Joy's May/June 2009 Memo

Mango Ministries has gotten off to a great start! I'm thrilled to be back in East Africa again and am busy developing Mango Ministries. I've not been too busy, though, as I take frequent rests for continued back healing. Those breaks are actually a great time to think, pray, dream, and listen to what God is saying.

Partnerships with two mission hospitals are underway. Reuben Kirui is currently at Memorial Christian Hospital where he's involved in agricultural teaching. Besides helping teach better farming practices, he's getting a chance to do some Chronological Bible Storying with the women he's working with. A friend and colleague from Lui Hospital, Dr. Martin - a Ugandan Doctor, will be going to relieve the Sudanese Doctor who will be taking leave in July and August. I can remember the community's tears as they said good-bye in Lui two years ago. He was loved for his strong faith and the excellent care he gives. I know the community of Werkok will love him as well.

Plans are evolving to send a team to Akot this summer, where another mission hospital is located. This is where we will begin a community health & development program. Look for more details of this project soon.

• $120 covers the expenses of Reuben teaching one mother how to grow enough food to feed her family
• $8 covers the costs for one patient to see Dr. Martin while he is in Sudan for the summer

(Project: Help feed the hungry by testing your trivia IQ at www.freerice.com. For every question you answer correctly, the U.N.'s World Food Program will donate 5 grains of rice to a hungry individual.)

Memorial Day for Missions

I'm grateful for the service men and women who have fought and given their lives for the freedoms we have as Americans. As I look around me, I see that freedom is certainly not something to be taken for granted.

I'd like to remember those heroes in missions who have contributed, often at great sacrifice, to expand the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

A few remembrances: Ralph Winter, one of America's most influential evangelicals, died last month. He revolutionized missions in the 1970's as he challenged the evangelical church to think in terms of unreached people groups instead of just individuals or countries. He was the founder of the U.S. Center for World Mission.

I've enjoyed reading some missionary biographies this year and am always impressed by the early pioneering missionary's commitment and sacrifice, people like James Fraser, Isobel Kuhn, and Amy Carmichael. Tenwek Hospital is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Ernie Steury family's arrival at Tenwek. His legacy continues on in the ministry of Tenwek.

And then there are those whose call has been to remain at home and contribute to overseas missions through giving and praying. Several of my support team have passed away this year. One woman in N.J. used to let me know what time she was praying so I would know the specific time her prayers reached Kenya. Who will take her place?

I am humbled with the fantastic support team God has given me. Thank you for your partnership in ministry!

Prayer Requests!

• Wisdom in laying a foundation and planning for Mango Ministries: strategy, financing !
• Recruitment of team members !
• Continued healing after back surgery !
• Peace between North & South Sudan, in Darfur, and between tribes
• Receptiveness of target communities

Prayer Praises

• Smooth transition period, comfortable apartment, and good contacts being made
• Safety and profitable time for Reuben at Werkok as he teaches agriculture
• Partnering Hospital found where we will begin community health & development project
• New team member identified
• Dr. Martin is willing to go to Werkok to replace the Sudanese Doctor on his leave

Joy's contact info
P.O. Box 76695
Nairobi, Kenya
Support address
World Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 948
Marion, IN 46952-0948
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