2014 in Review

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”  Acts 20:24

This is my life verse, and through 2013 and 2014 God has shown me that to testify to the gospel of God's grace, wherever I am,  is what my life is about.

Many of you have been following this blog for many years, so you know the journey.  2014 found me involved in Pastor's Conferences in Kenya and Uganda, women's ministries along with leadership responsibilities and working closely with the Logistics team at SIM-Sudan.  Praise God for His grace.

As 2014 continued I was aware that things were getting ready to change yet again.  God's Word says: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9.

The chapter of my life that I had been in with SIM-Sudan was coming to a close.  And I was headed back to the US to receive surgery on my spine, and affirmation that God was directing me to join ELLS International and come back to Africa still with SIM but loaned to ELLS International.

So home I headed, surgery I had, and I thank God that all went well.  Through months of Physical Therapy, meetings, emails, phone conversations, I received affirmation that this was the way,  walk in it.

So what is ELLS International;  

2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

ELLS Purpose

The Purpose of ELLS International is to serve and strengthen the church in remote areas of the developing world by equipping its leaders to effectively shepherd the flock of God.

ELLS Vision

Under-shepherds in remote areas of developing countries who in spite of limited resources, are able to shepherd the Lord's flock well, feeding the sheep from the Word of God that it gives life. To serve and strengthen the church in remote areas of the developing world.

We are once again on a exciting journey, and I am excited to have you along for this journey.  I returned to Kenya December 31, 2014, in preparation to move into this new ministry.  So what will I be doing:  .  I will be the person on the ground and will do Admin and logistics work for the Pastor's Conferences.  Working with the churches, the Bishops, and Pastors, praying with them, and the committees, along with follow up visits.  There are other ministries that God has opened and will continue to open through these pastor's conferences that give me additional opportunity to disciple believers in their understanding of scripture and their walk in the light and always to share the gospel!   Only by His amazing Grace!!!

Stay tuned as God leads me in this ministry.

Only by HIS AMAZING GRACE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





   

2014 Pastor's Conferences in Kenya and Uganda

WHAT IF

Simply "Church"  Max Lucado

The church names we banter about?  They don't exist in heaven.  Because its not the denomination that saves you.  And I wonder, if there're no denominations in heaven, why do we have denominations on earth?

I know this is a crazy thought -- but what would happen if all the churches agreed, on a given day, to change their names simply to "church"?  And then when people chose which church to attend, they wouldn't do so by the sign outside, they'd do so by the hearts of the people inside.

And then, when people were asked what church they attend, their answer wouldn't be a label but just a location.  And then we Christians wouldn't be known for what divides us; instead we'd be known for what unites us -- our common Father.

WHAT IF??????

"Commit your actions to the LORD and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

September 9th, 2013; saw me and another missionary at the MAF hanger very early in the morning, preparing to fly to S. Sudan.  This was Stacey's first time into S. Sudan, and I was going with her to try and help her through all the travel needed to arrive at the Melut base.

What a priviledge and an honor, as I watched her sit in the co-pilot seat, with such excitement, I was reminded of the excitment I felt the first time I flew into SS.

It was also a change for me to go and see friends I haven't been able to see for awhile, to spend time with S. Sudanese people I love so very much.  It was a time of going in with no agenda other than to be there for Stacey.  But God had so much more in mind.  So I take you on a photo journey of my trip, and the things God had in store.

                                                      Villages on the side of the Nile

The beauty of going down the While Nile river in a boat.  The river was like glass, as you can see in this last photo, the clouds are a reflection in the river.   The boat ride from Malakal to Melut is about 4 hours.

 Enjoying our trip down the river, looking at all that God has created.  Even saw a Croc!!!!

     A wonderful reunion with a dear friend, she gave birth 3 days after I left to this beautiful,            healthy little boy below.

              A unexpected reunion with Abuk, one of the students I taught when in Thiangrial

 

           And another unexpected reunion with other students from my time in Thiangrial

                                                      Spending time with the women

 Spending time with our team

 Having God open an opportunity for me to go by river to Thiangrial, for those who don't know that is the first base I was stationed at.  Yea the boat was sitting kind of low in the water, with team mate Jon and his daughter Rose.

 

On the last night before I started my journey back to Kenya, the Master Painter (God) was painting the sky with one of His magnificent sunsets.

Thank you Father, for the time I had in S. Sudan, thank you for using me as your vessel, and for the things you showed me, taught me, and how you drew me closer to you every step of the way.

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display his craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.  The speak without a sound or word, their voice is never heard.  Yet their message has gone thoughtout the earth and their words to all the world."  Psalm 19:1-4

                        There is no one on this earth that has not seen the GLORY OF GOD!!!!!!!!

Another blessing from the Lord

            I am so thankful for the Kenya families God has brought into my life.  I love this family.

                                        BaBa, Samuel, Praise, Wisdom, and mother, Faith.

Back home in Africa

     I have returned to Nairobi Kenya, to continue as part of the admin team, in moving our team in and our of S. Sudan, along with cargo, and so much more.  There is no way to discripe what a day is like in the logistics room, so I will say it is only by God's grace that we go through a day.  Our team

     I am blessed to be having a Bible Study with my logistics team, Leah, Stephen, and Alfred.  We meet every thursday for an hour and a half spending time in His Word.

     God has also give me the opportunity to disciple born again, rehab drug and alcohol additicts.  I am able to spend two saturday's a month with them.  Please pray for them.  There names are Kivija, Juma, Jumba, Minni, Mawangi, and Fred.  The picutres below show Juma, Kivija, and Jumba, three of the six in our group.

     And of course God has given me wonderful Kenya families I get to spend time with, I am spiritual mom and spiritual sho sho, (grandma.)  One of those families is below. 

     Dad; Starline, Mom, Leah, Sho, sho, Debbie, holding Grant, Graham in front of Sho, sho, and Griffins.  One of the many blessings from the Lord in my life.

     So my days, and weekends are full since returning to Nairobi, and I also a part of the Good Shepherd Church (the church I attend when in Nairobi) worship team.  Only by God's grace do I walk each and every day.

  "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Gods grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

Back to the US

End of May found me flying back to the US.  Thanking God for His provisions.  I was able to spend a month in the US, with 3 1/2 weeks in my home Oregon, and 4 days in Charlotte NC to see a very special spiritual daughter get married.

My time at home was a blessing, a time to spend with some family, church family, and a time to have more shots put into my neck and back.

My sister and I were able to spend a day at the coast.  One of my favorite spots to go, as it reminds me of God's Mighty Power, His Creation, the beauty of it all.

And I was able to be at the wedding of Andrew and Karissa, which was so very special and such a blessing.  The last picture is of Christiane and me, dear, dear friend and room mate in Nairobi Kenya.