OUT OF AFRICA!
I am at the Entebbee airport in Uganda, waiting for the flight to Nairobi, Kenya, where I catch the flight to Amsterdam, then Seattle, and finally to Phoenix, arriving home tomorrow night!
The internet was unavailable for the last 2 days, so I was not able to blog.
We had a couple of really nice days with the students; they are a going to be servant pastors who care about the spiritual condition of Sudan. We got a good start on Christology, and now the seminary on-site faculty will finish it for me. Remember, I lost 4 days with the delay in Kampala and the "dirtroad autobaun" from Juba to Yambio! Otherwise I think it would have been just about right.
I visited the "Hands of Mercy" ministry on the seminary campus again on Wednesday, and spoke with the director for a while, and met some of the students. They work with disabled people a few hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is a unique ministry, and I will show you some pictures.
I want to thank you for your prayers during this trip. It certainly was not a smooth trip this time. Even this morning, there was a 3 1/2 hour delay in the flight out of Yambio, and some concern at the airport if it was even coming. But through it all, the Lord was at work --- and things happened according to His timing. I think the time I had with the students was very good, and I am certain they learned a great deal about both Justification and Christology. Along the way, you were able to pray for (and help in various ways) people and their needs. Thank you for your concern for the worldwide spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and your support of this trip.
I am planning a slide presentation to overview the trip this Wednesday at OASIS (6:30-7:45pm); along with Q&A. You are welcome to come and join me in the sanctuary for this!
Finally, just pray now that the Lord will bless the seeds of His powerful Word, and these men will be formed into Lutheran Pastors! And pray that I get home safely!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
The big test on the Doctrine of Justification by faith is over! Of those who passed, the average score was 81%. Most lost points because of the lack of complete answers in the essay section. Three students will be taking it over tomorrow afternoon ---- they need to study more and write more in the essay section. I don't think any failed because they didn't understand it (maybe one did), but because they failed to give complete answers and think carefully on the true/false section. I was a little worried they would not understand it- it is important doctrine, but I don't think that is the case. I think it was test taking ability, and not lack of understanding.
On the church coumpound here is a social ministry called "Hands of
Mercy." They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for about 3 hours each day, to work with disabled people in the community. The teach the Small Catechism,
sing, work on English, and have some sort of craft (like beading).
They then serve lunch to the people. I visited it yesterday and
took some pictures; I will return on Wednesday to get more
information from the leader, Pastor Joseph Otto. I hope to share
this project with you and we can consider if and how we might be able
to further support it.
My days are almost over --- tomorrow will be the last full day of
teaching. Since it is Ash Wednesday, we will begin with a chapel
service. I plan to preach on Ephesians 2:1-10. Then we will
continue to study Christology. This is a hard doctrine for the
students to learn --- there are many theological terms/ideas that
they have never learned before. But they will get it!
Thank you for your prayers, and please continue them!
On the church coumpound here is a social ministry called "Hands of
Mercy." They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for about 3 hours each day, to work with disabled people in the community. The teach the Small Catechism,
sing, work on English, and have some sort of craft (like beading).
They then serve lunch to the people. I visited it yesterday and
took some pictures; I will return on Wednesday to get more
information from the leader, Pastor Joseph Otto. I hope to share
this project with you and we can consider if and how we might be able
to further support it.
My days are almost over --- tomorrow will be the last full day of
teaching. Since it is Ash Wednesday, we will begin with a chapel
service. I plan to preach on Ephesians 2:1-10. Then we will
continue to study Christology. This is a hard doctrine for the
students to learn --- there are many theological terms/ideas that
they have never learned before. But they will get it!
Thank you for your prayers, and please continue them!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
February 14, 2010
Baguga, Sudan is an area of jungle about 30 minutes outside Yambio. There is an unmarked trail off the main road that leads to it. The trail you take is fit for walking and motorcycles only --- a car would have a difficult time. Baguga is about 15 minutes down the trail, an area along the side of the trail. We used a motorcycle to get there. One of the students went with me to translate. There is a Lutheran congregation that meets in Baguga, and today I was able to worship with them. Their worship building needs a roof, and some floor work (and benches), so until they can accomplish the needed work, they meet outside under large shade trees. There were 20 people there today, worshipping the Lord. I was able to share the Gospel through the story of the Transfiguration of Christ with them, and brought greetings from Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park, AZ. I gave them as a gift some of the musical instruments that TLC's music department sent with me, and they were very appreciative. The chairman of their congregation also greets us at Trinity, and will pray for us.
Baguga is also the location of a large Lutheran school. It is a two room brick building, windows without glass, unimproved dirt floors, and no chairs/benches for the children to sit. They told me that the school has many children. Each classroom did have a chalkboard. On one of the chalk boards, I noticed the word "photosynthesis". They must have a good science program!
