June 30, 2012

In the blaring sun on Lake Victoria, it is hard to see this man's face, but there is no doubt that somehting has caught his attention.  Is he watching fish jumping, other fisherman succeeding in their morning's work, or...  Pray for Believers in East Africa as they approach people that usually have unknown experiences, stories, and needs.  Pray that they will rely upon the Holy Spirit's guidance as they share their experience, their story and how their Heavenly Father is meeting their needs.  The answer to what this man is watching will be shared in tomorrow's nudge!

June 29, 2012

Roadside East African kiosk offering essentials:  Bread, water, juice, Wheatbix (breakfast food like shredded wheat - one missionary once used it simultaneously as the first cereal for her little one and the first food for her puppies), soap (body and laundry), toothpaste, medicines, and somewhere there is maize meal (for ugali) and mchuzi mix (to flavor sukuma wiki/greens) as well as some Kimbo (cooking fat).  Pray today that missionaries will have all the important things they need:  Quality time with our Father as well as good rest, encouraging friends, and times of joy and peace.

June 28, 2012

From co-workers in a new East African city: "Doing lots of map studying as we try to learn our way around...  and gradually getting there.  My hubby is a very patient driver and does a great job driving on the wrong side of the road.  I’m the navigator… he has thought a few times that I had us completely lost.  But we always manage to get to a place we’ve seen before!   Pray that we will make forward progress in learning our way around and in finding where God wants us working/ serving, even if we can’t see what’s ahead."

June 27, 2012

From one working with Unreached Peoples:  “One of our leaders and I traveled to a new area to start evangelism. We introduced ourselves to the community and told them of our decision to come and teach. One lady in the group started talking to me about prayer. She reminded me of the time about a year ago that I went to her sister’s village on Christmas Day and prayed for a small child with malaria. She said, 'You came and prayed for this child and the next day he was OK. We believe what you have come here to say and won’t forget that day.' I remembered praying for the child, but not the woman, BUT she remembered me praying."

June 26, 2012

More adjustments for missionaries in a new place of service: “Since arriving in East Africa, a lot of our time has been spent ‘settling’ – including finding new doctors and figuring out how to get to the local hospitals and chemists (pharmacies). Our new doctor says I am in pretty good health I just needed some ‘fine tuning’. I thought that was funny – made me think of bringing a horse to see the vet! Anyway I am getting fine-tuned…” Pray for wisdom for missionaries as they seek medical care in new places! Their thanks: That the IMB provides good support for their worker's medical needs.
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Photo is of a rural chemist/pharmacy - the shop with the colourful medicine signs.

June 25, 2012

Spotted often in missionary homes – items emptied as fully as possible before they hit the trash! Some might say these missionaries were penny pinchers or franc/ shilling/ pound pinchers.  They would describe themselves as good stewards!  Pray today for missionaries in East Africa as they balance their lifestyles and needs with that of the people they serve among – often people with limited resources.  Pray that these missionaries will have the needed wisdom to find/ build a ‘comfort zone’ – a place of rest and peace which is needed to continue as strong ambassadors of our Father’s love and salvation.

June 24, 2012

Did you know that East African missionaries often have babies named for them? As one Journey(wo)man shares, “Regina's baby is named ‘for’ me, I am culturally expected to give her special things, or at least sort of treat her as my favorite –  which she is anyway. Check out my namesake in the outfit my Mom brought from the US! Totally too big for her, but totally cute.” Praise God that this little one was born  in a country (South Sudan) where Believers are sharing the Good News of our Saviour, the one who offers Eternal “Life in His NAME” (John 20:31).

June 23, 2012

A missionary’s TO-DO-List after returning from Stateside Leave: "Lots of official and unofficial meetings in our village; complete building our house; get back into the home schooling groove; educational, medical, water and agricultural projects …  Will be exciting to see how He works it all out for His glory.  Such as a call we received today: A local government official needs a trusted person to finish relief work in our area – exactly what we want to do!  Now do you understand why we need upon your prayer support? Pray that we would be bold, obedient and steadfast and have servant hearts!"

