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16 October 2009
14 August 2009
20 July 2009
Story of Transformation
Story from Dan & Kim Scheel, serving in Ethiopia:
Dear Friends,
Whenever a seriously ill patient comes into the SIM Langano Clinic, we often wonder how God might impact that person’s life. Many times God touches people’s lives in special ways when they are in crisis. Such was the case when Fayissa was carried in on Christmas Day.
Fayissa was a 20 something-year-old man known for his wild living. True to his reputation, he got into a fight and was speared. He was carried in on a makeshift stretcher, accompanied by a large group of people. Many were crying and wailing, not expecting him to live. By the time he arrived at the clinic he had lost a considerable amount of blood. Right away the nurse on call knew Fayissa was in trouble. After getting an IV line secured to try to increase his fluid volume, the next priority was to get him off to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. There he could get the blood and the emergency surgery he needed. Newcomer missionaries, Shane and Mike were called away from their family Christmas celebrations to transport Fayissa. Although both men didn’t expect Fayissa to survive the grueling hour-long trip over the rutted and bone-jarring roads, they were willing to give it their best shot.
Miraculously, Fayissa did survive that trip and made it through surgery. His story drew a lot of attention locally. Mulatu, the national evangelist with whom we work, took particular note of Fayissa and began to visit him regularly after he returned home. But Fayissa kept putting the evangelist off. Again and again Mulatu was told, “Don’t waste your time on trying to convince me to become a Christian. I have too many addictions.”
But God had other plans. Just a month ago, Fayissa’s life was impacted in a most amazing way. It was a night unlike any other. As Fayissa slept he had a dream. In the dream Fayissa saw Lake Langano and in the sky above the lake a sign appeared. It read, “Jesus Christ is returning to earth soon.” As he looked at the sign, suddenly there was Jesus in the clouds above the lake. As he watched Fayissa saw the believers he knew from the area run to the edge of the lake, then jump into the air. Unbelievably, they just floated up into the air and joined Jesus. They were rejoicing and praising God together.
Next Fayissa noticed several Muslims from the area run to the edge of the lake and attempt to jump, to also join the believers. Some even tried to dress like and imitate the Christians. But as hard as they tried, they just couldn’t do it. They would fall back to earth in despair. Fayissa himself decided to try jumping, but he too failed.
It was midnight when Fayissa awoke from his dream. He was in a cold sweat and more fearful than he had ever been in his life. His immediate thought was to run to his neighbor, Dekabo, who was a believer. He could show him the way to God. So, in the middle of the night, Fayissa did just that. He knocked at Dekabo’s door, pleading with him to explain what he had to do to become a Christian. Dekabo got out his Bible and showed Fayissa the way to Christ. As Fayissa prayed the “sinner’s prayer” he knew in his heart he was now ready to meet Jesus in the air when he returned to earth.
A Transformed Fayissa
Dear Friends,
Whenever a seriously ill patient comes into the SIM Langano Clinic, we often wonder how God might impact that person’s life. Many times God touches people’s lives in special ways when they are in crisis. Such was the case when Fayissa was carried in on Christmas Day.
Fayissa was a 20 something-year-old man known for his wild living. True to his reputation, he got into a fight and was speared. He was carried in on a makeshift stretcher, accompanied by a large group of people. Many were crying and wailing, not expecting him to live. By the time he arrived at the clinic he had lost a considerable amount of blood. Right away the nurse on call knew Fayissa was in trouble. After getting an IV line secured to try to increase his fluid volume, the next priority was to get him off to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. There he could get the blood and the emergency surgery he needed. Newcomer missionaries, Shane and Mike were called away from their family Christmas celebrations to transport Fayissa. Although both men didn’t expect Fayissa to survive the grueling hour-long trip over the rutted and bone-jarring roads, they were willing to give it their best shot.
Miraculously, Fayissa did survive that trip and made it through surgery. His story drew a lot of attention locally. Mulatu, the national evangelist with whom we work, took particular note of Fayissa and began to visit him regularly after he returned home. But Fayissa kept putting the evangelist off. Again and again Mulatu was told, “Don’t waste your time on trying to convince me to become a Christian. I have too many addictions.”
