Thursday, July 23, 2009
Matthew
Below is a blog from Matthew:
Hello family and friends! This is being typed from an internet cafe in Yambio...and it's an opportunity to pray a lot because it is sloooooooooooooooow.
Hello family and friends! This is being typed from an internet cafe in Yambio...and it's an opportunity to pray a lot because it is sloooooooooooooooow.
This team is a fantastic group of Christ followers. Today was our first full day of ministry in Yambio, but they have been ministering to everyone they have met in Kampala and Sudan.
We arrived in Yambio yesterday at 12 noon. 6 more of our ministry supplies will arrive on tomorrow's flight (Thursday). Everyone is healthy and doing well, praise God. The Guest House where we are staying has 14 seminarians that are staying there as well. These men are training to be pastors throughout many towns in southern Sudan--and what a gift it is to encourage them in their ministries. Last night we shared an evening devotion with them and prayed with and for them--what a gift! We look forward to spending more time with them.
This morning (Wednesday) we taught 200 + children at the Yambio Primary school (started by the Lutheran Church) Bible lessons through skits, games and music. These children are precious--starting in kindergarten through grade 4.
This morning (Wednesday) we taught 200 + children at the Yambio Primary school (started by the Lutheran Church) Bible lessons through skits, games and music. These children are precious--starting in kindergarten through grade 4.
What a privilege to be teaching and encouraging the future leaders of southern Sudan! We even did the Funky chicken with them!
We then spent 2 hours with the teachers of the school--there are 5 of them and they needed to be encouraged. We were able to give them teaching supplies and ideas for presenting information to students--things like hangman, flashcards, and other educational games. Kyle and Peggy taught them CPR basics as well as first aid basics. They did a great job! Bob agreed to be the 'dummy' for the CPR. Speaking of Bob--he is the 'get to know you' guy. All of the seminarians love chatting with him, and he is the best question asker I've been around for a long time.
Diane --you would be so proud of Neil! He is doing a fantastic job--and he loves Ugandan and Sudanese food! But he loves the people even more! This afternoon we visited the Yambio Hospital and the needs are overwhelming. I pray that God would touch the men and women in the medical fields in our congregations so they may come and provide much needed training.
Thank you all for your love and prayers--please continue to pray for us. God has given us great joy with one another too--last night we played some great games of Uno together and were teaching some of the seminarians as well. We love you all and will do our best to keep updating the blog!
With a grateful heart,
Matthew
Peggy Hands Out Crosses To the Children
July 22
What a great day we have had with the Yambio Lutheran primary school.. The team was meant by 200 children singing to welcome us. We told the creation story and Noah.s Ark with a puppets . Some of the children were afraid of the puppets. Others just laughed and laughed. Once again the parachute was a big hit with all the children and teachers. We had some one on one time with the teachers to hear their concerns for the school. Which helped us to understand more of what they need.
They have 14 seminary students here at the compound now and one American pastor from North Carolina teaching the gospel of John. The team was able to have a devotion time with them last night. We learned all the names and how many children they have. One student has 12 children, The teacher and students work so very hard for the Lord with little or no encouragement. They are a testament to their faith. The loss of Bishop Andrew is very apparent in everyone faces they are still grieving.-- Peggy
Neil
hello,
Blog from neil:
Yambio is beautiful. it is very hot here, i do not think i have stopped sweating. We worked with younger children today and it was awesome. we got to teach them about the story of the creation and noahs ark as well as play a game and sing some songs. no matter where we go we seem to be everyone's entertainment.
Blog from neil:
Yambio is beautiful. it is very hot here, i do not think i have stopped sweating. We worked with younger children today and it was awesome. we got to teach them about the story of the creation and noahs ark as well as play a game and sing some songs. no matter where we go we seem to be everyone's entertainment.
We also got to meet the teachers and instruct them on some medical stuff and teach them some ways in which they can better teach the students. i felt like we were of much help and i feel like they could use every bit of help that they can get. The government school teachers are on strike so those schools i believe are closed. Now the only schools that are open are the ones run by the churches. I can only hope that we are a blessing to these people.
