in
Kerenge of the Boya Hills while I was working on establishing my home there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really was not easy and I still have more
work to do, but God provided when I was in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
arrived to Loryok in August, I purchased and gathered together what would be
needed for the work to get started on building my compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included 180 kg of salt for payment, 15
steel corrugated sheets, a sack of charcoal, food, tools, and other items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little 3mX 3m house was crowded with these
things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
getting all that I needed, I found someone in Loryok who had a vehicle that I
could hire to bring up the goods so we agreed upon a price for the
transportation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day we loaded
up his pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was some concern
over one of the river crossings about 7km outside of Loryok, but we heard from someone
who had just come from the village on his motorbike that it would probably be
passable with the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to
go for it but unfortunately when we reached the river we were unable to cross
due to the amount of water flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
meant going back and piling everything into my house again. That was definitely
not what I wanted to have to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully, I got word from my unit leader that five days later he would
be coming through Loryok and was very willing to help me transport my items up
to the village in his Land Rover, a much more suitable vehicle for the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he came we loaded the vehicle and brought
everything up and the next day I started the work with some young men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work was difficult and at times felt
overwhelming. I did not enjoy negotiating prices for the local materials that
people from the community brought me as well as telling some that they had to
bring more for the previously agreed upon price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless with the help of three young Laarim
men, Loboi, Petanyang, and Luka, along with a few others on some given days we
were able to accomplish what I had hoped for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We completed the fence and redid the roof on the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful for the three who stuck with
me volunteering their time to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not have done it without them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
some instances, they even took ridicule for supporting me on the occasions that
some others wanted to take advantage of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thank the Lord that He provided these young men to come alongside and
support me when I was in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since those
three weeks have passed, I have spent days in Loryok, Torit, Nairobi, Juba, in
the air and even in Nebraska for my brother's wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was intending to visit my home church while
in Omaha, but I was hit with a high fever on that Sunday morning that kept me
from going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have now been back in
South Sudan for about a week and a half and hope in a few days to be back on my
way to the village to finish up the work that I started so that I will soon be
able to live and share God's word with the Laarim in the Boya Hills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Continue to pray for hunger for God's word among the Laarim,
particularly in the villages of the Boya Hills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for my relationships with these young people whom God
has placed in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that our
time spent together would bring us closer to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please continue to pray for me as I push ahead with the construction, the bible story translation, as
well as learning the language. I sometimes find it easy to forget about the need to watch my health and energy level closely so that I don't run myself down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-56759721569776179272013-08-20T20:41:00.000-07:002013-08-20T20:41:55.677-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The beginning of July had me in Torit for our AIM South
Sudan team retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great getting
to spend time with fellow missionaries, among whom the majority work in Eastern
Equatoria State. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the retreat, I
stayed in Torit almost another three weeks getting some rest and working with
Loboi, a Laarim youth in Torit who is helping me translate bible stories into
Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After returning to Loryok, I walked
north to Napak in the Boya Hills and spent awhile with Clement who is
translating the Bible into the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were with a group of elders and a couple of young volunteer teachers
at the Napak primary school and together we read over the chapters in a
recently completed rough draft of The Gospel of Luke in the Laarim language.
Participants gave their input and helped make corrections to ensure that proper
Laarim was being used in the translation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was encouraging to see the number of people involved and interested. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A little
over a week later I returned back to Loryok with a few more things to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These included budgeting and getting some
items for the setup of the compound where I will stay in the Boya Hills
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after realizing that I could
not make a budget without properly measuring the compound, I decided that I
needed to get back up to the Boya Hills to get an idea of its dimensions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The land and the house on it which needs a
bit of work, were given to me by the head teacher at the Napak primary school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go back meant another 25k hike to the area
to make measurements on the compound in Kerenge and then hiking back to Loryok
two nights later. To some, such long walks my sound miserable, but I find the
hikes refreshing and energizing despite sometimes causing sore feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the scenery and I see many different
types of birds along the way: bright red bishops, sky blue rollers, brilliant
green parrots and sunbirds, and kingfishers that are much more colorful than the
ones back home, to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such
walks are also good opportunities for me to practice Laarim by either listening
to my recorded vocabulary on my voice recorder, or practicing with my travel
companions and asking them questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The day
after reaching Loryok, I came to Torit, got miserably sick for a few days,
recovered, and got what I needed to move forward with building the compound. I will
be back to Loryok and hopefully soon back to Kerenge to start the work on the
compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing such a project is
something new to me and when I previously tried to work it out in my mind of how
I was going to do it, I could not figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have decided to start taking the first
steps and as I have done so, I feel like I am beginning to figure out a way
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful to the Lord for
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the work will be done by
people in the village using local materials. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While here in Torit, I have been able to meet with the young
man Loboi, and I praise Lord for connecting me with him. I have known Loboi
only casually for nearly two years, but recently when I have gotten to spend
time with him I am getting to see the love that he has for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No when I am in Torit we usually spend a good
amount of time reading the Bible together and discussing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though time recently has not permitted it, I
hope to continue getting help from him translating Bible stories as I help him
with computer skills. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Times ahead look busy and challenging in new ways and I ask
that you continue to pray for us and the work here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray for the building of the compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said before, the work of setting up a
compound is a new thing for me and it is a bit of a step of faith for me
trusting that I will be able to help see to it that the work get done properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray for Loboi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray for him to stand firm and grow in his faith to be an effective
witness for Christ to his fellow Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are looking to be in the village together within the next week as he
is on school holiday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray that I would continue to move forward with the
Bible stories and translation work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems that with all the work ahead, I will have to spend less time on the
stories until the compound is completed in the village.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-47526443044721756922013-05-25T11:20:00.004-07:002013-05-25T11:20:48.678-07:00
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Set Free to Become a Slave of Righteousness</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"And having been set free from sin, you became slaves
of righteousness."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 6:18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I have been thinking about what it means to be free
in Christ and a slave to righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is great to know that when I came to know Jesus, I had been set free from the
bondage of being controlled by a sinful nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet I am challenged as I remember that neither am I independent nor free
so that I can do whatever I feel like doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, I do not belong to myself and it is impossible for me to live
without a master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before knowing Christ
I was mastered by sin, but I now have the Good Shepherd as a master. I face the
choice everyday of walking in the flesh or walking in the Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I have been convicted and challenged
to ask the Lord on a regular basis, what would you have me do? I don't want to
say that God calls us to seek Him over every minute detail, but we are called to
seek the Lord and walk in obedience to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe that the good news is that when we spend time in His word and
in prayer we have that confidence that the Good Shepherd is there to guide our