But God had other plans. Just a month ago, Fayissa’s life was impacted in a most amazing way. It was a night unlike any other. As Fayissa slept he had a dream. In the dream Fayissa saw Lake Langano and in the sky above the lake a sign appeared. It read, “Jesus Christ is returning to earth soon.” As he looked at the sign, suddenly there was Jesus in the clouds above the lake. As he watched Fayissa saw the believers he knew from the area run to the edge of the lake, then jump into the air. Unbelievably, they just floated up into the air and joined Jesus. They were rejoicing and praising God together.
Next Fayissa noticed several Muslims from the area run to the edge of the lake and attempt to jump, to also join the believers. Some even tried to dress like and imitate the Christians. But as hard as they tried, they just couldn’t do it. They would fall back to earth in despair. Fayissa himself decided to try jumping, but he too failed.
It was midnight when Fayissa awoke from his dream. He was in a cold sweat and more fearful than he had ever been in his life. His immediate thought was to run to his neighbor, Dekabo, who was a believer. He could show him the way to God. So, in the middle of the night, Fayissa did just that. He knocked at Dekabo’s door, pleading with him to explain what he had to do to become a Christian. Dekabo got out his Bible and showed Fayissa the way to Christ. As Fayissa prayed the “sinner’s prayer” he knew in his heart he was now ready to meet Jesus in the air when he returned to earth.
A Transformed Fayissa
15 July 2009
From SIM Zambia
Below is from SIM Zambia's July/August newsletter. Some words of encouragement from Gilbert Nigh, SIM Zambia Director, to the team:
Had a heart checkup lately? One of the ways to check the health of your heart is to think about the health of your spiritual life.
You know the reality of the situation is that missionaries often struggle spiritually. A couple of people have shared with me that their personal time with God has actually declined since coming on the mission field! And then when you add in cultural and language factors at church or in small groups and the busyness of life in general, your spiritual life can take a tumble. And I know this personally as well. My own spiritual life has its ups and downs.
Don’t just stand there, do something! Going through a spiritual dry period is a great time to break out Richard Foster’s book “Spiritual Disciplines”. Put some discipline in your life and see if it draws you closer to God. Maybe you will be inspired to try something new in your spiritual life that can get you going again.
Getting back to a basic devotional book or guide like Daily Bread can be helpful too. It might not give you real heavy spiritual food to chew on, but if you aren’t having anything right now, then that would be an improvement.
An accountability partner can help too. A friend of mine used to phone me up and the first thing he would ask was “What did you read in your Bible today?”. This really helps you keep on track!
Let me know if I can help in any way. We all know what it’s like to go through a spiritual dry time and the best way to get out of it is to admit it and start moving.
A Few Words
“Your ministry will never outlive the health of your heart.” - Pastor Conrad Mbewe
Had a heart checkup lately? One of the ways to check the health of your heart is to think about the health of your spiritual life.
You know the reality of the situation is that missionaries often struggle spiritually. A couple of people have shared with me that their personal time with God has actually declined since coming on the mission field! And then when you add in cultural and language factors at church or in small groups and the busyness of life in general, your spiritual life can take a tumble. And I know this personally as well. My own spiritual life has its ups and downs.
Don’t just stand there, do something! Going through a spiritual dry period is a great time to break out Richard Foster’s book “Spiritual Disciplines”. Put some discipline in your life and see if it draws you closer to God. Maybe you will be inspired to try something new in your spiritual life that can get you going again.
Getting back to a basic devotional book or guide like Daily Bread can be helpful too. It might not give you real heavy spiritual food to chew on, but if you aren’t having anything right now, then that would be an improvement.
An accountability partner can help too. A friend of mine used to phone me up and the first thing he would ask was “What did you read in your Bible today?”. This really helps you keep on track!
Let me know if I can help in any way. We all know what it’s like to go through a spiritual dry time and the best way to get out of it is to admit it and start moving.
- Gilbert
17 June 2009
Bryans News
Here's a wonderful story from the Bryans in Ethiopia:
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03 June 2009
Stories from Sudan
Team leaders and Friends,
I would be remiss if I did not send you these four fantastic stories recorded by Thomas Simon. I hope that you will be blessed by them – I was transported from the café where I sit back to Sudan as I read. I pray that God will energize us for the task and convince us of the spiritual reality that Jesus brings Redemption and Education (to Francis), Healing (to Simon), Protection from the Evil One (to Yabus missionaries), and Open Hearts for the Gospel (in Bil village).