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Bob and the Monkey Story
my blog -
we are day two of our work in sudan and as they say we are clearly no
longer in kansas - for those of you thinking of american communication
systems be assured even sending an email has been a challenge - as for
yambio the people are terrific, especially the children -
we are day two of our work in sudan and as they say we are clearly no
longer in kansas - for those of you thinking of american communication
systems be assured even sending an email has been a challenge - as for
yambio the people are terrific, especially the children -
we are
rooming across a courtyard from the seminary students and has been a
blessing to get to know them (14 from various parts of sudan and 1
from uganda) - sudan is approx 2/3 the size of the us and turned 90
degrees so many of these men are away from their families for 9 months
at a stretch -
rooming across a courtyard from the seminary students and has been a
blessing to get to know them (14 from various parts of sudan and 1
from uganda) - sudan is approx 2/3 the size of the us and turned 90
degrees so many of these men are away from their families for 9 months
at a stretch -
today was a true sense of extremes, this AM we sent
upwards of an hour teaching bible stories interspersed with various
games with kids from kindergarden thru grade 4 - it was a blast and
they truly touched our hearts - on the other extreme we just visited a
hospital in the center of yambio which lacked just about everything
you could possibly imagine, it was very difficult to handle especially
knowing how much we have at our end -
upwards of an hour teaching bible stories interspersed with various
games with kids from kindergarden thru grade 4 - it was a blast and
they truly touched our hearts - on the other extreme we just visited a
hospital in the center of yambio which lacked just about everything
you could possibly imagine, it was very difficult to handle especially
knowing how much we have at our end -
we have devotion with the
seminarians this PM and now are off to get some clothes tailored for
kyle and neil - from the heat and humidity of southern sudan we send
our greetings and feel your prayers and encouragement daily.
- bobu
seminarians this PM and now are off to get some clothes tailored for
kyle and neil - from the heat and humidity of southern sudan we send
our greetings and feel your prayers and encouragement daily.
- bobu
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20
Africa has been the most beautiful Continent I have ever seen and at the same time the most crammed i have seen. in kampala, one of the drivers was telling me that The population during the day is up to 3 million people and at night can be as low as 300.
My favorite part of driving through the city is seeing all of the really cool cars. i really want to buy one of these mitsubishi trucks, they are awesome. All of the people over here are so nice to us. if we wave they will smile and wave back, this is not like america. I have met many interesting people, my favorite part of meeting new people is the hand shake we give it some times just keeps going.
Neil
My favorite part of driving through the city is seeing all of the really cool cars. i really want to buy one of these mitsubishi trucks, they are awesome. All of the people over here are so nice to us. if we wave they will smile and wave back, this is not like america. I have met many interesting people, my favorite part of meeting new people is the hand shake we give it some times just keeps going.
Neil
July 20
hi to everyone. we have been very busy meeting and sight seeing each day. our trip went well to Uganda even if it took 18 hours. The team had a great day yesterday we were fortunate to be able to get a one day safari. We were able to see many animals hippos being one of my favorites. I will be able to see Richard a student I meant in Sudan last time we were here tonight at dinner. We leave for Yambio tomorrow in a very small plane and we will have a dirt road to land instead of a concrete. oh boy ! We are all really excited to arrive and see the people of Yambio. We are very thank-full for all your prayers, keep them coming.
Peggy
Phew...what a whirlwind! We've had very busy days, and, up til now, not enough sleep. The day of Safari was a day to remember! The only thing I REALLY wanted to see were giraffes, and we saw dozens! What an amazing God we have! His creation is so diverse; warthogs to giraffes, hippos to gazelles...amazing! Thanks for all your prayers and love; we can feel them supporting us!
God Bless,
Susie
Peggy
Phew...what a whirlwind! We've had very busy days, and, up til now, not enough sleep. The day of Safari was a day to remember! The only thing I REALLY wanted to see were giraffes, and we saw dozens! What an amazing God we have! His creation is so diverse; warthogs to giraffes, hippos to gazelles...amazing! Thanks for all your prayers and love; we can feel them supporting us!
God Bless,
Susie
July 20 - Internet Cafe
Hello to everyone back at home.
The whole crew right now is at an internet cafe in downtown Kampala. We just got back from getting our Sudan visas and shopping at the local craft shops. Yesterday we had our whole day safari and it was quite an experience. Our whole driving time was around 11 hours (there and back).