At the Baguga location is also the site of the future HQ of the ELCS. A large cement building was started a few years ago, but construction has since stopped. The building is now in bad shape. It appears to be designed for the front doors to be in the middle, and a wing on either side. One entire wing has collasped, the other wing is supported by 100s of sticks. Proper support for the large wings was never built. Obviously, they had some trouble with the contractor, and that has brought the project to a standstill. The guards report frequent theft of materials. If the ELCS decides to continue this project for its HQ, it will take virtually a renewed effort. The collasped side will have to be torn down. It is one of the challenges that this new Church body will have to face.
Today the students have started to make videos for you. They are excited to share their stories with you; to tell about their families and their hopes in ministry. I plan to use these in upcoming worship services so you can meet the students, and hear the excitment in their own words. They understand the vastness of the mission field here in Sudan, and they eagerly want to help "make disciples" through the Word and Sacraments!
Baguga is also the location of a large Lutheran school. It is a two room brick building, windows without glass, unimproved dirt floors, and no chairs/benches for the children to sit. They told me that the school has many children. Each classroom did have a chalkboard. On one of the chalk boards, I noticed the word "photosynthesis". They must have a good science program!
At the Baguga location is also the site of the future HQ of the ELCS. A large cement building was started a few years ago, but construction has since stopped. The building is now in bad shape. It appears to be designed for the front doors to be in the middle, and a wing on either side. One entire wing has collasped, the other wing is supported by 100s of sticks. Proper support for the large wings was never built. Obviously, they had some trouble with the contractor, and that has brought the project to a standstill. The guards report frequent theft of materials. If the ELCS decides to continue this project for its HQ, it will take virtually a renewed effort. The collasped side will have to be torn down. It is one of the challenges that this new Church body will have to face.
Today the students have started to make videos for you. They are excited to share their stories with you; to tell about their families and their hopes in ministry. I plan to use these in upcoming worship services so you can meet the students, and hear the excitment in their own words. They understand the vastness of the mission field here in Sudan, and they eagerly want to help "make disciples" through the Word and Sacraments!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
February 9, 2010
Today was another full day teaching. We continue to study the doctrine of Justification by Faith. Today we spent a lot of time with Romans 1:16-17, and how we believe that righteousness is "from God, by faith" as opposed to "in us, by works". The Bible is so clear, but yet so many still teach the "in us, by works" in one way or the other.
In talking with the students again today, the concerns remain high about being away from their families. There is somewhat of a drought here, and the crops are not growing as they should. That causes a great deal of worry. Health issues remain high; one of the students, Daniel, has not been feeling well since returning from break. Another one had to take his wife in for treatment, and is worried about the outcome and the expense. The political situation is a concern, as they look forward to elections next year to see if Sudan splits into two separate countries or not. And there are rebel terrorists along the border who still raid, steal, rape and kill poor villagers. There are many concerns, yet the people I am with see it as a mission field and they are eager and excited to share the Gospel in the midst of all these difficulties! Their mission mindedness is exciting to see, and how they will work with the meager means and things they have to advance the Kingdom of God! Keep praying for this emerging, and struggling, church body!!
In talking with the students again today, the concerns remain high about being away from their families. There is somewhat of a drought here, and the crops are not growing as they should. That causes a great deal of worry. Health issues remain high; one of the students, Daniel, has not been feeling well since returning from break. Another one had to take his wife in for treatment, and is worried about the outcome and the expense. The political situation is a concern, as they look forward to elections next year to see if Sudan splits into two separate countries or not. And there are rebel terrorists along the border who still raid, steal, rape and kill poor villagers. There are many concerns, yet the people I am with see it as a mission field and they are eager and excited to share the Gospel in the midst of all these difficulties! Their mission mindedness is exciting to see, and how they will work with the meager means and things they have to advance the Kingdom of God! Keep praying for this emerging, and struggling, church body!!
February 13, 2010
Things are really come to a crawl on the weekends here. I led a bible study on the Sunday scripture lessons to the local pastors and students this morning, and that was about it! The students use Saturday to wash their clothes, let them dry, and then iron them. Some go to the market; and all of them are studying for the test on Monday!
Perina is the name of Charles' wife. She is the one who got sick 2 nights ago. It turns out that she has been diagnosed with BOTH malaria and typhoid. They put her on a 7 day "IV vial"; and 2 pills/day for a month. Please pray that this medicine is not counterfeit, and that it will work in her body.
Some of you may remember the bats from last year. The roof over the room I stayed in was rather tall, and it was full of bats. At night, apparently one would fall off the rafters with a loud "thud" and then you would hear the scurrying feet of the bat running across the ceiling. This year, I'm in a different room, with a flatter roof, so I don't notice the bats. Occassionaly I can hear a "thud"; but no scurrying feet! Last night, though, there was a new sound. It was the sound of pounding drums. All night long, I'd guess about a 1/2 mile away, drums were being played. It is some excellent drum playing (of course, these would all be hand drums). At first I thought it was some sort of pagan worship practice; but the students told me it was a funeral rite. When someone dies, the family and friends gather for a 3 day mourning period, and during that time, they hire drummers to play through the night to remember the loved one who died. So it sounds like I have two more nights of drums! Good thing I brought ear plugs!
