“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians  3:20-21

I thank God for all of you and all of your prayers this year, and the way the Holy Spirit impressed me on the hearts of so many to pray for things I didn’t even know I was dealing with and for all your help financially.  I have so much to be thankful for, and if I tried to put it all in the update it would go on for days.  Below are some of the things I am thankful for:

God’s faithfulness:  God has opened the door 3 times for trips into S. Sudan, and given clarity in my return to S. Sudan.  He gave clarity through the length of time it took for my body to recoup after the second trip.  I have just returned from S. Sudan with the blessing of being able to take Leah (our logistics coordinator with me,) she has been with us since 2008 and never has gone into S. Sudan.  It was a great trip, as the Lord showed her so many things, and I was able to reconnect with the ladies in Doro whom I miss and love so very much.  (See pictures below).  In the 10 days we were in S. Sudan we were able to visit 3 locations, Doro, Malakal, and Juba, this involved 5 flights and quite a bit of road travel.  Praise the Lord He sustained this body.
 

Ministry:  Things have changed at the Uzima drug and alcohol rehab center, so I am spending very little time out there.  The last lady to be in the program Susan, graduated on Sunday, December 16^th   and received the Lord!!!!!.  I am seeking the Lord on how to come along side these women (who live in so many different places) and disciple so that they can grow in Christ.  God has given me many opportunities to speak and teach in churches. I thank Him.

Uzima Children’s Home has found a new place for the children (as most of you know the place they were in flooded in October).  It has been a long and hard road, to find someone who was willing to let 31 street children live in their house.  My time at the Children's Home on Christmas Eve was a blessing.  To be with all of the children I love, to see how God has provided for them, and to be able to share gifts that were provided from a dear friend in Oregon.

Bible Study:  With my Kenya staff in the logistics room we are reading the African version of Pilgrims Progress called: “The Journey”, what a blessing and a privilege it is to study God’s Word with them.

Kenya Family:  All of my Kenya families were able to come together in November.  For most of them this was the first time to meet.  God has blessed me with many spiritual sons, daughters, and grandchildren.  What a blessing as we prayed together, worshiped our Lord together in 4 different mother tongues, and shared a meal together, traditional Kenya food, as well as western food.

Sharing the Gospel:  Oh how I love this.  He has given me the privilege to see some come to the Lord.  What excitement when He opens up an opportunity to share the Gospel of His grace, to someone driving a taxi, to someone who professes to be a believer, but has never received Christ, to those who have been taught it is by works, or those who have heard from false teachers.  Thank you Father.

God’s calling into more of a leadership position in Nairobi: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the LORD, your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1b-3

God’s promises; His Word, His strength, His faithfulness, His grace, His mercy.   There has been a lot of trying to figure out what, where, and how; trying to learn another culture and how it looks in an office.  Figuring out relationships, saying things that were not taken the way they were meant.  Logistics, oh for the chance for all of you and all of the SIM-Sudan team to spend a week with us.  There is no way to describe what a day or a week in the logistics room is like.  So many challenges, knowing God wants us to plan, but also understanding that we need to hold everything with open hands.  Asking Father everyday and sometimes moment by moment to fill me with His grace as I read emails, or hear words that hurt.  God is faithful and He has shown me many times as long as I keep my eyes on Him this is doable.   I was reading my devotional and I share with you what God showed me. “When you are plagued by a persistent problem – view it as a rich opportunity.  The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.  In faith thank Me for your problem, ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty.  Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down.” Jesus Calling

His Word is what gives me (us) the strength to go on.  His Word reminds us of His promises.  Father help me to keep my eyes on you, and would you open my eyes and my heart to all that you are accomplishing through this difficulty.  I want to glorify you through this storm.

Praises:  For the safety in all of my travels.  For the time in S. Sudan renewing and continuing to build relationships, For God’s provisions to take Leah into S. Sudan, For all the trials and frustrations.  For the opportunities to share the Gospel, For who HE is!!!!!!

Prayers:  For Uzima Children’s Home.  For God’s continued leading in the ministries He wants me to be involved in.  For Njoki (from the rehab center), who is HIV positive and needing a place to live, For Kenya, as tensions and fear rises as they move closer to the national election in March 2013.  That I would see every opportunity God has for me and ever divine meeting.  For S. Sudan as they continue to build this country, for honest people, God fearing people, for unity, healing, forgiveness and for peace to hold (there are many pockets of unrest).  For more opportunities to return to S. Sudan and share the Gospel, and to train up Timothy’s.