How do I begin to describe to you the way I feel right now? I
am so full of wonder and thanks, so full of treasures in my heart! Thank you
for praying the past month. God most assuredly answered in many specific ways.
Colorado team: I was so insanely blessed and challenged by the teams maturity in the Lord and their humble
hearts toward God and each other. They had a deep willingness to learn
and be spent in the service of Christ. They were greatly used by the
Lord and blessed Kim and my hearts greatly! We could have never have
done these camps without them...They were simply wonderful!
1 Tim 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down of you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity"
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| Ethan and Campers |
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| Nicole and campers |
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| Craft time! |
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| Tim and Campers |
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| Playing soccer. |
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| Nicole, Ethan and Nacorice teaching. |
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| Our last meal with our Colorado group in Nairobi, Kenya |
Weather: Being in the middle of rainy season
the possibility of rain hindering these camps was in actuality, quite inevitable. Miraculously,
for indeed it was miraculous, we had beautiful sunny days the entire first week
of camp.
The second week, as farmers where complaining about their crops
drying out we were emboldened to pray more
specifically that God would hold back the rain for the teaching and allow it to
rain at night. God answered these prayers in that the rain never hindered the
teaching and yet gave enough rain at night to keep the crops alive. Our team flew out of Nagishot on Saturday and shortly thereafter the torrential
rains began. Praise God for this incredible answer to prayer!!
"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies
themselves send down showers? No, it is you, LORD our God. Therefore our
hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this." Jer. 14:22
Health: Even though most of our Colorado team, our national translators and myself struggled with some
fowl stomachs, severe colds and general weariness God always provided enough strength to preform the daily duties. No one missed a single lesson, though none could not stray too far from the outhouse. :)
The sickness provided a constant reminder to lean not on our own strength which was puny but rather to lean fully on the strength of God
Spirit which he provided in full measure.
I am happy to report we are all
feeling much better today!
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| Hiking to camp #2 |
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| Hiking to camp #2 |
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Cor. 12:9
National support: Though it's never been done before and everyone was telling us that it was impossible we had AMAZING national volunteer staff for both camps!!!!
While planning for these
Bible camps, Kim and I were repeatedly warned that Didinga people, even those
in the church, would not freely volunteer their time, energy or services for
the church.
In the past, we have repeatedly
experienced and been frustrated by this pervasive selfish attitude. However,
we felt quite strongly that without a call to selfless service, our Didinga church body
could never spiritually mature.
So, it is with a very happy
heart that I share with you the news of our incredible national participation
in both Didinga camps!!! Our translators,
junior counselors and cooks all served with their whole body, heart and
soul! In fact, after the first camp, we
had young ladies asking if they too could join the service party!
The national staff far exceeded our
expectations and anything we have ever seen in South Sudan
– they truly served with joyful spirits.
Praise GOD!!!
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| Nacorice cooking Gazari (beans and corn) for lunch. |
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| Lojia |
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| Junior counselors: Lololang, Lojia, Lucy Yaya, Lobia |
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| Pointing to our main man: Nacorice. |
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.." Eph 2: 19-20
Unity - It was amazing to
see God unify our Didinga/Western team.
Whether it was playing volleyball or UNO, teaching God’s word or hiking
with heavy loads on our heads across the hillsides to camp each morning – there
was an overpowering spirit of love and harmony amongst the team. People were truly one-anothering, helping the
least of these and doing it all with an seemingly unexplainable joy.
It was one of the greatest joys of my time in Sudan, being a part of this team and experiencing its unity!
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| Lomidical taking a picture of the staff. |
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| Well, he got most of us. |
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| All the men Staff. |
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| Our Camp Staff at camp #2 |
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| Last meal in Nagishot was a goat feast with all the camp staff. |
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| Everyone playing Uno deep into the hours of the night. |
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8
Campers – We had no idea how
many children would actually attend camp.
We were hoping and planning for up to 80 children at each camp for a
total of 160 little ones. We were
blessed with between 90 to 100 plus campers at our first camp and around 60 at
our second.
The last couple Sundays at church have been filled with the little bodies of camp children. Many who have never been to church before. We are so thankful for the foundation that the camps brought and excited and hopeful for the opportunities it has opened for further ministry to these children.
Thank you for praying!
How do I begin to describe to you the way I feel right now? I
am so full of wonder and thanks, so full of treasures in my heart! Thank you
for praying the past month. God most assuredly answered in many specific ways. 
