Monday, December 19, 2011

Ministry and Family update

The rains here in Toposaland have come to an end. The women are beginning to harvest the sorghum. Thank you for praying for the rains to come to South Sudan. God surely blessed us with rain this year! My garden is finally producing fruits and vegetables for our family, too.
The women harvest the sorghum then dry it on the ground in the gardens. Once dried, they will carry the large bags on their head along with their baby on their back to the village. They will store the sorghum in large granaries. Some gardens are nearby, but most are several miles away. I have tried to help carry these bags on my head to help them out. I can only make it a few feet before yelling for HELP. Please keep the Toposa women in your prayers as they work very hard every day.


Sorghum growing in the garden



Shannon and Locek in the garden


Benton is home for the month from boarding school. It has been nice to have him back home with us. He has been a big help with the garden and with Walker. He finished his first term at RVA with an appendectomy. We received a call from the school while we were in Entebbe, Uganda that he was going to have surgery. God provided for me to make it to Nairobi that night and to Kijabe early the next morning for his surgery. Shannon flew back to Sudan with Davis and Walker on Thanksgiving Day. Benton is healing well and enjoying playing with his friends here at home.


Benton, Davis, Walker and friends posing for a Christmas card

The Christmas season is here and we have tried to make it "feel" like Christmas here in warm South Sudan. We baked cookies, wrapped presents, made crafts and listened to many Christmas songs. We have been teaching the book of Luke in our small groups and explaining to them the reason why we celebrate Christmas. On Christmas day, we will be having a service under a tree near our compound. Joseph, a new leader from a nearby village will be leading the service. We will be visiting other groups throughout the day to celebrate with them, also.


The boys decorating their Christmas cookies


We hope that you and your families have a merry Christmas. May God bless you.


Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

2 comments:

The Reeds said...

I love hearing updates.

Praying for longevity, hope and perseverance for you all.
Georgia Reed

Scott and Kathy said...

Wish we were there to make and eat cookies with you. We love seeing the pictures. Enjoy your time with Benton and give all your boys and yourself a hug. Love that green thumb of yours too.