steps so that we are able to walk in conscious obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless there are times when I notice
myself thinking more about my ways and less about His ways. I believe it is at
those times the Holy Spirit reminding me to pause and consider my steps and to turn
them back to Him. How wonderful it is to know that the Lord is a kind, loving,
and gentle master who does not leave us and knows what is best for his own!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Continuing the Translation</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have continued to work on translating and correcting bible
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of now I have nine stories
translated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them I am feeling
pretty good about while others still need a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that I need to continue practicing
them and making corrections and adjustments on the stories I currently have
before I add any more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pastor David has returned to Loryok from his home in Kenya
and it has been great to have another missionary on the ground with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have started regularly meeting in the
evenings for a short time of devotions and prayers and on Thursdays we have
begun to have a prayer and worship time for the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Lord Calling His Workers</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I was reacquainted with a young Laarim man, Angelo,
whom I had met last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
schooling in another town where he is being discipled by some Kenyan
missionaries, but comes back to his home area during school holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time when Angelo came, he excitedly told
me what the Lord had done in his life since the last time that we met and he
expressed an eagerness to join me in ministry on school holidays. While we were
together over his break Angelo willingly joined me and helped me in whatever
ways he was able. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been another
Laarim youth that I know from Torit who has recently helped me to correct some
of my stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week when I saw him
in Torit he shared with me that he wants to do ministry among his people after
he finishes school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wearing Out the Soles of Our Shoes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was in Loryok this last time, Pastor David asked if Angelo
and I could join him in visiting some of the people on the eastern side of Camp
15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked out there together, but
found most of the people had left their homes to go and cultivate in the
fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We greeted a few people, but out
of curiosity decided to move eastward toward the hills outside of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we continued, we could see family
settlements at the base of the hills so we decided that we would visit whoever
would be around there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we reached
though, we found that the compounds had been abandoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our curiosity still driving, us we
decided to follow along the footpath southward around the hills having heard
that there were people living in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail led us through a bit of a forested
area and about forty minutes later we reached a Laarim village of about 100
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After briefly sharing a bit with
them about what our purpose was in living among the Laarim, we were told that there
was another settlement if we continued eastward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor David said that since we have already
come out so far, we should continue forward since it may be his last opportunity
to see what was in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pressed
on for a couple more kilometers until we finally reached the base of the hill that
we needed to ascend to reach the next village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The path was steep and the hill was high so made it to the top winded.
We found the village along with some beautiful views of the surrounding hills
and Loryok in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
approached the village we could see children around, but they went and hid
themselves after seeing us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite
Angelo being with us, the children were probably still afraid of the
white-haired Kenyan and white person who had come with him. Though most of the
adults had gone down to cultivate, we did find one of the mothers who then called
the children to come meet us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat
together and David and I shared a little bit about God's word, with the help of
Angelo who translated for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the
short visit, we headed back to Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pastor David and picked wild fruits to eat along the way trying to
satisfy our thirst and hunger for the next hour and a half until we reached
home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the following day, Angelo and I walked 20 kilometers up
to Kimatong in the Boya Hills together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to visit a few people in the different villages and Angelo wanted to see
one of his relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After making a few
visits around, the headteacher of a nearby primary school along with one of the
chiefs informed found me that he and the community were giving me the house
near the vehicle road in the village of Kerenge about 3 kilometers outside of
Kimatong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The building needs some simple
repairs, including some iron sheets to make it livable, but I am nevertheless
excited that I now have a place to stay when I visit the villages of the Boya
Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to soon starting
bible storying there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am considering
alternating weeks between Kerenge where I will begin storying and Loryok where
I will continue to get help translating the stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time though, I should have my motorbike
with me to make the travelling a bit easier. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How You Can Pray </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for Angelo and other young Laarim people who sense the
Lord's call to reach their people with His love. Pray that wherever the Lord
leads that they would have mature believers in their lives to disciple
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for the process of the repairing of the house that I
have been offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to work on a
way to get the building materials up to Kerenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Continue to pray for the translation work and my language
learning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for the church in Loryok and for Pastor David as he
leads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-21621320244738925632013-04-01T10:33:00.002-07:002013-04-01T10:33:02.040-07:00
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It has been a good Easter weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I am usually not the best at
participating and recognizing the importance of such days of remembrance, I had
some good opportunities and took more time than I usually do to ponder God's plan from the beginning
for what Christ would do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in Torit I had a simple Passover celebration on Thursday with the other missionaries and
we took communion together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
following day I read about the story and the account of the last supper and the
Passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday we watched a film
about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. How amazing it truly is to think of Christ's death and resurrection and what it means for those who know him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have now over a full week in Torit, having just recovered
from yet another illness after spending five weeks in Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I experienced sickness off and on
during my time there, the work continued to move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was connected with a young Laarim woman,
Nalarete, who has been willing to help me with translating Bible stories from
English into the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
completing each story I have been able to practice presenting them to Clement's
father Joseph and some of the children in Loryok to make sure that the phrases
and questions are understandable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
each story that I have told Joseph, he has reacted with enthusiasm hearing the
Bible stories presented in his mother tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please pray that God would guide my helper and I as we translate the
Bible stories and questions so that they are understood by the hearers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my first two weeks in Loryok, Pastor Joshua came from
Juba and stayed with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the evenings
he met at the homes of different families inviting the neighbors to join
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was singing followed by
Joshua presenting a gospel message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
each meeting there was a high turnout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joshua also met with a few of the young people who regularly
participated in the evening gatherings to teach them from a gospel tract he was
using for evangelism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has done a good
job in connecting with many of these young people and as a result I have been
able to develop closer relationships with some of the children who express an
interest in God's word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for
Pastor Joshua as he desires to spend more time in Loryok, but with having a
family finds it a challenge of how to get established here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please also pray for these Laarim children
who express an interest in learning the word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my time in Loryok,
Clement came with a woman from the organization he works with in Juba to hold a
teachers' training course for mother tongue literacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended the class mainly for the purpose
of learning more Laarim as the material was being presented in English and
translated into Laarim, but I found it difficult to focus because of my health
as well as the hot weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully
the rains have now come and the days are cooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back I do see that I benefited a
little from learning the teaching strategies and getting to practice some
writing in Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray that I
would be able to stay healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
am partly to blame for my sicknesses for being a bit careless and not ensuring