I cannot get out of my mind the photo of a French water engineer holding hands in friendship with a Sudanese man named Simon.
Chris
SIM Sudan Director
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I would be remiss if I did not send you these four fantastic stories recorded by Thomas Simon. I hope that you will be blessed by them – I was transported from the café where I sit back to Sudan as I read. I pray that God will energize us for the task and convince us of the spiritual reality that Jesus brings Redemption and Education (to Francis), Healing (to Simon), Protection from the Evil One (to Yabus missionaries), and Open Hearts for the Gospel (in Bil village).
I cannot get out of my mind the photo of a French water engineer holding hands in friendship with a Sudanese man named Simon.
Chris
SIM Sudan Director
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(CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO VIEW)
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28 April 2009
Rebuilding Southern Sudan: Church and Nation
Here an update from Jimmy Cox, Rebuilding Southern Sudan: Church and Nation
REJOICE WITH US as we commemorate God's faithfulness
one year after the plane accident of April 26, 2008
Below, our team members who experienced the trauma of a plane crash in South Sudan last year share their reflections of God's goodness through this experience. Take time to read the attachment & rejoice with us.
REFLECTIONS by Barb Hartwig – ministering in Doro, South Sudan
April 26th, 2008, I was anxious to be on my way home for furlough. On takeoff, the plane got up to tree top height, but went into an aerodynamic stall. The plane flipped over in a gully at the end of the airstrip. Miracles: we just missed a big baobab tree on the ground; the way the plane flipped nose to tail meant no fuel leakage and no fire; an unknown Sudanese man appearing soon afterwards to cut Sandy’s seatbelt and carry her out of the plane; a UN helicopter came to evacuate us out of Doro to Malakal that evening; a retired SIM hand surgeon temporarily in Kenya operated on my hand; etc.
I have had three other close calls in Africa over these years, but this was the first time I was injured. If this was some kind of test of endurance or commitment to work in South Sudan, then I conclude that I am even deeper committed to do just that.
This miraculous survival gains more perspective for me because just 25 days earlier at Doro, we had the sudden tragic event of (missionary) Dr. David Masters’ death. There was no evacuation or survival that dark night in a hot tent. God’s sovereignty in whether we live or die has been brought home to me this past year anew as I have reflected often on both of these events. We must be ready to live or die, and count it God’s will for some purpose when things go wrong. The devil would try to thwart us from serving God. But in the end, victory and glory belong to our heavenly Father when we carry on no matter what.
REFLECTIONS by Claire Meckler – ministering in Malakal, South Sudan
As I reflect on the events of April 26/08 I continue to be very, very grateful(!) and amazed(!) that I had NO serious head or spinal injury. By the Lord's mercy I can still move, walk, talk, think, live, and serve Him. Because my life was spared, I am now able to continue to seek to help people of Southern Sudan learn to love the God who watches over and cares for them as well.
I am re-reading the book by Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life." Because God has granted me an extension of my life, I feel He certainly has purposes for me to fulfill-- and I am driven by grace to maximize whatever gift of days are remaining. I've personally re-titled this chapter of my life with the prayer for it to be "Grace Driven, Purpose Filled" to capture more vividly the attitude of gratitude that motivates me--
"...Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what great things He has done for you." (I Samuel 12:26) I can be whole hearted, not simply because I am whole bodied, but because I serve an awesome God worthy of all my heart and soul, mind and strength.
REFLECTIONS by Debbie Sardo – currently in the U.S. for physiotherapy treatment
The plane took off for my return to Thiangrial. Who would have ever thought several hours later, I would be wondering if I was going to live, or if I was ever going to be able to walk again. As I realized that the plane was going to crash, there were two immediate thoughts that came to mind: “I am probably never going to see my family again on this earth” and “this is really going to hurt”. Then God’s peace that passes all understanding covered me. His mighty hand was upon us. We were on Holy ground.
There have been giants I have had to face: being able to fly again & the healing of my body. But I do not face them alone; I face them with God. Was this a test of faith or endurance? I can’t answer that question but I have committed my life to my Lord and Savior, and said to Him “whatever, wherever and whenever, Lord.”
