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.