that I get the proper nutrition I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will take a bit more effort on my part, but with some accountability
and encouragement from the other missionaries here in Torit I plan to take
better care of myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, I feel that I have to push myself a bit to get out
to Loryok after having a nice rest here in Torit, but I do look forward with
anticipation of what the Lord will do this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We serve an awesome God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-84602519477673607672013-02-12T23:51:00.001-08:002013-02-13T00:34:44.367-08:00<b>Living with Eternity in Mind</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I have been on the move over the past couple of months as never before and I don't yet see myself getting settled in anywhere any time soon. I have been in Torit for the past week and a half and I am looking to go to Loryok before the end of the week. It was great to spend Christmas back home in the US with loved ones and I was happy to see everyone. God used many people to encourage and minister to me. God also used my trip to the US to help to remind me of the temporariness of this life. I hope I am able to clearly explain what I mean. About a year and a half ago I left for Africa. I left the place that I had lived in for the previous ten years and at that time I had a seven month old niece and a nine month old nephew. This last December I came back to Omaha and stayed in a different home that I was not familiar with. At our family gatherings, my niece and nephew who just starting to crawl when I left for Africa were now talking and running around the house. I also had two new nephews who joined the family since I was gone. What felt strange is that upon my return to the US, the past year and half in Africa felt like a dream during which no time had passed. Yet there were so many changes around me. This experience forced me to think about how short our lives are on this earth and it challenged me to consider my priorities in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am reminded of Psalm 103:15, 16 which reads:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When I began thinking about the worldly things that would sometimes drive me or give me fulfillment, I felt a sense of emptiness in it all. It was not the material wealth of the world that appealed to me, but things such as status, success and recognition in my work, and being liked and respected, that would sometimes draw my attention away from God and onto myself. The things I listed are not bad, nor is it wrong to appreciate them, but it was as if the Lord was showing me that depending upon them for fulfillment will only lead to regret. I was reminded that the only thing that ultimately matters is living to please God. It is sobering for me to think that the end of all things on this earth are inevitable and every one of us will one day stand before God for judgment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
To some this reality may be scary, but in Christ there is also the reality of hope and anticipation for the future along with joy for each day that we live on this earth. For those who know Christ, having experienced His forgiveness and rebirth in Him, there is such joy and hope. There is a peace knowing that we are free to enjoy what the Lord has blessed us with on this earth. And if the Lord takes anything that is dear to us or if He calls us to give something up, He who is the author and finisher of our faith and works in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure will not leave us without help, but will enable us to continue in obedience. Though walking in obedience to the Lord may not be easy or painless, it will never be too hard because the Holy Spirit that God has given to His own will not leave us, but rather will help us through it all. For those who know Christ, I hope this is an encouragement to you. For those who do not, I pray that you will come know Him through faith, (believing in Him and that He is who He says he is in His word) and in repentance, (laying your life down to follow Him) knowing that even our best efforts are not good enough and it is only through his death on the cross and resurrection that there is forgiveness of sin and salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>In Africa</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After my visit back home over the Christmas season, I arrived to Africa landing first in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arriving to Kenya I pursued getting my South Sudan visa renewed. The process took longer than expected and I remained in Kenya for the next two and a half weeks before I had my passport with my South Sudan visa in hand. Though I was eager to get back to South Sudan, I enjoyed getting to spend nearly a week of my time in Nairobi with Deb, a fellow missionary from Omaha who has been in Kenya for over ten years. It was a lot of fun going around meeting her friends and getting to see a couple of the sites around downtown Nairobi. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I woke up on the morning of my flight to Torit feeling quite unwell and having the one problem that you don't want to have when you are going to be on a flight without a lavatory. I got on the flight anyway and after a miserable three and a half hours in the air, I finally landed in South Sudan. I was feeling pretty sick when I arrived, but thankfully I was able to get well rested and felt great the following day. As I prepare to go back to Loryok, one of the goals I am settings is to find an individual who will willingly work with me in translating a set of Bible stories that I plan to use for teaching the Laarim. I am also hoping that within the following month, I will have a clearer idea of when I will be able to move up to the village of Kerenge in the Boya Hills. This last month has been a very busy time for the AIM South Sudan missionaries with nearly everyone traveling out for different reasons. Once our team members get settled back into their locations, I will likely start working on the plans with my unit leader for setting up a place to stay in the Boya Hills. I have been away from Loryok for over two months now and I am really looking forward to being back with the people there. Though I can't say I am looking forward to seeing what my house will look like after leaving the rats, termites, bats, and wasps in charge of it while I have been out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
-Please pray that the Lord would provide someone who could assist me in translating the Bible stories into the Laarim language. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
-Pray that the Lord would raise up believers among the Laarim who will be committed to reaching their own as His written word is made increasingly available to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
-Pray for wisdom for my South Sudan unit leader and me as we seek to follow the Lord's leading for my transition to the village of Kerenge in the Boya Hills. </div>
Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-64465445551908882912012-11-23T19:52:00.003-08:002012-11-23T19:52:40.974-08:00
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Rejoice always, pray with out ceasing, in everything
give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-I Thessalonians 5:16-18 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To me, the
instructions that the apostle Paul gave to the Thessalonians in the verses
above sound so simple and easy to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I truly do think they are simple, but I often do not find that they come
easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my spiritual walk I wish I
could say that I have mastered them, but there seems to be that one situation,
that one disappointment, or even that one thought in my mind that I allow to
hinder myself from living out such a life every moment of every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be something as small as being asked
to eat some type of food that I do not wish to eat or it can be a more serious
situation, but still it is followed by me grumbling, worrying, or even getting angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are other times when I lose focus when I
have or feel like I have failed God, thus leading me to frustration or
discouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless I find
great encouragement in the verses above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I find them encouraging because I know that regardless of the
circumstances I face while living in a fallen world and regardless of my
mistakes or sins that I have committed or may commit, God still desires for me
a life of which I will experience joyful communion with him with gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it were not possible to live such a
life, God would not have used Paul to instruct the Thessalonians to live in
such a way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A life of
continual rejoicing, prayer, and giving thanks does not mean that we will not
experience pain, sorrow, conflict, or the numerous other types of trials that
exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, following Christ often
leads to more difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though it is
an ongoing process for me, I believe that I am learning how to experience the
joy and peace of the Lord in the midst of hardships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times I feel discouraged, anxious,
or weary, but when I look to the Lord there is a deeper peace and a joy knowing
that the he is in charge and that I can trust him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The negative feelings that I have can still
be there and may stick around for awhile, but it is the knowing that He will
sustain me that allows me to press on with a prayerful and grateful heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if greater difficulties may be ahead in
the future, it does not change the reality of God's faithfulness to provide every
need on every occasion for his children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just last
week, I made a visit to Kimatong in the northern Laarim territory with Clement
who traveled there from Juba to read over a rough draft of the book of Mark in
Laarim with some people in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have found it beneficial for my language learning to join these
community checks as I get to listen and do my best to follow along as the passages
are being read aloud and discussed in the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is quite an amazing experience to be
present as the word of God is being translated into a language that has never
had it before. Getting up to visit Kimatong and its nearby villages also gave
me the opportunity to meet with some of the local leaders in the area where I
am planning to get established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
I did not get to meet with as many as I had hoped, I did have some positive
meetings with a few key individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am so grateful for Clement who never seems to grow weary in his work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after a full day of work of reading the
Bible and discussing it with members of the community, he was still happy to
help me learn and practice the language while taking me out to the village to
visit the leaders in the community. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the Lord