Our first "safari" (or adventure) began on the ride to the Ugandan Wildlife Reservation when we had to cross over 310 speed bumps... oh boy. I was very glad that we had seat belts to contain all the bouncing. The actual safari was a blast and we got to see a lot of African wildlife, including: giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, birds, and many other animals. The trip to the falls was awesome, because we got to travel on the Nile River.
The hike to the top of the falls was hot, sticky, and very sweaty, but alot of fun at the same time. The falls were absoluetely incredible and the amount of water gong down the falls was just amazing to witness. The "Epitemy of Comfort" (our hotel) has been a very comfortable home since our arrival in Africa. Uganda is a wonderful nation that I have enjoyed immensely. The people are so friendly and the weather is great. Ugandans light up when you simply say "Hello" to them. I thank God for these fantastic people and for a great first four days here in Uganda. Please continue to pray for our efforts in Sudan and for strong teamwork in our remaining days.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Kyle
The whole crew right now is at an internet cafe in downtown Kampala. We just got back from getting our Sudan visas and shopping at the local craft shops. Yesterday we had our whole day safari and it was quite an experience. Our whole driving time was around 11 hours (there and back).
Our first "safari" (or adventure) began on the ride to the Ugandan Wildlife Reservation when we had to cross over 310 speed bumps... oh boy. I was very glad that we had seat belts to contain all the bouncing. The actual safari was a blast and we got to see a lot of African wildlife, including: giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, birds, and many other animals. The trip to the falls was awesome, because we got to travel on the Nile River.
The hike to the top of the falls was hot, sticky, and very sweaty, but alot of fun at the same time. The falls were absoluetely incredible and the amount of water gong down the falls was just amazing to witness. The "Epitemy of Comfort" (our hotel) has been a very comfortable home since our arrival in Africa. Uganda is a wonderful nation that I have enjoyed immensely. The people are so friendly and the weather is great. Ugandans light up when you simply say "Hello" to them. I thank God for these fantastic people and for a great first four days here in Uganda. Please continue to pray for our efforts in Sudan and for strong teamwork in our remaining days.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Kyle
July 20
Greetings All -
We are all well in Wakelega, Kampala, Uganda. While all is new and quite different, I have found the city very friendly, safe and very captivating. While the pollution is quite heavy from the charcoal fires and diesel exhaust and interaction of various forms of traffic on first glance appears to be complete and utter chaos, the interesting part is it all seems to work.
We have spent time catching up with various students from Yambio that are schooling in Uganda - too many names to remember. We have also spent time running around Kampala doing various organization tasks and seeing the city. We have been to the Embassy for Southern Sudan this AM to get our visas this AM as it was closed for a student demonstration last friday.
We went on an all day safari yesterday, up at 4 AM and back at 11 PM but it was an unforgettable adventure in a national park that is 4000 sq km. We were also able to also take a boat trip on the Vicotoria Nile followed by an impressive sight at Marchison Falls in the park.
We have spoken to quite a few people both in the city and at our hotel - it is an interesting blend of christians and muslims and a country that is a strong democracy and its quite amazing to see entreupeneurship at work in all its forms. I must say I never thought I would come to Africa in my lifetime but am quite taken by what I have seen in all its forms. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and thank all our senders. All the best and Gods blessings back to you in the States.
- bob u
We are all well in Wakelega, Kampala, Uganda. While all is new and quite different, I have found the city very friendly, safe and very captivating. While the pollution is quite heavy from the charcoal fires and diesel exhaust and interaction of various forms of traffic on first glance appears to be complete and utter chaos, the interesting part is it all seems to work.
We have spent time catching up with various students from Yambio that are schooling in Uganda - too many names to remember. We have also spent time running around Kampala doing various organization tasks and seeing the city. We have been to the Embassy for Southern Sudan this AM to get our visas this AM as it was closed for a student demonstration last friday.
We went on an all day safari yesterday, up at 4 AM and back at 11 PM but it was an unforgettable adventure in a national park that is 4000 sq km. We were also able to also take a boat trip on the Vicotoria Nile followed by an impressive sight at Marchison Falls in the park.
We have spoken to quite a few people both in the city and at our hotel - it is an interesting blend of christians and muslims and a country that is a strong democracy and its quite amazing to see entreupeneurship at work in all its forms. I must say I never thought I would come to Africa in my lifetime but am quite taken by what I have seen in all its forms. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and thank all our senders. All the best and Gods blessings back to you in the States.