June 22, 2012

Do you want new ideas or fresh inspiration for how to BE our Father’s Heart, Hands and Voice for/in Africa?  Take a few minutes and go to http://www.onelifematters.org/resources and click TEN DAYS OF SACRIFRICE (Africa).  You will find lots of nudges for praying for the people of Africa individually, as a group or online – a special opportunity for “Ten Day of Sacrifice for the sake of His name and those who do not know Him.”  Want even more challenging nudges?  Go to http://www.onelifematters.org/ .

June 21, 2012

Praising God today for the unexpected joys He provides His servants, including viewing a colourful roadside kiosk (store) and spotting a very special shop keeper!  Or the joy experienced by a young woman who serves in a part of East Africa with a very limited, EXTREMELY limited choice of fresh veggies:  “Completed the AIDS stories with a big group in a village, then went to town (not that big, but bigger than the village) and one lady was selling eggplant, carrots and cucumbers – three things that I haven't eaten in months!!! What a great day!”

June 20, 2012

Creative clothes dryer – the tin roof of the dining hall of a Baptist seminary in East Africa! A missionary spotting this view had read Luke 9:3-6 during her devotions that morning.  Her first thought: Unlike Jesus's Twelve, their seminary students arrive with a bag, but usually a small one with only a few bits of clothing.  Second thought:  How difficult was it for the disciples to obey Jesus and leave the towns where they were not welcomed, to “shake the dust off THEIR feet”?  Pray for strength and wisdom for East African Believers as they deal with situations where their Saviour’s Good News is not welcomed!

June 19, 2012

One does see bread trucks in East Africa, but this is what one spots most often – Bread Bikes.  This bread-man is more creative than some as he carries stacked bread crates on the front, as well as the familiar rear spot!  Pray today for strength, safety and a bit of creativity (all also needed by the bicyclist) for East African Believers as they deliver bread to their world – as they share loaves of bread to the hungry and as they share their Good News of our Saviour, the One who said, “I am the Bread of Life” which leads to Eternal Life.  (John 6:35, 40)

June 18, 2012

There is a van ahead, but how did he get there?  Often in East Africa, one can spot a desired destination, yet be totally confounded by how to get there thanks to no signs, safety measures, or possibly inadequate room to maneuver!  Pray for patience, wisdom, and stamina for East African Believers as they seek to move to the places where People Groups have not yet heard of our Father's love and salvation.  Even the journeys that appear to be easy are often filled with diversions, delays, blind spots, unsafe moments, and on and on!

June 17, 2012

Missionaries value supporters who lift their specific needs and praises to our Father.  They also are VERY THANKFUL for the ‘general/non-specific’ prayers of their friends when they face unexpected needs for patience and a good attitude!  EXAMPLE shared by an East African missionary:  "My 3rd washer broke, so I hand washed a load of towels.  As I got ready for bed, the hot water line broke under the bathroom sink AND the electricity went off in the middle of the gusher! Bathroom and bedroom flooded. All clean now, but now without water.  Need a plumber!"
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The missionary’s answer to Did you get a photo?: “I didn't. A photo of a bucket of wet towels would do.”  Instead, today’s photo is of a bit of creative East African ‘branding’ of OMO, one of the most popular East African laundry detergents!  By the way the missionary also shared:  “The hand washed towels are in the dryer soaking wet with no power to dry them. Every other towel in the house is also wet from soaking up the flood."

June 16, 2012

 From co-workers in East Africa:  “Are you loving your job as our prayer partners? We are keeping you busy! Thanks again for being so faithful… for your reading our e-mails and asking our Father for the needed favor and direction.  He does hear and answer AND we have answered prayers to share with you!  After two months of waiting, we HAVE our work permits! We are happy, excited, relieved...  But, don’t stop praying as we deal with the joys of East African government administration.  We need your continued prayers for fairness and favor as we begin serving our Father!”

June 15, 2012

Finding a new church family – something missionaries in a new place must do.  From the newsletter of new co-workers in East Africa: “ We've visited several churches since arriving.  From a church meeting in a tent and one meeting in a little tin shed all the way up to one that has the words to the music on video screens in a very modern facility.  And we’ve enjoyed most of them.”  Pray today for new missionaries as they find a church family – the perfect spot for nurturing and ministry.