My commitment to serve God in Sudan (or wherever He leads) is even stronger than it was before. Satan will try anything to stop the advancement of God’s Kingdom, but he can’t win. In Jesus name I will press on until the day He takes me home. I have been able to join Jesus in His suffering and I would not ask for anything in the last year to be different, As I continue to heal, I embrace the pain and thank God. I have seen more of Jesus and grown closer to Him. Even when things in my world rock, my foundation (Jesus) never waivers. His Word sustains me and His grace is sufficient!
REJOICE WITH US as we commemorate God's faithfulness
one year after the plane accident of April 26, 2008
Below, our team members who experienced the trauma of a plane crash in South Sudan last year share their reflections of God's goodness through this experience. Take time to read the attachment & rejoice with us.
REFLECTIONS by Barb Hartwig – ministering in Doro, South Sudan
April 26th, 2008, I was anxious to be on my way home for furlough. On takeoff, the plane got up to tree top height, but went into an aerodynamic stall. The plane flipped over in a gully at the end of the airstrip. Miracles: we just missed a big baobab tree on the ground; the way the plane flipped nose to tail meant no fuel leakage and no fire; an unknown Sudanese man appearing soon afterwards to cut Sandy’s seatbelt and carry her out of the plane; a UN helicopter came to evacuate us out of Doro to Malakal that evening; a retired SIM hand surgeon temporarily in Kenya operated on my hand; etc.
I have had three other close calls in Africa over these years, but this was the first time I was injured. If this was some kind of test of endurance or commitment to work in South Sudan, then I conclude that I am even deeper committed to do just that.
This miraculous survival gains more perspective for me because just 25 days earlier at Doro, we had the sudden tragic event of (missionary) Dr. David Masters’ death. There was no evacuation or survival that dark night in a hot tent. God’s sovereignty in whether we live or die has been brought home to me this past year anew as I have reflected often on both of these events. We must be ready to live or die, and count it God’s will for some purpose when things go wrong. The devil would try to thwart us from serving God. But in the end, victory and glory belong to our heavenly Father when we carry on no matter what.
REFLECTIONS by Claire Meckler – ministering in Malakal, South Sudan
As I reflect on the events of April 26/08 I continue to be very, very grateful(!) and amazed(!) that I had NO serious head or spinal injury. By the Lord's mercy I can still move, walk, talk, think, live, and serve Him. Because my life was spared, I am now able to continue to seek to help people of Southern Sudan learn to love the God who watches over and cares for them as well.
I am re-reading the book by Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life." Because God has granted me an extension of my life, I feel He certainly has purposes for me to fulfill-- and I am driven by grace to maximize whatever gift of days are remaining. I've personally re-titled this chapter of my life with the prayer for it to be "Grace Driven, Purpose Filled" to capture more vividly the attitude of gratitude that motivates me--
"...Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what great things He has done for you." (I Samuel 12:26) I can be whole hearted, not simply because I am whole bodied, but because I serve an awesome God worthy of all my heart and soul, mind and strength.
REFLECTIONS by Debbie Sardo – currently in the U.S. for physiotherapy treatment
The plane took off for my return to Thiangrial. Who would have ever thought several hours later, I would be wondering if I was going to live, or if I was ever going to be able to walk again. As I realized that the plane was going to crash, there were two immediate thoughts that came to mind: “I am probably never going to see my family again on this earth” and “this is really going to hurt”. Then God’s peace that passes all understanding covered me. His mighty hand was upon us. We were on Holy ground.
There have been giants I have had to face: being able to fly again & the healing of my body. But I do not face them alone; I face them with God. Was this a test of faith or endurance? I can’t answer that question but I have committed my life to my Lord and Savior, and said to Him “whatever, wherever and whenever, Lord.”
My commitment to serve God in Sudan (or wherever He leads) is even stronger than it was before. Satan will try anything to stop the advancement of God’s Kingdom, but he can’t win. In Jesus name I will press on until the day He takes me home. I have been able to join Jesus in His suffering and I would not ask for anything in the last year to be different, As I continue to heal, I embrace the pain and thank God. I have seen more of Jesus and grown closer to Him. Even when things in my world rock, my foundation (Jesus) never waivers. His Word sustains me and His grace is sufficient!
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