is willing, I hope to be established in the village of Kerenge in the earlier
part of 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I am far from where
I need to be in the language to start effectively communicating the word of God
in a group setting, I am happy to see that I am continuing to make progress in the
Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently when I was in
Torit, I was walking through town when I came across a woman who greeted me in
Laarim .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to her and noticed
that she was someone I knew from Kimatong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We began conversing, using the langauge and despite stumbling across a
few words here and there, I realized how much more naturally the language is coming
to me than it was a month ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It often
gets the attention of everyone standing around or passing by when they hear a
white person conversing not in English or Juba Arabic, but in one of the local
languages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning that there
needs to be a balance with language acquisition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one side if I push myself too hard without
giving myself enough rest, I get wearied and lose interest for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other side if I began to notice a lot
of progress, I can get overconfident and too comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then forget the needed effort to get to the
level that I had obtained and that it will continue to take a lot of effort to
reach the next level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always hope to
keep a healthy balance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I continue
to be overwhelmed with the support from many who have come alongside me in this
work, despite living thousands of miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For every prayer, financial gift, word of encouragement or any other
means of supporting me out here, I am so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a humbling to receive so much without
being able to give back to the same degree, but as God has used many to enable
me to be here to carry out his work among the Laarim, I pray that I will always
remain faithful to the task. It is my prayer that the God who owns the cattle
on a thousand hills would multiply and return to those who have given unto
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is faithful!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Praise the Lord that we can trust him and experience his
joy in all circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for me as
I continue to grow and learn how to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and
give thanks always.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Praise the Lord for the people from the Laarim community
who are involved in translating the word of God into their language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please continue to pray for a growing desire
among more of the Laarim people to learn and know the word of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Praise the Lord for the progress that is regularly being
made as I learn the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please continue to pray for me in this process as I am preparing to communicate
in the Laarim language the word of God to the people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-58833928863719839492012-08-22T00:02:00.001-07:002012-08-22T00:15:34.302-07:00Setting Goals<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Philippians 3:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I was reading an article written from a Christian missionary
publication explaining the value of asking questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It pointed out that in the book of Matthew
alone, 99 questions are asked by Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This has prompted me to think specifically for myself, "What is my
goal in being here?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, I
could say that my goal is to bring glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting a bit more specific, I can say that
my goal is to spread the gospel of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe that these should be my goals, but more and more I am
beginning to recognize the importance of setting specific goals that work
toward the ultimate target of our Christian ministry on this earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we are more than half way through this
year, I am reminded of my goal of getting established in the northern part of
the Laarim territory this coming dry season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On most days I work to gain fluency in the Laarim language (something
which will obviously take awhile).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also recall my goal of reaching the Laarim people for Christ by sharing the
word of God with them using their mother tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each goal has a timeframe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal to see a Christ-centered church develop
among the Laarim will very likely not happen within the next couple months
whereas my goal to read and understand all the vocabulary in the 4th chapter in
the book of John in the Laarim language may take only a couple weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my
first couple months of staying in Loryok, I felt a lot of mixed emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did have moments of feeling encouraged and
having the strength to keep moving forward, but there was on the increase the
feeling that I was not managing the time allotted to me as well as I could be. I
had my long-term goals in mind, but I was beginning to wonder if what I was
doing on a daily basis was moving me closer each day to achieving them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing ministry in a highly
relational-oriented society means that much time is spent investing in relationships
thus making progress from a western perspective more difficult to gauge. And I
was aware of this, though I still felt that I was not working up to my
potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past several weeks I
have begun to see that I needed to put some extra effort in setting daily and
weekly goals that help me reach my longer-term goals in ministry among the
Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have begun to do this I am
beginning to see its benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
been able to accomplish more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praying
and thinking about my goals has also helped me to better know what I should
involve myself with when spontaneous needs, requests, or activities arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also able to enjoy my time of leisure
and rest more knowing that I am being a good steward of the time God has given
to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my whole
process of setting and accomplishing goals, I am aware that we must continually
remind ourselves that God must be the center of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that we do not try to fit God into
what we desire to do, but rather we must allow Him to direct what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given that we have a human nature which is bent
on going its own way, this does require that we take time to pray, listen,
worship the Lord, and meditate upon His word, surrendering our lives to Him and
trusting Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This puts us in a position
which allows God to work through us, directing us to set goals in a way which
will lead us to attain the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as we set goals in this way, we then are
able to answer the important questions that we need to regularly ask ourselves about
our lives and ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Seeing the Lord at Work</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This last month that I spent in Loryok had some challenges,
but there was much to be thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was good to have Pastor David was back to Loryok after his spending of a few months
home back in Kenya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I had been
battling a couple illness during my time in Loryok, there were only a few days
that I felt the need to rest in bed for the entire day. I also thank the Lord
for how He has been drawing my adopted Laarim father Joseph to Himself, even
demonstrating to him His intervention in situations when we pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph has been asking many good questions
about God, how He works, the nature of sin, repentance, and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has allowed David and I to share what
the word of God says about each of these topics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, Joseph excitedly expressed that he
felt he was really beginning to understand the word of God more deeply than he
ever had before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On one of
the days while I was in Loryok, a mother had come with her eight year old son
who was gravely ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came and
stayed at the home of Joseph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boy could
no longer walk or do anything for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was not coherent and he made a continual cry throughout the day and
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I learned of the situation I
mentioned that I would like to bring Pastor David over so that we could pray
for the boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph agreed so I went out
and came back with David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we
prayed, Pastor David took several minutes to explain to Joseph about God's
sovereignty in all things, as well as why we pray for the sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then read from the passage in James 5
about praying for the sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Pastor
David was sharing, the boy stopped crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We explained to the mother what we were going to do and we went into the
room of the boy to pray for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
were praying the boy was repeating some phrases that I could not understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After finishing praying, Pastor David and I
left and returned to our homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
following day I came back to see Joseph and check on the boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph greeted me with some excitement in his
voice and said the he could really see that God had worked through our prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained to me that the boy had been
continuously crying throughout the previous day and night, but after we prayed for
him, he remained quiet throughout that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joseph informed me that the women on the compound were saying that we
were witchdoctors who had come to treat the boy, but he explained to the women
that we were not witchdoctors, but that we were employed by God to come do His
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been blessed to not only
