Three Things

 

Thing Number 1:  A Request from an Unlikely Source

About a month ago I received a very encouraging email from a colleague and friend in Gambella, Rev. Gnigwo Omod, the president of the East Gambella Bethel Synod (EGBS) which is made up mostly of Anywaa people. The West Gambella Bethel Synod (WGBS), whose offices are on the other side of town, is headed up by Rev. James Gatdet Tang and is made up mostly by Nuer people. 

If you've followed our work very closely, you know that the Anywaa and Nuer are frequently in conflict for reasons that are sometimes clear and sometimes not. This conflict has been going on for generations. Anywaa and Nuer rarely stick up for each other for any reason. There is a lot of jealousy and finger pointing in both directions. 

Gnigwo wrote regarding two issues. The first was a notification that the Nuer community had been attacked during a spiritual conference (much like a tent revival meeting) organized by the women of that area. He asked for prayers for the Nuer community.  A neighboring people group, who are notorious for such attacks on both Anywaa and Nuer, raided the area during the meeting, killing several people (mostly women) and injuring many others. In addition, he requested prayer for peace and reconciliation in the area and for the strength and courage for the church leaders in doing their part. 

Revs. James Gatdet Tang & Gnigwo Omod

Secondly, Gnigwo made a request on behalf of the WGBS for funds for the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser. This has been a need for many years. The one that synod has is more than 20 years old and is hardly worth repairing any more, because the repairs cost more than you would pay for a new car in the US. The Outreach Foundation has agreed to collect donations and send the funding on when it reaches the amount needed. I hesitate to tell you how much is needed, you will be horrified and maybe scared away from donating.  ... minimum $60,000 for a used one; it would be better if they could buy a new one - more than twice that amount! Would you consider honoring Rev. Gnigwo's selfless request by making any small or large donation to help carry on the work of the WGBS. 

Since they have no useable vehicle, Rev. James must beg a ride from another organization in order to make a pastoral visit to the community grieving the loss of so many people. Click here to give online and to find mail-in directions. Make a note on your check that your donation is for "WGBS Vehicle" or at the bottom of the online site check "other" and write that in.

And please do remember the Gambella region in your prayers. Violence continues to disturb the peace in Gambella town as well as the surrounding area. There seems to be no solution. We know that Jesus is central to any possible solution.

Thing Number 2: Rachel's High Adventure

I learned from my dad that life is always an adventure, but when going to new places and doing new things (like getting ice cream at a place you've never been before!) it's a High Adventure! I am in the process of starting a High Adventure.

Gabi & me off on another Jeep adventure!

For six months, I tried working at a local hospital - just to have something to do, to see if I can still do "American nursing", and to have some spending money. That zapped my joy and took up more time in the week than I had to give. So I sat down and talked to God who pointed out to me that I have gifts and training that fit a special need in the US. 

You are well aware, I'm sure, that there are many African immigrants who have come to the US to escape all the problems of their home countries and villages. What is very evident, though, is that those problems don't just drop off at the check-in counter for their flights out. Immigrating to the US is a lot harder than it might seem and when a person arrives carrying the baggage of years of turmoil and poverty, life in the US can be unbearable. 

As a Master Equipper in Trauma Healing, I am trained to bring people together to do part of the work towards healing those pains. I am now in the process of becoming a Bridges Leader to do just that as a vocation. Bridges is an organization that will help me to work through my own non-profit, which I haven't named yet! It will mean some travel to places like Nebraska and Minnesota, where there are many Nuer and Anywaa immigrants. It will probably also mean zoom meetings. 

In addition, there are people closer to where I live who have been affected by similar trauma. The opioid crisis hit the region of southwest Virginia where we now live very hard. Where coal was once a major industry, jobs are scarce now. I hope to connect with people here trying to put the next foot forward towards living a productive and peaceful life again. 

Obviously, I haven't worked out the details, yet, but this is the High Adventure I'm preparing for. Of course, I will need funding. I'll get back to that next time! And a lot of what I do will depend on how "Thing Number 3" progresses.

Thing Number 3: A Couple of Tumors

Having been completely symptom free and having always had "perfect" MRIs for

With hair again!

the past two years, we were surprised by the two small white blobs that showed up where they don't belong in Michael's brain this week. He is still symptom-free. We give thanks for that! And we give thanks for the progress in the medical and scientific understanding of our bodies that were so wonderfully and fearfully made. 

Over the next several weeks he will undergo a biopsy, treatment with chemotherapy, and surgery to remove what doesn't belong in his brain. The Duke Hospital doctors are hopeful because the tumors are still small and not "reaching out" (yet). 

Once again sadness overwhelms without knowing what, exactly, we are sad about. Our plans are all tentative. And yes, they are for all of us, but - no, it's not quite the same. We both rely on God's strength and love. Your friendship and care helps a lot.

Thanks for sharing our story.