- bob u
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday Update
Hello family and friends and prayer warriors!
It's Sunday, July 19 before midnight and we just returned from an all day safari at Murchison Falls National Wildlife Preserve (a 5 hour trip each way) and we are amazed at God's awesome creation--elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and so much more!
Our internet connection has been poor at our hotel which is why we've not been able to get out many blog entries. But tomorrow we are heading to an internet cafe and will have photos and more to share! All 6 of us are healthy and very thankful to be in Africa. Yesterday we went to buy crafts at a local artisan market and purchased a keyboard for the youth worship team in Yambio, Sudan--the keyboard will arrive a day after us on an Air Serv flight. We fly into Yambio on Tuesday morning.
We hope you had a glorious day of worship today and we gave thanks significantly for all of you and your prayers, as well as our amazing Creator God on the safari! Please continue to pray for good health, safety and that we will be a blessing to all we meet. God has given us wonderful people to care for us during our days in Kampala.
WE LOVE YOU ALL!
matthew
It's Sunday, July 19 before midnight and we just returned from an all day safari at Murchison Falls National Wildlife Preserve (a 5 hour trip each way) and we are amazed at God's awesome creation--elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and so much more!
Our internet connection has been poor at our hotel which is why we've not been able to get out many blog entries. But tomorrow we are heading to an internet cafe and will have photos and more to share! All 6 of us are healthy and very thankful to be in Africa. Yesterday we went to buy crafts at a local artisan market and purchased a keyboard for the youth worship team in Yambio, Sudan--the keyboard will arrive a day after us on an Air Serv flight. We fly into Yambio on Tuesday morning.
We hope you had a glorious day of worship today and we gave thanks significantly for all of you and your prayers, as well as our amazing Creator God on the safari! Please continue to pray for good health, safety and that we will be a blessing to all we meet. God has given us wonderful people to care for us during our days in Kampala.
WE LOVE YOU ALL!
matthew
A short "tweet" from the team in Uganda
it is midnight and we got back from an 18 hr safari in NW uganda - will send images and blog info tomorrow - everyone is well and very blessed.
- bobu
- bobu
Friday, July 17, 2009
Flight to London- Thursday
Hi, Made it with a few minutes to spare...I'm attaching the photo of us and our luggage in BOS.
Thanks for the prayers!
Susie
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Getting Ready to Go
I thought our packing night went very well.
It was so exciting to see all of the stuff that we could bring and it amazed me even more how we fit it all into our bags. I donated twenty T-shirts that have the Red Sox, Patriots, and celtics logos on them for the youth ministry.
I can not wait to see their faces when they receive all of these gifts. The biggest suprise to me was to see how much medical stuff was donated. It was like we had too much medical items to bring. I am so excited to go, and I can't believe it is only one full day away.
-- Neil
It was so exciting to see all of the stuff that we could bring and it amazed me even more how we fit it all into our bags. I donated twenty T-shirts that have the Red Sox, Patriots, and celtics logos on them for the youth ministry.
I can not wait to see their faces when they receive all of these gifts. The biggest suprise to me was to see how much medical stuff was donated. It was like we had too much medical items to bring. I am so excited to go, and I can't believe it is only one full day away.
-- Neil
Childrens Books
Tonight was our final packing night for the mission trip to sudan. Everyone was very excited and overwhelmed with the donations we received from so many people. LCS Sunday school sent many cross necklaces with us as well as coloring books,colors and a beautiful banner the children made for the school in Baguga.
The children at the school may not speak english but seem to know when something special has been made for them. I am so excited to return to Sudan to see the beautiful faces of all the people. They have such a love of the Lord it just shines through. Thank-you to all the people who donated the items for us to bring to Sudan it will be such a blessing for their ministry.
--Peggy
Thank You Senders
Thank you , everyone who donated to provide supplies and Gospel materials which the team will distribute in Sudan.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mission Trip Supplies.... Please Help
Senders, we need you!
Would you be willing to purchase needed supplies or make a cash donation toward resources for our upcoming mission trips to Sudan and Maine? Please sign out the supplies you will bring on the clip board on the music stand in the lobby.
All gifts must be returned by Sunday, July 12.