see God working in Joseph's life, but to see the Lord using Joseph to reach his
own people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In just a
couple days from now, I plan to head back out to Loryok to again share life
together with the Laarim people as I resume language their learning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer Requests<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray that the Lord would continue to draw Joseph
closer to Himself, working in him and using him to reach the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for my partner in ministry AIC Pastor Joshua
from Juba who is still planning to return to Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for the Lord to stir up hearts within
the congregations of Africa Inland Church to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>support him and other missionaries to carry out the work of God among
the unreached. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for the Lord to put a deeper hunger in the
hearts of the Laarim people for Himself and His truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please continue to pray for my health and for wisdom in
caring for my body. <o:p></o:p></div>
Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-57186112695456783502012-06-20T03:16:00.001-07:002012-06-20T03:16:49.065-07:00Living in Loryok<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
mid-April, I moved out to my new temporary home in the town of Loryok, South
Sudan where I have been concentrating most of my efforts on learning the Laarim
language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a number of reasons I have
found my life in Loryok to be more difficult than it was living in Torit, yet I
feel that I am learning to depend more upon God to give me the strength to take
each step ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no other westerners
living in the area, but I am thankful that there are two missionary pastors who
have committed to working with the Laarim people in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is Pastor David from Kenya who has been
in Loryok for several years and more recently my ministry partner Pastor Joshua
from Juba. Initially Pastor Joshua was planning to move immediately up to Kimatong in the Northern part of the Laarim territory, but due to some logistical challenges he has found Loryok to be a better fit for the time being.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the
moment that I am typing this, I am enjoying a break in Kampala, Uganda staying
with my friend Ryan a fellow Omahan and missionary serving in Kampala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being an urban environment, Kampala certainly
has its own set of needs and challenges for missionaries serving here, but it
has been a great place for me to get some R&R.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running water, hot showers, electricity, and
a seemingly endless variety of food and types of restaurants are all things
that I have been enjoying here and it has been very refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I will fly back to South Sudan to resume
my work there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I do feel a
bit of dread when I think of going back to all the challenges that come along with
living in Loryok, but I do look forward to being with the people there that I
am growing to love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A typical
day in Loryok for me begins with having coffee or tea and spending some time in
prayer and in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then go out
to find people I know in town who speak Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I find that person or group, I can use the time to practice
speaking and listening as well as collecting new Laarim phrases and vocabulary
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I cannot find someone who is
wanting to speak Laarim, or if I start getting tired of all the interactions, then
I eventually go back to my house to review vocabulary I have collected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On most days, I am visited at least once by
children who want to play UNO or another card game, so we may play several
games together as I try speaking Laarim to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also typically get together with Pastor
Joshua and our "Laarim father" Joseph at least once a day to visit
and to pray together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I have not
begun leading groups or teaching since I am working to get a better grasp on
the Laarim language before I do so, I have been finding some good opportunities
to pray for others and to talk about the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just before
this last time that I left Loryok, I was blessed by a visit from a group of
leaders with Africa Inland Mission accompanied by Africa Inland Church's
missions coordinator. The group with AIM included the international director
with his wife, the couple leading Central Region, and the couple which will
soon be leading the South Sudan unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Together we traveled to the north part of the Laarim territory, meeting
with some elders and visiting some of the populated areas. These leaders in AIM
took the time both to listen to the Laarim people as well as my own hopes,
thoughts, and concerns. I am so appreciative of them as they show a commitment
to serving the Lord through serving us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The best way that I can describe them are as genuine servant leaders. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Neither
Pastor Joshua nor I know exactly when we will begin ministry in the villages of
the Northern Laarim territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though
our current goal is to get established there during the dry season late this
year or early next year, we are confident that the Lord will make the way in
His perfect timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Praise the Lord that both Pastor Joshua and I have been
able to get established in Loryok among the Laarim people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that we would remain united in purpose and spirit, and
that we depend upon the Lord as we strategize and work to reach the Laarim
people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that the Lord would help me to focus as I put my
efforts into learning the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that the Laarim would have a growing hunger for truth
and for the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-83833820763563172122012-04-10T10:07:00.000-07:002012-04-10T10:14:10.572-07:00A Step Closer<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In less than one week I am planning a move to a small Laarim
town called Loryok, though more widely known in South Sudan as Camp 15. The town lies east of Torit and is also
situated on the main road connecting Juba and Kenya. Though the town is very small, Loryok's
population is quite diverse. Most of the
population is Laarim, but there are many others from various people groups and neighboring
countries living there, some for business and others placed by the
government. I only plan to remain in
Loryok for about six months as my goal still remains to get established with
Africa Inland Church missionary Pastor Joshua in one of the villages about 20km
north of town. I see my move to Loryok
as an essential step for making the transition to living in the village. Here in Torit I have found a few Laarim
language speakers that I have been able to meet with periodically for language
learning and practice, but my exposure to the language here is limited and I
have been progressing slowly. Being in
Loryok should allow me the time to focus on learning the Laarim language in an
environment where it is predominately spoken.
My desire by the end of the next six months is that I will be ready to
move to the village with a good enough grasp on the language that will allow me
to minister through teaching basic truths and telling stories from the Bible
using Laarim. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Currently
AIC's Sudanese missionary, Pastor Joshua, is making extended visits to Kimatong
in the northern part of the Laarim territory with the intention of eventually
getting established in the area with his family and planting a church. Church planting is not new to Pastor Joshua. He
has in the past planted a number of churches in and surrounding the Juba area
where he comes from. Recently, I went to
Kimatong and spent a week with Pastor Joshua.
I was encouraged to see him relating well and enjoying his time with the
people in town as we prayed together and he shared lessons and stories from the
Bible. Though he has been using Arabic
which is understood by many Laarim in Kimatong, Pastor Joshua is putting a lot
of effort into learning the Laarim language. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look
forward to my move to Loryok though I see that it will be a difficult place to
live. My living space will be smaller,
the environment is a bit harsher, and Christians are fewer. Thankfully though, there is a fellow
missionary living in Loryok, Pastor David with Africa Inland Church. Pastor David is a Kenyan who came to South
Sudan years ago to work with the Laarim. He started in the southern part of the
territory and later moved up to Loryok. He
leads Sunday prayers under a tree with a small group consisting mostly of
children along with a few adults. I have
enjoyed my visits with him during my previous travels there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also in
Loryok resides Joseph, the aged father of my Laarim friend, Clement with whom I
made several visits to their village.
Despite his age, Joseph remains very active as an advocate on behalf of
the Laarim community. He frequently
talks about his desire to see the Laarim work hard to properly utilize their
own land so that they can become self-sufficient. I also see that Joseph has a love for
children as I have often found him sitting together with the young ones,
talking to, teaching, and instructing them. I look forward to talking with him
more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer Items</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Please pray that I will adjust well to living in Loryok.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray that I will be able to focus well, build good
relationships, and learn quickly as I concentrate on the Laarim language.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for Pastor Joshua as he continues ministering to the
people of Kimatong. Pray that he will
find a place that is suitable for him and his family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Pray for Joseph as well as the many Laarim community
leaders to have a hunger for a personal relationship with Christ. Many of the elders in the community appear to
have some knowledge of the Bible, but few seem to understand the need to have a
saving faith in the Lord Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-9895047989451271752012-02-29T06:32:00.000-08:002012-02-29T11:49:58.217-08:00Joy in the Midst of Struggle<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Philippians 4:4-8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice! Let your gentleness be made known to all
men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is
anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find Paul's letter to the Philippians to be a great
encouragement to believers in any circumstance.
