What's Going On?
Many of you have asked for more information about what I will be doing in South Sudan. I will be updating my blog with new information along the way, but here's what I know for now.
South Sudan has been hit hard by years of civil war with North Sudan, unstable neighbors, marauding militia groups, tribal unrest, and uncooperative weather patterns. The 2009 UN Human Development Report ranks Sudan 150 out of 180 countries on the Human Development Index, a composite measure of national health, education,and quality of living prospects. To put this in perspective,that's just below Haiti and Papua New Guinea. The average life expectancy is about 58. Around twelve and a half million people don't even have access to clean water. (more info)
I can't do much to change these figures. But, I can make a difference for some people. Luke Fisher and I will be working under the auspices of Frontline Builders, a non-governmental, OCI-affiliated organization that has been working in South Sudan since 2001. We will be based in Mundri, several hours west of Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Our primary mission is to serve in whatever capacity is most needed. Some of the things we will probably be doing include lay evangelism training, basic medical and dental work (Luke is an RN), agriculture, possibly some building, and lots of planning and praying about future possibilities.
Who's Going?
How Can You Get Involved?
- Pray! "The prayer of a righteous man availeth much" - James 5:16
- Pray some more! "And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea" - 1 Kings 18:44
- Send us encouragement: Luke, Joel
- Keep checking my blog for updates - If you would like to receive the posts via email, let me know!
- Donate - If you feel impressed to give funds, you can donate either through OCI (tax-deductible, be sure to designate your donation "Frontline Builders - Mundri") or directly to me, via Paypal (not tax-deductible.)
OCI
Thank you. Your prayers and encouragement mean a great deal to me.
Excelsior - Ever Upward!
Sounds like a great mission, Joel. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI want to be on your email list!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you.
Here is a quote from medical ministry that has encouraged me lately:
"If we will keep the heart and mind open heavenward,
cherishing the comfort of His grace in the heart, the presence of Christ will be revealed." p. 213
Blessings on your journey :)
I am very interested in hearing how God leads and blesses in Sudan this next year.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying that God uses you both powerful for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Así dice el SEÑOR, tu Redentor, el Santo de Israel: Yo soy el SEÑOR tu Dios, que te enseña para tu beneficio, que te conduce por el camino en que debes andar.--Isaías 48:17
ReplyDeleteDios te bendiga Joel :)
Awesome! Take care Joel!
ReplyDelete