Tomorrow, Sunday, I will be preaching at the church in Baguga. They describe it to me as rural, with about 20 people in worship, and about 1/2 hour away. It is hoped (I think) that Baguga will become the location of the headquarters for the ELCS. I look forward to seeing the area. One of the students will translate for me, and drive me on the back of his motorcycle! I will preach on the Transfiguration of Christ.
Finally, tomorrow (Sunday) is Roxanne and my 16th wedding anniversary! Please say a special prayer of thanks for our years together and the blessing of our girls!
Perina is the name of Charles' wife. She is the one who got sick 2 nights ago. It turns out that she has been diagnosed with BOTH malaria and typhoid. They put her on a 7 day "IV vial"; and 2 pills/day for a month. Please pray that this medicine is not counterfeit, and that it will work in her body.
Some of you may remember the bats from last year. The roof over the room I stayed in was rather tall, and it was full of bats. At night, apparently one would fall off the rafters with a loud "thud" and then you would hear the scurrying feet of the bat running across the ceiling. This year, I'm in a different room, with a flatter roof, so I don't notice the bats. Occassionaly I can hear a "thud"; but no scurrying feet! Last night, though, there was a new sound. It was the sound of pounding drums. All night long, I'd guess about a 1/2 mile away, drums were being played. It is some excellent drum playing (of course, these would all be hand drums). At first I thought it was some sort of pagan worship practice; but the students told me it was a funeral rite. When someone dies, the family and friends gather for a 3 day mourning period, and during that time, they hire drummers to play through the night to remember the loved one who died. So it sounds like I have two more nights of drums! Good thing I brought ear plugs!
Tomorrow, Sunday, I will be preaching at the church in Baguga. They describe it to me as rural, with about 20 people in worship, and about 1/2 hour away. It is hoped (I think) that Baguga will become the location of the headquarters for the ELCS. I look forward to seeing the area. One of the students will translate for me, and drive me on the back of his motorcycle! I will preach on the Transfiguration of Christ.
Finally, tomorrow (Sunday) is Roxanne and my 16th wedding anniversary! Please say a special prayer of thanks for our years together and the blessing of our girls!
February 12, 2010
It's Friday night, and the students are studying for a "Justification By Faith" test first thing Monday morning! After the test, we will get started with Christology. We probably won't finish, the seminary on-site teachers will have to finish it.
Today we learned that one of the students, Charles', wife got sick last night. She is staying with a friend/or family member in the area for a few weeks. She has high fever, muscle aches, back ache, and headache. Everyone seems to think it might be Malaria. He took her to the clinic this morning. Its now almost 6pm, and we haven't heard anything yet. Please keep them in your prayers.
Some of the ways that your support is helping th students outside the classroom are: mosquito netting repair, new pens (which they needed!), a phone card so Mellow Oman could call home after his sister died, new reading glasses for two of the students, Tylenol/Motrin for the students, and funds to help Charles take his wife to ther clinic. Thank you for your support and prayers --- the needs are tremendous in every direction!
Today we learned that one of the students, Charles', wife got sick last night. She is staying with a friend/or family member in the area for a few weeks. She has high fever, muscle aches, back ache, and headache. Everyone seems to think it might be Malaria. He took her to the clinic this morning. Its now almost 6pm, and we haven't heard anything yet. Please keep them in your prayers.
Some of the ways that your support is helping th students outside the classroom are: mosquito netting repair, new pens (which they needed!), a phone card so Mellow Oman could call home after his sister died, new reading glasses for two of the students, Tylenol/Motrin for the students, and funds to help Charles take his wife to ther clinic. Thank you for your support and prayers --- the needs are tremendous in every direction!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
We continue to work through the doctrine of Justifcation By Faith. Today we spent a lot of time on the idea of "faith" and how faith needs to "connected" to the right object: Christ! Otherwise it is a false faith and no use for salvation. Of course with that, we talked about the difference between faith and works, and how we reject salvation by works.
The normal day here goes like this:
7:30 morning devotions
8:00 breakfast
9:00 class until 1:00pm
1:00 lunch
2:00 class until 4:00
4:00 study / free time
7:00 evening devotion
7:30 supper
11:00 generator off
GOOD NEWS! Thomas Gooniko, the only single student, is now engaged! He said her name is "Nora", and he is going to bring her over to meet me tonight! They look to get married after he graduates and is ordained --- in 2011 sometime!
The normal day here goes like this:
7:30 morning devotions
8:00 breakfast
9:00 class until 1:00pm
1:00 lunch
2:00 class until 4:00
4:00 study / free time
7:00 evening devotion
7:30 supper
11:00 generator off
GOOD NEWS! Thomas Gooniko, the only single student, is now engaged! He said her name is "Nora", and he is going to bring her over to meet me tonight! They look to get married after he graduates and is ordained --- in 2011 sometime!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10, 2010
Greetings from hot and humid South Sudan! Nothing really new is going on --- the routine of teaching is happening.