• Highlighters
• Pens
• Advil and Aspirin
• Band aids
• Small Ziplock Pill Bags
• Medical Tape
• Gauze
• Coloring books and crayons
• Celsius Thermometers
• Clipboards
• Small Bibles
• ‘Skin so soft’ lotion
• Reading glasses
• Chalk and erasers
• Lifesavers (fruit flavored) and Starburst Candy
• Frisbees
• Pumps for soccer balls
• Gently used children’s backpacks
• Cash gifts toward:
*Devotion and Commentary books for Sudan pastors ($15 each)
*Children’s Bibles for refugee children in Maine ($12 each)
*Malaria Nets for Sudan ($5 each)
*New backpacks for refugee children in Maine ($15 each)
Please write checks to ‘OSLC’ and put Mission Trip supplies in the memo. Please place the checks in the suitcase on the Missions Table or Matthew’s church mailbox. Thank you!
Would you be willing to purchase needed supplies or make a cash donation toward resources for our upcoming mission trips to Sudan and Maine? Please sign out the supplies you will bring on the clip board on the music stand in the lobby.
All gifts must be returned by Sunday, July 12.
• Highlighters
• Pens
• Advil and Aspirin
• Band aids
• Small Ziplock Pill Bags
• Medical Tape
• Gauze
• Coloring books and crayons
• Celsius Thermometers
• Clipboards
• Small Bibles
• ‘Skin so soft’ lotion
• Reading glasses
• Chalk and erasers
• Lifesavers (fruit flavored) and Starburst Candy
• Frisbees
• Pumps for soccer balls
• Gently used children’s backpacks
• Cash gifts toward:
*Devotion and Commentary books for Sudan pastors ($15 each)
*Children’s Bibles for refugee children in Maine ($12 each)
*Malaria Nets for Sudan ($5 each)
*New backpacks for refugee children in Maine ($15 each)
Please write checks to ‘OSLC’ and put Mission Trip supplies in the memo. Please place the checks in the suitcase on the Missions Table or Matthew’s church mailbox. Thank you!
5 Duffel Bags with Wheels are needed
If you have a large duffel bag with wheels and would be willing to let our team use it to trasport the many resources we are taking, that would be a blessing! Please call Matthew at the Church, to let us know if you have one to share!
10 days and counting...
Hello! We thank God for the awesome privilege of serving Him in southern Sudan from July 16-29, 2009!
We had our 4th training time last night at Susie's home in Amesbury and it was fantastic! Our theme verse for the trip is 1 Thessalonians 5:11: 'Therefore let us encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing.' We are praying during these days before our journey begins that God will prepare us to be a 'cup of cold water' to these men and women in Yambio, Sudan who have endured much persecution and hardship over the past 25 years.
Our medical outreach has expanded this year as Kyle and Peggy will do CPR and First aid training with the teachers and youth leaders. Bob has connected us with a place where we are taking 100 malaria nets to distribute. Neil and Kyle will be a huge blessing with all of our children's outreaches--they'll each have kids hanging off of them left and right!
Sue and Peggy are planning time with the wives and young women--and taking over lots of 'girly' gifts for them. Bob and I will be doing some studies in the book of Joshua with the seminarians and pastors in training--how awesome that we will be studying the same book that OSLC is studying this summer!
It will be our privilege to remind these Sudanese pastors and youth to 'be strong and courageous.' 'Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified,do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9
We had our 4th training time last night at Susie's home in Amesbury and it was fantastic! Our theme verse for the trip is 1 Thessalonians 5:11: 'Therefore let us encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing.' We are praying during these days before our journey begins that God will prepare us to be a 'cup of cold water' to these men and women in Yambio, Sudan who have endured much persecution and hardship over the past 25 years.
Our medical outreach has expanded this year as Kyle and Peggy will do CPR and First aid training with the teachers and youth leaders. Bob has connected us with a place where we are taking 100 malaria nets to distribute. Neil and Kyle will be a huge blessing with all of our children's outreaches--they'll each have kids hanging off of them left and right!
Sue and Peggy are planning time with the wives and young women--and taking over lots of 'girly' gifts for them. Bob and I will be doing some studies in the book of Joshua with the seminarians and pastors in training--how awesome that we will be studying the same book that OSLC is studying this summer!
It will be our privilege to remind these Sudanese pastors and youth to 'be strong and courageous.' 'Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified,do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9
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