June 14, 2012

News from the 3rd Uganda Baptist Seminary (UBS) missionary who ministers in Koboko, near the DRC border:  With a few people he has discipled, Pastor Mark goes out witnessing in Koboko.  In a recent home visit, a young lady of another religion was led to faith in Jesus Christ.  She feared what her parents might think, so Mark is witnessing to them.  Pray that the whole family will discover the truth of Who Jesus Is.   Pray that the Harvest for Christ will be great in Koboko.   Pray also for the two students from this northern church planting site that started UBS training this year.
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The 1st and 2nd story were shared in the previous two Prayer Nudges.  Photo is of a woman across the border in the DRC chasing a chicken to offer as a gift to another missionary.  For more on the Uganda Baptist Seminary, go to: http://www.ugandabaptistseminary.org/

June 13, 2012

Second Uganda Baptist Seminary (UBS) missionary story – With five disciples, Pastor Sam witnesses door to door twice a week in Mutukula, near the Tanzania border.  He leads services at two places and is beginning a town church and another fellowship. In one town, he witnessed to a lady who accepted Christ.  He began services in her father’s home, a rundown place needing cleaning.  The woman was busy with work and her father was too old, so Sam cleaned the place. A neighbour asked why he was helping.  “I’m a Believer in Jesus.  They needed help.”  Impressed by this act of Godly love, the observer asked, “How can I be saved?” She is now a part of this small fellowship!
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Look for the first story in yesteday's Prayer Nudge.  The third story will be shared tomorrow.  Photo is of   a special Ugandan dish - mashed cooking bananas

June 12, 2012

Three Uganda Baptist Seminary (UBS) missionaries are planting churches as launching points into Uganda’s bordering nations.  Pastor Simon, serving in Lamwo, near Southern Sudan, has discipled two men and six ladies. Going two by two, they to do door to door evangelism in their town.  Pastor Simon rides a bicycle three times each week (nine miles one way) to minister in Lamwo. Pray for this pastor and the new disciples as they make time for evangelism three times a week.  Praise God for the 20 new Believers who are awaiting baptism – thanks to their evangelism efforts in the area!
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Photo: Housing in the northern part of Uganda.

June 11, 2012

People in our world are waiting for many different things. Many, too many people, like "Joseph of Arimathea… (are) waiting for the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). There are entire People Groups like Simeon, who are “waiting for… the Lord's Messiah" (Luke 2:25-32); People from all nations waiting for peace and salvation.  Take time today to “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest  field” (Matthew 9:37) so that all people in world, including these little boys on an island in East Africa, will cease waiting to hear and claim our Father’s Good News!

June 10, 2012

“On the Road Again” episode of “THE REAL MISSIONARIES OF EAST AFRICA”:  1st Scene:  Missionary views empty cupboards and fridge and heads to the store.  2nd Scene:  Astonishment at rain-filled craters is soon forgotten as she maneuvers between vehicles dodging potholes while avoiding sinking into their depths!  Her car dips…  Next scene:   Front left tire is buried in a crater. A well-dressed East African stops, puts rocks in the pothole, but… 4th scene:  Still stuck!  A group of young men appear before the car and one motions for the lady to reverse as they push. Last scene:  The missionary collects her loose change, rewards her angels, and drives away smiling.

June 9, 2012

Great nudges to prayer in this missionary’s thoughts about his ‘comfort zone’ and communicating our Good News:  “Looking forward to the normality and familiarity of returning home to Rwanda tomorrow from our visit to the DRofCongo. I never thought I would miss speaking Ikinyarwanda. When I find a Ikinyarwanda speaker I immediately launch into Ikinyarwanda. I have to laugh at the blank stares on the faces of people who have no idea what I am trying to communicate. I guess I am going to have to pick up some Kiswahili or French if I plan to keep coming here.”
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One reason to know the local language – to buy sweet sugar cane and possibly take a spin at propelling this neat bike/ transporter for heavy loads!