In class we were discussing how the Lutheran Reformatioin (1517) was all about a return to the Gospel and without the Gospel it would have failed. Then the discussion went to how these 14 men are part of the "Lutheran Reformation" of Sudan --- there are only +/-10 Lutheran pastors now in the entire country --- when they graduate and are ordained, they will double the number --- and be leaders in the church. It is amazintg to think how much these men are "pioneers" here in Sudan. Of course, I stressed to them the importance of the "first and chief article"-- that is, the Gospel --- in all of their preaching and teaching. I think they are understanding its importance as they learn the definitions and distinctions of this key doctrine.
Trinity's music department sent some musical instruments (small percussions) along with me. I left a nice tamborine with the church in Juba, and the remaining will be distributed from here in Yambio to the outlaying areas. Thank you to all of our musicians who helped to make that happen!
Finally, I asked one of the workers to price a fan for the guesthouse for when the generator is on and working. He went to the market and found some --- he said they were 250 sudanese pounds --- that is $100 USD! I bet they are little cheap plastic ones! If I come back, I will bring one with me!
Keep praying --- and may the Lord bless your day!
In class we were discussing how the Lutheran Reformatioin (1517) was all about a return to the Gospel and without the Gospel it would have failed. Then the discussion went to how these 14 men are part of the "Lutheran Reformation" of Sudan --- there are only +/-10 Lutheran pastors now in the entire country --- when they graduate and are ordained, they will double the number --- and be leaders in the church. It is amazintg to think how much these men are "pioneers" here in Sudan. Of course, I stressed to them the importance of the "first and chief article"-- that is, the Gospel --- in all of their preaching and teaching. I think they are understanding its importance as they learn the definitions and distinctions of this key doctrine.
Trinity's music department sent some musical instruments (small percussions) along with me. I left a nice tamborine with the church in Juba, and the remaining will be distributed from here in Yambio to the outlaying areas. Thank you to all of our musicians who helped to make that happen!
Finally, I asked one of the workers to price a fan for the guesthouse for when the generator is on and working. He went to the market and found some --- he said they were 250 sudanese pounds --- that is $100 USD! I bet they are little cheap plastic ones! If I come back, I will bring one with me!
Keep praying --- and may the Lord bless your day!
Monday, February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
Today we started the Doctrine of Justification by Faith (which is the Gospel). When I was in seminary, one of the professors translated a presentation from 1872 (originally in German, I presume) which laid out the doctrine in 9 theses. I am using that as the outline of what I am teaching, adding supplementary material so that they can learn it more easily. If only the orginal author back in 1872 knew where and what his theses are doing today in 2010!
The students are eager to learn, and have lots of questions trying to clarify the doctrine. It was a good day.
A coupel of days ago I asked you to pray for Rev. Nicolas' daughter, who injured her eye. She is now fine; apparently she fell on a stick or stiff grasses and she got cuts and scrapes around her eye, but not actually in her eye. Thank the Lord! And thank you for remembering her in your prayers!
The students are eager to learn, and have lots of questions trying to clarify the doctrine. It was a good day.
A coupel of days ago I asked you to pray for Rev. Nicolas' daughter, who injured her eye. She is now fine; apparently she fell on a stick or stiff grasses and she got cuts and scrapes around her eye, but not actually in her eye. Thank the Lord! And thank you for remembering her in your prayers!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010
Today I preached at the Yambio Church here in town. There were about 100 people; I'd guess 30 of them were children. I took some videos, and I will try to get them worked into countdowns that we can use before the services so you can get a feel for how the Christians here in Sudan worship. This is one of the more "developed and refined " churches.
I talked with two men yesterday who summarize the state fo the church here in Sudan.
The first was one of the students, Philmesio, who's tribe lives on the border intersection of Sudan, Congo and CAR. He said that over the Christmas break, rebels from Congo came into the village, raided it, and took some of the men, including his older brother. They took them into the bush and shot them. He said that they were anti-Chrsitians supported by the north. Philmesio's story dramatically shows the danger that Christians here in Sudan still face. Yet they remain faithful to Christ in the midst of this persecution.
The second man is named Mellow Oman, from the tribe of Anyauk, region of Pachella, in the east central part of Sudan along the border. He says that they are so remote that there are no roads in. To get out, you must catch a flight that occassionally comes in. He is an "evangelist" there. An "evangelist" is what we would say as a "deacon" without the training. He said a pastor once flew in to train him and another man for 1 week. He serves essentially as the "pastor" but cannot do the sacraments. They use the Small Catechism as the main teaching tool, of course, besides the Bible. He is here to report to the Bishop of the ELCS about the status of the church. He says that there are 2 churches about an hour walk from each other, and both worship over 200 people each Sunday. That is a huge number for the churches here. He says that he has 80 people who need and want to be baptized, but they have no pastor to do it. He is here to plead the ELCS to send a pastor to them. (I will try to get Mellow to tell me his story on video so you can see and hear it for yourself!) Mellow's story captures the great need Sudan has for pastors. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few in this fourth largest country of the world. By helping to train pastors, we at Trinity are maximizing our efforts.