By encouragement I not only mean an uplifting or comforting feeling, but
a realistic look at the ultimate future with confidence of a good outcome,
though there may be great difficulties now or in the near future. Whether I was reading this passage in
Philippians as a teenager in high school, or having just read it again a couple
weeks ago I find it incredibly encouraging that the Lord calls and enables his
people to rejoice, to pray and give thanks, to have peace, and to meditate on
what is good no matter what may be or what may come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the ministry that I believe the Lord has called me to, I
would be dishonest if I said that I never face doubt or fear. There are sometimes questions that arise in
my mind such as, "Is God really calling me to live with the Laarim to
bring the Gospel to them or am I just chasing after my own idea?" or
"Am I really prepared or able to carry out this difficult task?" I
sometimes get anxious when I think about these questions, though these
questions in themselves are not bad. But
I am reminded of the words of God through Paul in Philippians to be anxious for
nothing and to present our requests to God.
When I go to Him in prayer, I am reminded of His faithfulness. Whether I am facing difficult questions,
ambiguous situations, or difficult times, I can rejoice knowing that God sees
my needs and will meet them in His way. The
anxiety comes when I try to figure it all out through my own understanding and
forget to look to Him who is the author and perfecter of my faith. I would not be here if I did not believe the
Lord called me to this work and I am excited about living with and ministering
among the Laarim people. But even if my direction were to unexpectedly change,
whether it be from outside circumstances or a strong conviction that God was
calling me elsewhere, I know that the Lord will enable me to give thanks and
have internal peace. Or if I found
ministry among the Laarim to be far more difficult than I would have imagined, I
would still be able to continue rejoicing in the Lord, meditating on what is
pleasing to Him, and moving forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a month in Uganda, I am back to South Sudan. I was welcomed by a missionary family of five
who just moved back to South Sudan after spending a few years back home. I had met them previously and had been
looking forward to their coming. It is
nice to have some company on the compound.
While I was out Uganda, the temperature in South Sudan dramatically
increased and I came back to temperature highs ranging from 100-113 F. Needless
to say getting good sleep is a bit more difficult. Like in Nebraska, the "winter" here
leaves little green until the rains come, which here is usually in mid-March.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I made my last visit to the Laarim territory during Christmas and the Sudanese church in Juba is sending out their missionary, Pastor Joshua to make a month long visit in March. I will likely be joining him soon after he departs. A couple days ago I felt
that we were struggling to move forward, but I am hopeful about this planned visit. I am seeing
the importance of both patience and persistence: seeking and waiting on the
Lord along with considering and trying different strategies. Having some time out in Uganda has been
refreshing and helped me to renew my focus.
Knowing that the church here, the Laarim people, and I are being prayed
for by believers around the world is a great encouragement. I have much to be thankful for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please continue to pray for:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Effective partnership between AIM missionaries and Africa Inland Church and their missionaries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Wisdom for us as we continue to consider strategies for
reaching the Laarim people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-A continual dependence on Jesus for all that we are doing. <o:p></o:p></div>Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-43110750026569210282011-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:002011-12-20T07:36:13.957-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> 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mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1">Staying with the People </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Loryok</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>On November 22nd of this year, I traveled with Clement to visit the Laarim community where I would spend the next 12 days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We left Torit in a 14 passenger van and arrived to Loryok about three and a half hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Loryok is small town on the main road between Torit and the Kenya border. Clement and I stayed at the compound in Loryok where his sister-in-law lived. There were others who stayed there and none of them spoke English.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This helped push me a little harder to learn Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To learn new words, I spent time with the children. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I pointed to or drew different objects and the children would give me the names of them. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clement's purpose in coming to the community from Juba was to do a community check after having completed a draft of the book of John in Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The community check entailed meeting with youth, men, women, and elders throughout different populated areas of the territory.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They would discuss or correct any questionable grammar or words used as Clement or a designated person would read aloud from the Laarim book of John.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was encouraging to see a decent turnout of youth, women, and elders during most of the readings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the challenges that I experienced during my visit was frequent begging.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many times a day I would be asked by strangers or acquaintances for money or clothes. During our visits to different villages, I would be told time after time, "We are hungry," or asked "What did you bring?" One of the youth helping Clement with the community checks noticed that I was struggling to give appropriate responses to their questions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Very kindly he wrote down the questions that people were frequently asking me, and some appropriate responses that I could give.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>On one of our days I was feeling the need to do some physical work outside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I found the grass cutter and spent the next few hours slashing weeds in the front and back of the compound.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While I was at work a soldier approached me with a smile on his face. In Arabic he asked me about what I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After some brief words, he gave me a five pound note (about $1.50) and told me to get a soda.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Later that evening, a woman at the shop on the neighboring compound gave me a soda commenting that I was doing a good thing by slashing the weeds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">To Kimatong</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We had arrived to Loryok on Tuesday and it was now Saturday and we were ready to head to Kimatong up in the northern part of the Laarim territory.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We purchased our food for the journey and packed our belongings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were planning to hire motorbikes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The price had increased from 30 to 50 pounds (about $14) due to the cost of petrol.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had wanted to walk the 20+ km distance, but Clement insisted that we should use bikes with all the items we were bringing up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He assured me that we would be able to make the return journey by foot since we would be leaving some items in the village.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two riders loaded our items on their bikes and we headed off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was being taken by Lopul, a Laarim youth whom I had met a number of times before.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After departing, there was a lot of stopping and starting along the way as the bike Clement was on had some problems and the load on Lopul's bike was not staying on properly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few hours later we were at the guesthouse in Kimatong.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>That same day, there happened to be a celebration with dancing that was to take place in one of the villages just outside of Kimatong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We walked there and found hundreds if not over a thousand Laarim gathered to attend the even.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was quite a sight to see everyone together, dressed colorfully, singing, and performing their traditional dances.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Afterwards, I was taken to a compound where a group of men gathered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some elders stood up and gave speeches and blessings. Songs were sung and sorghum beer was passed around in calabashes for all to drink.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The following morning we attended Sunday prayers held at the primary school building in Kimatong. There were about 60 children along with a few youth, adults, and elders sitting in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The children enthusiastically participated in the prayers and singing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clement led the service and gave me the opportunity to share.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I spoke about the meaning of grace. In the afternoon, Clement and I packed up our belongings and left Kimatong for the village of Loribok where we would stay for the following six nights.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We reached the compound of Clement's sister Nathuru, where she stayed with her husband and children.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I set up my tent in a nice little area in the back sectioned off by a little fence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the Village</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The following morning we got started on making a simple latrine and bathing area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As soon as I started digging the hole for the latrine some of the youth came and decided to take over the work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Others started working on the bathing area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The women went out to gather materials as the young men did the digging and setting up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By mid afternoon, a decent latrine and bathing area were ready for us to use for our time there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>On that same day, Clement's relatives were celebrating the full payment of the dowry from one of their family members.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bull was killed and the meat roasted by the relatives of the bride.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Meat was passed around, speeches were given, and the bride's family performed some rituals to bless the groom's relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As the meat was given out, I enjoyed some parts of the bull more than the others. But I tried a little of everything that was served to our group.