Up to Becker, Minnesota

 Friday- My flight was delayed for 5 hours due to no crew… my poor wife, Paula, stayed with me until I was able to go through security. Kissed her goodbye. I won’t be holding her in my arms for a loooong time. Got through security, put myself back together, and headed to my gate. Forgot to bring a sweater or something to keep me warm and ended up purchasing a sweatshirt. Had supper, fish and chips (with vinegar of course!). It was really good; should be for the price… Sat for awhile, boarded the plane, taxied out, sat for awhile, then returned to the gate. The cross winds (40+ miles per hour) meant we had to wait for it to die down. Other than that, the flight was uneventful once we took off. Arrived safely in Minnesota at around 4:20 am Saturday. Went to the luggage carousel and retrieved my three suitcases and a guitar. This is the first time I am bringing a guitar to Yambio as my stay is going to be the longest I have ever stayed (just about 3 months). My dear friend, David Johnson, was there to pick me up. Perfect timing. Got my bags, walked out door 8, and he had just pulled up; right place, right time, awesome!

Stopped for coffee and breakfast and then on to Becker. I was there for a Mission service at Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday. Dave serves as the pastor. He is an amazing God-loving, people-loving servant of the Lord. 

My dear friend and brother in the faith, Bishop Peter Anibati Abia, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan and Sudan (ELCSS/S) was the preacher. After the service he had a PowerPoint presentation and then we fielded questions and then a light lunch. 

My sister, Lori, was there and took me north to Fergus Falls where my three daughters and five grandkids were. Two live there and the oldest, Amanda, was waiting to move into a house around the Cities. It is great being here with them as it has been three years since I have seen them. Staying for a week!!

Until next time..,

My 2023 Trip to the House of Hope Orphanage!

 The House of Hope Orphanage in Yambio, South Sudan, (H.O.H.) is growing and thriving! This is the 5th year it has been a shelter and safe place for 24 orphans. We are working on a second dormitory for 24 more orphans; and a library!

I begin my journey to Yambio today, Friday, July 21st! Although this is my 15th trip since 2008 I am very excited! First stop is the Twin Cities area in Minnesota for a Mission festival at Grace Lutheran Church, Becker, MN. It takes place Sunday, July 23 starting at 9 am. If you are in the area please come and hear the Bishop of the Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan (and me) talk about the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon the H.O.H.

I will take this time in Minnesota to visit family and friends for a week before taking off for Yambio. Flights will be: Minneapolis to Chicago to Addis Abba to Juba, (where I will stay for a few days) and finally to Yambio with Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

I am looking forward to this trip in which I will stay for close to three months. It will be difficult to be away from my wife for so long, however, she is the one who has encouraged me to go. I am still suffering from the effects of long haul COVID which creates‘issues’ and continues to be a thorn in my flesh. My doctors from Mayo Clinic are in agreement that this is a good thing for me as well.

Yambio is like a second home to me and a place where I can find the peace I need: mentally, spiritually, and physically. 

So, my bags are packed and I am ready to go! Leaving is bittersweet. I leave behind the love of my life but go to a place where ’my kids’ wait anxiously for me. I am beyond blessed by God for giving me my family here and my ‘family’ in Yambio.

Until next time…

The New Seminary Building Fund

I just received a picture of the new seminary with the roof on. Exciting! The building will houe the classroom and an office for instructors. It is the first building established by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudan (ELCS) for the sole purpose of educating seminarians. It is located in Yambio, South Sudan. The building is needed as the sem was using the Yambio Lutheran church as the classroom. It was/is not secure and there is always the chance of thaft. This even includes having to remove the chalkboard so it does not walk off!

This past summer I had the honor and privilage of starting the construction of the building. After problems with the WES government (things were resolved!) we began building. Unfortunately I had to leave before completion of the building. The walls were about 1/4 up when I left.  The contractor, Mr. Kezito, was kind enough to continue work even though payment was not made for the completed project. What a blessing he has been. I will get pictures up (soon?) so you can see the wonderful work he and his crew have done!

We still need to come up with about $15,000 to pay for the building. This is the total for everything. It includes: tiled floor, electrical, finished and painted walls (inside and out), ... every thing! If you would be interested in helping fund this project you may either contact me (on this blog or e-mail: grade5_6.oslds@midconetwork.com) or donations may be sent to:         
              Lutheran Heritage Foundation
               51474 Romeo Plank Rd.
               Macomb, MI     48042
PLEASE put: ELCS sem building fund  on the memo line.

The LHF has information on the Lutheran Church in Sudan as well as other countries around the world. There are many needs in many places. I thank God that He has chosen to use me in Yambio!! Perhaps He has chosen to use you as well!!

Things sound like they are going well for  friends in Yambio. The ELCS is preparing for the new sem class to arrive in 2012. God willing there will be 25 new students to be trained for the pastoral ministry (CLIHM 3). The sem building will be completely finished by January and be ready for classes to begin! This building needs to be paid for ($16,000) before we start on the next sem building which will be a dining/kitchen/bakery. It has been a privilege  to be able to assist our brothers and sisters in both Sudans. I say 'Sudans' because some of the ELCS churches are located in the north (like Nuba Mountain area with pastor Abel). I am blessed to be part of a network where friends, family, the community, and yes, even strangers are helping to spread the love, joy, and compassion of Jesus with people in South Sudan and surrounding areas. I couldn't do it without you!

Haven't heard much, but ...

I haven't heard much, but I believe the General Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan was a success. The new bishop of the ELCS is Rev. Wilson. May God bless both Bishop Wilson and the Church at large as they serve our Lord in truth and wisdom!

YAMBIO...
Such a beautiful town in a beautiful country. Speaking of the country, South Sudan is the newest country in the world. It became independent on July 9th, 2011. Yambio is located in West Equitoria State (WES) near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and  Central Africa Republic. It is located in lush tropical jungle out of which the people, the Azande, eke out a living in small family gardens.