The pastors here in training at the seminary will go on vicarage this fall, and then afterwards will be pastors. Thank the Lord! They are the salt of the earth --- wonderful men full of the Holy Spirit and eager to serve the Lord. They are even expecting the next class to start in January, and they anticipate 20+ more students to begin their seminary route to ordination!
Keep praying for this struggling church body!!!
I talked with two men yesterday who summarize the state fo the church here in Sudan.
The first was one of the students, Philmesio, who's tribe lives on the border intersection of Sudan, Congo and CAR. He said that over the Christmas break, rebels from Congo came into the village, raided it, and took some of the men, including his older brother. They took them into the bush and shot them. He said that they were anti-Chrsitians supported by the north. Philmesio's story dramatically shows the danger that Christians here in Sudan still face. Yet they remain faithful to Christ in the midst of this persecution.
The second man is named Mellow Oman, from the tribe of Anyauk, region of Pachella, in the east central part of Sudan along the border. He says that they are so remote that there are no roads in. To get out, you must catch a flight that occassionally comes in. He is an "evangelist" there. An "evangelist" is what we would say as a "deacon" without the training. He said a pastor once flew in to train him and another man for 1 week. He serves essentially as the "pastor" but cannot do the sacraments. They use the Small Catechism as the main teaching tool, of course, besides the Bible. He is here to report to the Bishop of the ELCS about the status of the church. He says that there are 2 churches about an hour walk from each other, and both worship over 200 people each Sunday. That is a huge number for the churches here. He says that he has 80 people who need and want to be baptized, but they have no pastor to do it. He is here to plead the ELCS to send a pastor to them. (I will try to get Mellow to tell me his story on video so you can see and hear it for yourself!) Mellow's story captures the great need Sudan has for pastors. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few in this fourth largest country of the world. By helping to train pastors, we at Trinity are maximizing our efforts.
The pastors here in training at the seminary will go on vicarage this fall, and then afterwards will be pastors. Thank the Lord! They are the salt of the earth --- wonderful men full of the Holy Spirit and eager to serve the Lord. They are even expecting the next class to start in January, and they anticipate 20+ more students to begin their seminary route to ordination!
Keep praying for this struggling church body!!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 2010
I AM IN YAMBIO, finally!
Friday, in Juba, my flight was cancelled at the last minute, and the next flight would be Tuesday (maybe). So we hired a driver to drive the 300 miles on unimproved roads. It was a land cruiser type vehicle, and we needed it. The road was potholed, cratered from shelling during the war, land-mined cars and trucks littered the ditches, and 100s of pedestrians on either side. 2 hours into the 10 hour drive, our driver has a flare up of Malaria! He has a fever, chills and is delerious. The other guy in the car with us takes over driving, and within 10 minutes, the driver, now a passenger, was writhing in pain and literally confessing his sins and crying out to God --- he thought he was goiong to die! We are so remote, that all his wife, the 4th passenger in the car, can do is give him a pill of some sort. Thankfully, about 90 minutes later, we came across a military checkpoint, and there was a clinic there. About the only thing that they can treat there is malaria, so he recieved some sort of IV vial. It perked him up, and about 4 hours later, he resumed driving! It was quite an experience. We got to Yambio around midnight... by God's grace, alive!
While I was in Juba though, I saw the reason why I am here in Sudan. I went to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Juba and met Rev Simon Gatlauk. He is so enthusiastic and excited about the work of the Lord in Sudan. I took pictures and video, that I will show you when I return. The church is an open aired pavillion type thing, in a compound lined with a stick-picket fence. Rev. Gatlauk asks that we remember his congregation of 40 and pray for them.
Today at the seminary, in the middle of a meeting, one of the the Seminary officers received a phone call that his little girl got injured. Something to do with her eye. Please pray for Zareda, Pastor Nicolas' youngest daughter. I will keep you posted.
Friday, in Juba, my flight was cancelled at the last minute, and the next flight would be Tuesday (maybe). So we hired a driver to drive the 300 miles on unimproved roads. It was a land cruiser type vehicle, and we needed it. The road was potholed, cratered from shelling during the war, land-mined cars and trucks littered the ditches, and 100s of pedestrians on either side. 2 hours into the 10 hour drive, our driver has a flare up of Malaria! He has a fever, chills and is delerious. The other guy in the car with us takes over driving, and within 10 minutes, the driver, now a passenger, was writhing in pain and literally confessing his sins and crying out to God --- he thought he was goiong to die! We are so remote, that all his wife, the 4th passenger in the car, can do is give him a pill of some sort. Thankfully, about 90 minutes later, we came across a military checkpoint, and there was a clinic there. About the only thing that they can treat there is malaria, so he recieved some sort of IV vial. It perked him up, and about 4 hours later, he resumed driving! It was quite an experience. We got to Yambio around midnight... by God's grace, alive!