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Our visit to the community also happened to coincide with a time that many people were suffering from illnesses in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In response to the problem, people from the community agreed to meet together for traditional prayers, hoping that God would end their affliction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wanted to learn more about this practice so Clement and I went out to meet with those who were holding prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We found an area where about 40 women were gathered together.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After greeting the group, a women who introduced herself as Teresa stood up and explained that they had gathered because many people were sick.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She said that they believe God had put the disease in the ashes as they cooked their food causing the sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Teresa then explained that they would take ashes from burnt goat intestines and then throw them into a riverbed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After she shared, I was given the opportunity to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I greeted the women telling them that I had come to live with the Laarim people, to learn their language, and to befriend them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also said that I would be coming to bring the word of God to their people. After I finished sharing, the group applauded and Clement and I continued on our way. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>During the times that I was hanging around the compound and there was little to do, I would sit down to practice language with those around the home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sometimes there would be children or youth around and other times I could try talking to the women.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite my struggle to understand much of what was said, all seemed to enjoy asking me questions, answering mine, and saying a few new words for me to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although I have only just penetrated the surface, I feel that a good foundation has been started through these times for developing relationships with these people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I the village I met Pio, an elder. During my very first visit to the Laarim community with a group in September, Pio had welcomed us and offered a goat to be roasted and shared with everyone. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again this time, Pio gave up one of his goats to Clement and I.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next morning, the goat was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That afternoon we were given the entrails, and in the evening we had some very tasty lean pieces of roasted meat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As we visited with Pio, he informed Clement and I that his wife had an illness that was causing her to go paralyzed from the waist down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We later decided to make a visit and pray for her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After praying for her healing, I felt prompted to talk to Pio's wife about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clement interpreted as I shared about Christ's work of conquering death and bringing true life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite trying to use simple terms that could be easily interpreted, I left feeling that Pio's wife did not understand what I was speaking about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After our visit, Clement checked with the clinic in Kimatong to see if a vehicle could come to get her and take her to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were told that Pio's wife would first need to be seen at the clinic before a vehicle could be brought up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From her home the walk would take about 45 minutes to the clinic and it would certainly be possible to have her carried on a stretcher.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sadly, Pio's wife refused to be taken on foot believing that she would be killed by spirits along the way due to some concerns related to her marriage with Pio. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>After spending six nights in the village of Loribok, we left on foot in the morning. As we went on our way, others whom we passed coming up from Loryok often looked at me with surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They could not understand why a westerner would want to walk the 20+ kilometer hike.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was sort of entertaining to see the look of surprise on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was even more interesting was when I would greet them in the Laarim language.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some would laugh while others, including young women, would back away in fear or shock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They would often chatter excitedly among themselves seeing for the first time, a white person using their language.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>After some stops and places where we had to wait for others along the way, we arrived to Loryok six and a half hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I stayed that night in town.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The following evening I was able to board a crowded cab of a large truck loaded with goats in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We reached Torit that night.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I thank the Lord for a successful journey which allowed me to learn a great deal about the Laarim people, meet with many in the community, and get a boost in learning the language.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How you can pray:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>-Pastor Joshua from an Africa Inalnd Church in Juba, South Sudan is looking to spend 3 months in the Laarim community starting in late January and early February.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Please pray that he will receive sufficient support from the church of South Sudan to carry out these plans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hope to work alongside him next year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>-Pray for the breaking of spiritual strongholds in the Laarim community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May their eyes be opened to see a God who loves them and wants what is best for them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">-Pray for me as I might be able to go back with Clement to spend Christmas and New Year's with the Laarim people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we are able to go, we plan to have prayers in a several different areas of the Laarim territory.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-16681584157255978522011-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:002011-12-20T07:28:12.624-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 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Laarim</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>As we have been planning and praying about how to approach ministry among the Laarim, my future team leader Jonathan has been looking into ways of bringing other coworkers of the gospel to this people group.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not long after Jonathan had mentioned to me his hope for other missionaries to come, he discovered that a friend of his with a group based in Capetown, South Africa was making a film.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were looking at ways that the Lord was working among the people throughout different areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and exploring opportunities for future ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jonathan, seeing this as an opportunity to create awareness of the needs of the Laarim people invited his friend to come and visit their territory at the end of October to do some filming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not only did the friend agree to come, but he decided to make the filming among the Laarim a separate project that could potentially be used to recruit missionaries to the area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Certainly this was an answer to prayer.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Jonathan, the filming crew, and my Laarim friend Clement, who is working to translate the Bible into Laarim, and I arranged to meet in the town of Loryok (also known as Camp 15) located on the main road which crosses the state.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clement and I took public transportation from Torit and reached Loryok 4 hours later than intended, since we had missed the first vehicle going out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Loryok we met up with Clement's aged father, Joseph, who is quite a remarkable man.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite his age, he continues to be very active frequently traveling and attending meetings on behalf of the Laarim community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After greeting one another and introducing ourselves to those who received us, we gathered into three vehicles, and departed for the town of Kimatong where the filming would take place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All went well with the filming and Jonathan's friend was able to get the needed interviews.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Due to time constraints and our hope to leave Kimatong by early afternoon, Jonathan and I would be interviewed later in Nagishot where Jonathan was based.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Journey to Nagishot</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Rather than returning to Torit after my visit to Kimatong, I would join with Jonathan and the filming crew to travel to Nagishot, a village up in the cool and rainy Didinga Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was in need of some R&R and this was the perfect opportunity for me to take a week away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our plan would be to drive south to Chukudum, a town at the base of the Didinga Hills and stay the night there before heading up the Hills the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we arrived to Chukudum several hours later, due to a number of factors we decided to make the journey to Nagishot on that same day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was already approaching five o'clock so we needed to get moving.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What followed was the most difficult journey by road I had ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was on the back of Jonathan's pickup with Morefu a Didinga friend of his.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Standing up on the back of the truck gave us a distinct vantage point allowing us to see if Jonathan was straying off the road in the tall grassy areas so that we could redirect him when necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Traveling with three vehicles meant that each obstacle had to be crossed three times before we could continue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the vehicles had a winch that saved us on a number of occasions. The vehicles got stuck multiple times throughout the whole journey and before we reached halfway, it started to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was a lot of digging, gathering rocks, and pushing vehicles out of mud all in the cold rain.