June 8, 2012

Grand Finale – Well drilling in South Sudan: "We bought a goat and named him LUNCH… as a reminder that he is not a pet, but is to be served for lunch at the celebration of the village’s wells and hand-pumps… a time to give God the glory for providing the water wells and an opportunity to share the Gospel message before the whole community. Pray that they will see God's hand of provision and recognize that He is Jehova Jirah – THE provider!  Pray that the Gospel message would be presented clear and strong and that many would hear and understand that the God of mercy and love has made a bridge of forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ and they can receive this gift of forgiveness by faith."  
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For more from this team, go to:  http://exploringtheland.blogspot.com

June 7, 2012

Part 4 – Well drilling in South Sudan:  "Another difficulty – Snakes appeared… because of the rain… (and) the vibration of the drill and generators 'Many snakes,' one worker commented, 'black ones,' referring to deadly black mambas. While not all of these men are believers, they know these wells will benefit their people of South Sudan, 'Bringing water is a good thing.' The cost, while substantial, is not nearly as high as the benefits reaped. 'The people of the village are so excited – they are so happy that water has come,' stated a local man. The drilling team leader summed it up, 'This is a good way to finish the drilling season.'" Celebration time tomorrow!

June 6, 2012

Part 3 – Well drilling in South Sudan:  "The water table is quite high in our area.  One bore hole was drilled at 197 feet and the other at 147 feet with the dynamic water level at 69 feet. This job had its difficulties; rain fell in earnest as they drilled the second hole… the heavy trucks were stuck for three days until the sun dried the earth enough for the drill and trucks to drive out. Conflict continues to plague South Sudan.  Rising prices and the scarcity of fuel (gasoline and diesel) was a problem for the drilling team."  Part 4 tomorrow!

June 5, 2012

 Part 2 - Well drilling in South Sudan:  “The water well drilling season finishes when rains begin in South Sudan… one company’s final two wells (boreholes) of the season were drilled in our village with the help of Baptist Global Response.  It was an exciting time as the big trucks and giant drill lumbered down the road destined for the Baptist compound. As the sun drops, the team unpacks… the men unload the trucks and pitch tents, the women begin preparing the evening meal… the men must rest well tonight for tomorrow work begins on one of two new boreholes for our village…” Look for Part 3 tomorrow!

June 4, 2012

From co-workers in South Sudan:  “The rains are coming… BUT if there isn't clean water nearby, people get water from wherever they find it, notwithstanding the condition. Would you cook, drink or wash clothes or dishes in this water?  However this woman will use this jug of water and another container she filled for a child to carry home for these uses. Clean water is a precious resource…one of the major concerns in Africa.   People get cholera and other diseases, many of which can be deadly because of the lack of clean water to drink. STAY TUNED… look tomorrow for a report on a village well project!”

June 3, 2012

Posted on Facebook by a former missionary to East Africa:  “Soon to be High School grad at the beginning of his formal education. Wonder if you can spot our son in that crowd?”  Another missionary to East Africa responded:  “Love this! Reminds me of when our daughter, also the only MZUNGU (roughly translated as white person) in her class, returned from preschool one day very irritated – ‘It isn’t fair!  My white skin shows dirt more than the other kids!’”  Pray for the many Missionary Kids graduating from high school – which usually means moving to another continent for further studies!

June 2, 2012

Missionaries to East Africa often experience joy – such as spotting this impromptu nursery during a Church Planting Training seminar.  Missionaries also experience sorrow – such as when one recently gathered information to share with a group of Missionary Kids. In the USA, 1.2 million people have AIDS, with only one of five people aware of their infection.  In Kenya, a country roughly the size of the state of Texas, there are 1.2 million people who are very aware of the pain of AIDS – kids who are orphans due to the deaths of their HIV infected parents.

June 1, 2012

Not market day, but gifts to missionaries from East African friends.  Once when a missionary was named the ‘Most Honored Patron’ of an orphanage, she thought:  A new angle to get money?   No, it was thanks for the stalks of bananas, trays of eggs, as well as alive and kicking goats and chickens her family dropped at the orphanage after receiving more gifts than they could use from rural churches!  As missionaries learn and respond to their People Groups’ ways of expressing thanks and their way of making requests (which may be offensive in the missionary's culture), pray for a strong sense of God’s discernment and guidance.