While I was in Juba though, I saw the reason why I am here in Sudan. I went to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Juba and met Rev Simon Gatlauk. He is so enthusiastic and excited about the work of the Lord in Sudan. I took pictures and video, that I will show you when I return. The church is an open aired pavillion type thing, in a compound lined with a stick-picket fence. Rev. Gatlauk asks that we remember his congregation of 40 and pray for them.
Today at the seminary, in the middle of a meeting, one of the the Seminary officers received a phone call that his little girl got injured. Something to do with her eye. Please pray for Zareda, Pastor Nicolas' youngest daughter. I will keep you posted.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
February 4, 2010
Juba, Sudan!
I arrived safely into juba today from kampala. The airport is very dated, but once you get past that, they are starting to rebuild the city after years of war. The roads are new and paved, and they have power lines up. It is the capital of this providence of southeran Sudan, so it is getting a lot of attention and money.
The President of the Evangelial Lutheran Church in Sudan met me at the airport. He was in the Khartoum office last year so I didn't get to meet him then. We had lunch, and now both of us are at this internet cafe emailing!!
I am in a hotel that is costing an unbelieveable $100/night (average for this town I am told). The "rooms" are somewhat like those portable construction offices they bring to construction sites. However, they have wall A/C and running water (ie: Baths and Showers!) It is very hot here, like summer in Phoenix hot.
If the Lord wills, I will be in Yambio tomorrow!
I arrived safely into juba today from kampala. The airport is very dated, but once you get past that, they are starting to rebuild the city after years of war. The roads are new and paved, and they have power lines up. It is the capital of this providence of southeran Sudan, so it is getting a lot of attention and money.
The President of the Evangelial Lutheran Church in Sudan met me at the airport. He was in the Khartoum office last year so I didn't get to meet him then. We had lunch, and now both of us are at this internet cafe emailing!!
I am in a hotel that is costing an unbelieveable $100/night (average for this town I am told). The "rooms" are somewhat like those portable construction offices they bring to construction sites. However, they have wall A/C and running water (ie: Baths and Showers!) It is very hot here, like summer in Phoenix hot.
If the Lord wills, I will be in Yambio tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Today is a day of waiting for tomorrow's flight to Juba, then Friday's flight to Yambio.
The hotel I am staying at is called the "Jevine Hotel." It is $24/night, and it is like a single dorm room. It has a fan, bed, bath, 2 sittign chairs, a large end table, a shower (sort of), a small TV with about 6 channels, (did i say a fan?), and a breafast omlet and 2 pieces of bread are included. It is very clean and the staff is very friendly. It has been a good place to stay here in Kampala.
I was talking with the front desk girl named Betsy and I asked her how we can pray for her. She is very sweet and nice, can't be much more that 18 yreas old. She is a Christian since birth, and asks that we pray for her in two ways. The first is that she has a peace from God -- she didn't elaborate, but there was something troubling her. She also asks that we pray for her future, so that she can have a better life. She makes about $75 month and is saving to go to college. She wants to study "Developmental studies" she called it. She described it as going in and helping to improve outlying villages. Tuition is $350 a semester. She said her parents will help with tuition also. So please pray for Betsy, that the Lord will grant her peace and that he will direct her life.
I hope to get online in the next couple of days, but it could be sketchy. I will update the blog as soon as I can!!!
The hotel I am staying at is called the "Jevine Hotel." It is $24/night, and it is like a single dorm room. It has a fan, bed, bath, 2 sittign chairs, a large end table, a shower (sort of), a small TV with about 6 channels, (did i say a fan?), and a breafast omlet and 2 pieces of bread are included. It is very clean and the staff is very friendly. It has been a good place to stay here in Kampala.
I was talking with the front desk girl named Betsy and I asked her how we can pray for her. She is very sweet and nice, can't be much more that 18 yreas old. She is a Christian since birth, and asks that we pray for her in two ways. The first is that she has a peace from God -- she didn't elaborate, but there was something troubling her. She also asks that we pray for her future, so that she can have a better life. She makes about $75 month and is saving to go to college. She wants to study "Developmental studies" she called it. She described it as going in and helping to improve outlying villages. Tuition is $350 a semester. She said her parents will help with tuition also. So please pray for Betsy, that the Lord will grant her peace and that he will direct her life.
I hope to get online in the next couple of days, but it could be sketchy. I will update the blog as soon as I can!!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
This is the sixth computer and th fourth internet cafe that we have been in today trying to get this blog done! There doesn't seem t be a good connection anywhere over here today!
And now it has started to rain very hard --- we'll see if you end up getting this attempt!
I have the Sudan visa in hand; and a flight to Juba on Thursday. I still do not know what will happen in Juba . . . but the Lords does! If all goes well, I will get a flight to Yambio on Friday.