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thankfully someone had given me a nice waterproof jacket to wear at the beginning of the journey, but unfortunately I could not get it zipped up no matter what I tried.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What could be a three hour journey under ideal conditions took us over nine hours.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At 2:00 am we arrived to Nagishot cold and soaking wet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All my belongings were wet as well. I was given some heavy blankets and was brought into a tukul (mud hut) with a nice big comfortable bed for me to sleep in.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The next morning, I stepped out of my tukul, and walked out the compound gate to see all the beauty that surrounded me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There were, green rolling hills, a small forest in a valley that lay ahead of me, and mountain peaks in the distance in every direction. It was quite different from anything I had ever seen before in South Sudan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thankfully the next eight days of fellowship, resting, praying, reading for enjoyment, sitting around a fire at night, and exploring the land was just what I needed to be refreshed and restored.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Getting Back to Torit<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>When my time there was finished, I left on foot early in the morning with Morefu, who guided me and carried my other bag.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two and a half hours later (the foot path is much shorter than the road for vehicles) and about 3,000 feet lower in elevation, we reached Chukudum where I could board a vehicle heading up to the main road.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could then hopefully catch another vehicle going to Torit within the same day. It did not take long to find a vehicle in Chukudum, so I quickly boarded and we headed off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Before leaving town the vehicle was stopped by police and taken to the station.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After about an hour the vehicle was released, but it began to rain and the driver decided to wait until the rain cleared up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We ended up leaving nearly three hours later, thus making it unlikely for me to be able to reach Torit that same day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our vehicle arrived to Loryok that evening and I would need to find a place to sleep. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As soon as I exited the vehicle, one of the Laarim youth, Henry, recognized me and called out my name.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After explaining to him that I needed a place to stay, Henry welcomed me to stay with him and some of the others. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was surprised by the number of youth staying there that I had already known.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I enjoyed the rest of the evening visiting with and meeting others in the town.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The following morning I found that Clement's brother, who is a member of the state parliament, happened to be visiting the town.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had been recently trying to contact him and this served as the perfect opportunity to meet with him and talk a little more about ministry among the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had a short, but nice visit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soon after I was able to board a vehicle and return to Torit. Looking back I now thank the Lord for that extra day in Loryok He gave me to meet all the people I did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a simple reminder to me that God knows what is best for us.<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2612698192616851502.post-81084117994060220002011-10-05T04:15:00.000-07:002011-10-05T04:17:56.362-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Back to Torit<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>After being away for over a year, I am thrilled to be back in Torit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even with the influx of Southerners back to their homeland and the new status of South Sudan as an independent nation, Torit feels very much the same as I recall from my last time here. As I usually walk through the town everyday, I enjoy running into friends or acquaintances and taking a moment to chat with them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My time in Torit has been great, but I believe that I will be here only for a season as I feel the Lord calling me to work among the Boya/Laarim people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the meantime, I had been seeking out people here in Torit who are from the community and I was successful in finding a good number of Laarim youth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They agreed to meet with me and have since been doing a wonderful job helping me with learning the language.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has been great getting to know them and learn bits and pieces about the Laarim culture through our time together.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Visit to the Laarim Community<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>(The name Laarim and Boya refer to the same people group.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have previously referred the people as the Boya, but Laarim is the more widely recognized name.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>In September I made a visit with four others to the Laarim community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The team consisted of my unit leader Phil, my future team leader Jonathan, Pastor Joshua from Africa Inland Church, and Clement, a Laarim man working with language translation.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For Jonathan and I, this was our first visit the area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From Torit, traveled east for about 3 hours on the main road to the town of Loryok.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Loryok, we met with Joseph, the father of Clement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was a pleasant, elderly man who was quite talkative and had good English.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He went into much detail about his vision to see the Laarim community changed for the better through the assistance of the government, NGO's, and missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After a short time in Loryok, we headed north with Joseph to our next stop in Kimatong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Kimatong we were met by elders along with others in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We sat down together and talked about our desire to send missionaries to the Laarim people. Phil briefly shared a simple message about the problem of sin affecting all tribes and people, and how Jesus is the One who can fix our broken foundation resulting from sin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many of the Laarim people in the group shared their hopes and desires.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although some referred to hopes for physical development of the land, there was a great emphasis on the need for missionaries to come to plant a church and teach the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After our meeting in Kimatong our group headed up to Napak, the northernmost village of the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here we met with community leaders and the chief as well as others who were visiting the area including an advisor to the governor and two county commissioners who were from neighboring counties to the Laarim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again we shared with the elders about our desire to work with the Laarim people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The elders responded positively welcoming us to come.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We then returned to Kimatong and stayed the night there. The following day we went out to see the airstrip and also made a visit the village where I have been invited to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We first stopped at the airstrip which had not been used for a few years and would need to be cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Driving along the path, Phil checked the odometer and found the length to be sufficient for a 12 passenger caravan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We then went to visit Kerenge, Clement's village between Kimatong and Napak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We again met with the elders of the area and they expressed their hope that missionaries would be sent to their people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After the meeting, they took us to the location where I could temporarily stay until a house would be built for the missionaries who would come.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We then returned to Kimatong where a goat had been slaughtered and prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After sharing the meal, we headed back to Loryok where we dropped off Clement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We concluded our journey by making a short visit to Farasika in the southernmost part of the Laarim territory, quite a distance from Kimatong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There we were encouraged as we found a small group of youth who meet and pray together regularly being led by a couple Kenyan missionaries. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Looking Forward<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>So what are the next steps?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It depends on some factors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pastor Joshua from Africa Inland Church has said that he may be able to start ministry among the Laarim in November.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If this is the case, then there is the possibility that I could go to work alongside him, possibly moving into the community around the same time he does.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If Pastor Joshua does not go out in November and Africa Inland Church decides to send missionaries out at a later time, then I would likely make 1-2 week visits periodically to the community until the Lord raises up one or more coworkers for the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clement has said that I could stay with his relatives during future visits to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These visits would not only assist me in my language and cultural learning, but would allow me to develop relationships with the people living in the community before I am able to get established there. It would also help to assure the Laarim community that we are committed to sending missionaries.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prayer needs<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Continue to pray for the Lord to raise up the appropriate missionaries who will bring the Gospel to the Laarim people.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Pray for wisdom for AIM and AIC (Africa Inland Church) as we plan to partner together and get established among the Laarim people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Pray for me as I continue learning the Laarim language and culture here in Torit and as I go into their territory.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the Laarim as they prepare to receive us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pray the same for us as we prepare to live among them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10180267023879030048noreply@blogger.com0