Today I was walking down the road and a man came up very quickly from behind me. I almost got nervous, but it was broad daylight and all kinds of people walking in the same directon. He ended up passing by me and then slowing down in front of me, acting nervously. As I got close to him, he turned and said that he always wanted to talk to someone like me (I took it to mean that I was white, since I was the only white person around.) So we started to talk and I asked him his name. Hs name is Zemmer Henry, and he is a mechanic in Kampala. It turns out he is a Christian, so I asked him if there was anything we could pray for him about. He asks us to pray for his family, who doesn't know the Lord. You could see that this troubled him greatly. So please pray for Zemmer Henry's family, that the Lord will work through His Word to bring the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to them!
Today we went on the public taxi system to get my flight to Juba. There are 1000s of VW van look-a-likes here that serve as "taxis". They put 16 people in each van! 5 rows of seats, three across. It is a weird experience! I think we had two kids up front and a baby on one lady's lap. So I think we may have had 19! This includes the driver and one "conductor" who is collecting money and making sure the van is filled whenever someone gets off. It sure gives a new definition of public taxi!!
And now it has started to rain very hard --- we'll see if you end up getting this attempt!
I have the Sudan visa in hand; and a flight to Juba on Thursday. I still do not know what will happen in Juba . . . but the Lords does! If all goes well, I will get a flight to Yambio on Friday.
Today I was walking down the road and a man came up very quickly from behind me. I almost got nervous, but it was broad daylight and all kinds of people walking in the same directon. He ended up passing by me and then slowing down in front of me, acting nervously. As I got close to him, he turned and said that he always wanted to talk to someone like me (I took it to mean that I was white, since I was the only white person around.) So we started to talk and I asked him his name. Hs name is Zemmer Henry, and he is a mechanic in Kampala. It turns out he is a Christian, so I asked him if there was anything we could pray for him about. He asks us to pray for his family, who doesn't know the Lord. You could see that this troubled him greatly. So please pray for Zemmer Henry's family, that the Lord will work through His Word to bring the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to them!
Today we went on the public taxi system to get my flight to Juba. There are 1000s of VW van look-a-likes here that serve as "taxis". They put 16 people in each van! 5 rows of seats, three across. It is a weird experience! I think we had two kids up front and a baby on one lady's lap. So I think we may have had 19! This includes the driver and one "conductor" who is collecting money and making sure the van is filled whenever someone gets off. It sure gives a new definition of public taxi!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1, 2010
I am in Kampala, Uganda! The long flights are over and here I am in Kampala.
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the flights were uneventful and safe; and that I am in a hotel that is clean and has glass in the windows. I only saw one mouse in the hallway on the way up to my room. The bad news is that my flight plans have changed. I am now in Kampala until Thursday, then to Juba, Sudan Thursday night, then to Yambio, Sudan on Friday. It is disappointing, but this must be part of God's care for me. So I will use the time to further study, prepare and work on some other things.
Kampala is a pretty dirty city, with a haze in the air that smells like burning garbage. I believe that my time here is the most dangerous for me --- the traffic is unbelievably crazy, and the taxi driver they use is impatient! Any taxi ride is a thrill ride of zigging and zagging, honking and passing, and numerous close calls! I wish I were exaggerating, but I am not. The streets are full of motorcycles, cars and pedestrians. There are 100s and 100s of people everywhere. The ride from the Entebbee airport is almost an hour of this type of driving!
I have applied for the Sudan Visa, and they told me to come back to get it at 3pm ... so that doesn't appear to be a problem. The flights into Yambio are the issue it looks like.
Thanks for the prayers! I continue to pray for you and thank the Lord for your support!
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the flights were uneventful and safe; and that I am in a hotel that is clean and has glass in the windows. I only saw one mouse in the hallway on the way up to my room. The bad news is that my flight plans have changed. I am now in Kampala until Thursday, then to Juba, Sudan Thursday night, then to Yambio, Sudan on Friday. It is disappointing, but this must be part of God's care for me. So I will use the time to further study, prepare and work on some other things.
Kampala is a pretty dirty city, with a haze in the air that smells like burning garbage. I believe that my time here is the most dangerous for me --- the traffic is unbelievably crazy, and the taxi driver they use is impatient! Any taxi ride is a thrill ride of zigging and zagging, honking and passing, and numerous close calls! I wish I were exaggerating, but I am not. The streets are full of motorcycles, cars and pedestrians. There are 100s and 100s of people everywhere. The ride from the Entebbee airport is almost an hour of this type of driving!
I have applied for the Sudan Visa, and they told me to come back to get it at 3pm ... so that doesn't appear to be a problem. The flights into Yambio are the issue it looks like.
Thanks for the prayers! I continue to pray for you and thank the Lord for your support!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January 30, 2010
I have completed 2 of the 5 legs of the trip in good shape! The flight to Minneapolis and then to Amsterdam was uneventful and smooth! I now have a 3 hour layover, and then off to Entebbee in Kampala, Uganda. In Amsterdam, Roxanne and I were able to "yahoo.chat" so that was nice for us. When I arrive in Uganda, and get through customs, it will be after 9pm. Then Monday will be trying to get the Sudanese Visa. Thanks again for all of your prayers and kind words. I thought about those on the trip over and thanbksed the Lord for all of you!!!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January 28, 2010
I will be leaving Saturday, 1/30/10, at 8:15am to begin my second trip to the Concordia Lutheran Institute of the Holy Ministry in Yambio, Sudan. This is the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan. I will be teaching two key doctrines while I am there: Christology (WHO Jesus is) and Justification (WHAT Jesus has done for us). Please pray that the Lord will bless the teaching and the learning, so that these two doctrines will guide and influence the ministry of these future pastors!
The travel time there is 5 days. On Saturday, I leave Phoenix to go to Minneapolis; then to Amsterdam; then to Kampala, Uganda. (If my time-change math is right, I will be landing during our 11:30 service --- which is the 9pm hour in Uganda.) I spend a day there to pick up a Sudan Visa (please pray that goes smoothly); then the next day I fly to Juba, Sudan; and finally, the next day, I fly into Yambio, Sudan. The Juba layover is different than last year, and it is adding an extra day of travel for me. I just figure the Lord has something planned for me while I am there.
My suitcases are packed! I have 110 pounds in 2 checked bags; and another 40 pounds in carry-on. The good thing is that just about all of it will stay in Africa! I will bring back only a lightly packed carry-on bag ---- it makes for easy travel, but it also flags me at the airports because I have no bags!
My hair is short! Kristen and Taryn had a fun time cutting my hair! They took a long time doing it --- making fun of me with crazy hair styles before they finally finished!
I want to thank Pastor Frusti (7:30) and Pastor Self (10:15) for the impromptu “send off prayer” at the end of the services. That was unexpected and very nice. Thank you for doing that! I appreciate all of your kind words and well wishes over this past week; and thank you for all of you who have given above and beyond financially to help make this happen! Whether we are the ones who send or the ones who go, we are all involved in world mission (Matthew 28:18-20)! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP!
One note of clarification. I had someone ask if the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in Sudan is part of the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The answer is a resounding “NO!” The word “Evangelical” is a word that means “Gospel/Good News”; and is used in many of the official names of even LCMS congregations. In the USA, the ELCA uses the name, but they have drifted quite far from scripture and Lutheran theology (in fact, the LCMS does not even recognize them as a Lutheran church body any longer.) My observation is that overseas, national church bodies use the name “Evangelical” exactly opposite: they use it to mark themselves as deeply committed to the Bible and Lutheran theology. If the churches in Sudan were associated with the ELCA, I would not be able to participate. I hope that clarifies it a little. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan is committed to Scripture and Lutheran theology.
The travel time there is 5 days. On Saturday, I leave Phoenix to go to Minneapolis; then to Amsterdam; then to Kampala, Uganda. (If my time-change math is right, I will be landing during our 11:30 service --- which is the 9pm hour in Uganda.) I spend a day there to pick up a Sudan Visa (please pray that goes smoothly); then the next day I fly to Juba, Sudan; and finally, the next day, I fly into Yambio, Sudan. The Juba layover is different than last year, and it is adding an extra day of travel for me. I just figure the Lord has something planned for me while I am there.
My suitcases are packed! I have 110 pounds in 2 checked bags; and another 40 pounds in carry-on. The good thing is that just about all of it will stay in Africa! I will bring back only a lightly packed carry-on bag ---- it makes for easy travel, but it also flags me at the airports because I have no bags!
My hair is short! Kristen and Taryn had a fun time cutting my hair! They took a long time doing it --- making fun of me with crazy hair styles before they finally finished!
I want to thank Pastor Frusti (7:30) and Pastor Self (10:15) for the impromptu “send off prayer” at the end of the services. That was unexpected and very nice. Thank you for doing that! I appreciate all of your kind words and well wishes over this past week; and thank you for all of you who have given above and beyond financially to help make this happen! Whether we are the ones who send or the ones who go, we are all involved in world mission (Matthew 28:18-20)! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP!
One note of clarification. I had someone ask if the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in Sudan is part of the “Evangelical” Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The answer is a resounding “NO!” The word “Evangelical” is a word that means “Gospel/Good News”; and is used in many of the official names of even LCMS congregations. In the USA, the ELCA uses the name, but they have drifted quite far from scripture and Lutheran theology (in fact, the LCMS does not even recognize them as a Lutheran church body any longer.) My observation is that overseas, national church bodies use the name “Evangelical” exactly opposite: they use it to mark themselves as deeply committed to the Bible and Lutheran theology. If the churches in Sudan were associated with the ELCA, I would not be able to participate. I hope that clarifies it a little. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan is committed to Scripture and Lutheran theology.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)