Sudan’s Birthday

Dear friends and intercessors. Juli 2011
Happy birth day, Sudan!!!!!

Congratulations to all who have prayed for the birth of this new nation!
Big blessings to you all.
I just want to let you know that we made it safe to Sudan with the first all male team (except me) and back again.( see1. Quency from Bermuda preparing a vegetable nursery bed, 2. Aram, EMM at the drinking water spring, 3. Pr Ibrahim, Kenya, in the little 5 seater plane) It was a distinguished sense of relief, men walking through the fields, talking to bee keepers, and other men of the land, breaking through barriers of offices and intimidating situations, seeing possibilities and giving hope…..that is why I am mentioning it…..my friend Lili and I have been praying seriously since the beginning of this year, that the men of God would come out to take the stand that they have, as fathers, leaders, providers, protectors, teachers, priests, even in the nations…….and much more in a new born nation like Sudan. Mothers have always been there, they could not leave, that is why this trip was distinguished, yes the fathers are coming. Praise God. Pray for further release of men and women, and all God’s blessing, reconciliation, peace etc, that this new born nation needs.

Pls also pray for the next team, going up to Morobo during the first 2 weeks of August. They will hold a 10 days seminar for healing, discipleship, microfinance and other practical skills like soap making etc.

Praise God for Shekinah who finished her first term in school well, with new friends, being fund of her teachers, passionate about Maths, and also enjoying her first readings and writings.

Let me just give you some thoughts of mine on this subject, of the new nation, taken out of the book that will be published soon .…….One night, just about two months after we had moved to Yei, Sudan, 2009, suddenly I woke up in the night and felt an urgent need to pray for Pr Christopher ,the co visionary of the future healing centre. I did so and knew I had to get to him as soon as possible. The next morning, happy to find a car from my covering organization going through that village, we went off. It was rainy, and muddy, and I chastised myself for the next few hours of the journey for dragging my daughter through all this on such a day.

When we got there, I just wanted to board a motorbike taxi for the last part to the land, when the shopkeeper on the roadside told me, that Pr Christopher was actually in the Clinic near by I rushed over there, just to find him battling for his life. He was seriously cramping, and immediately I knew this was Tetanus, a septic blood infection. I was informed that he had had a motorbike accident a few days before, just after we had had our last meeting. The next hours were worse than I could ever imagine. Within twenty hours of being brought from Morobo, Pr. Banja stopped breathing. (It was the same hospital in very similar setting as just a
few years back for Colin.I shouted at him to come back. I cajoled, I whispered, I pleaded in Jesus name, he would not respond. Finally I sensed that the LORD had given him that option to stay but he chose paradise. He left a wife and 10 children behind..

What could I say? I suddenly felt as though death was laughing at me. That hellish monstrosity which had such a hold of this part of the world; this Eastern part of Africa and the horn of Africa which have experienced the worst kind of bloodshed in the entire continent; I am generally not a really scared or fearful person, but at that moment I felt deep fear. I had suddenly began to feel I did not know what I was dealing with in this nation. To say it was the darkest moment for me is an understatement. I cannot describe the sense of violation, the sense of vulnerability and the stripping away of a covering from my life. I felt exposed. It was a fearful place to be For a moment there, I understood the people who experience disaster upon disaster so that some of them end up believing that God moved away from their land. It is too defiled for Him to return.

What followed were four of the longest, darkest, days We had funeral preparations going on, Simultaneously I had to concentrate on around forty leaders of the Scripture Union movement in about six High schools of Yei.

We had made plans to run those seminars with Pr. Banja. We were supposed to hold the four day seminar with these youth, full board at the place where I stayed. There had been no time to cancel the meeting as Pr. Banja had just died the day before. The youth started arriving the day after Pastor’s death and I had no option but to host them, get food ready and get up to teach. I cried so much, but now because I saw these children, the children and youth of the land, with a determination that cannot be put into
words.

I felt such awe when I was looking into their eyes and sensing the passion for Jesus and for their nation. They knew beyond doubt, that they are the chosen generation who would see with their own eyes the fulfilment of Isaiah 18, when this broken and blood drenched nation would finally turn to the LORD and bring gifts to mount Zion. There they were standing around me with a dignity that only a calling could preserve, and with a determination that I had never seen anywhere else in the whole world. In their eyes I could see the Sudan that God sees. Though they have been so broken, so humiliated, left without the dignity of a national identity, rejected by their own country men from the north, they still could stand and worship God with so much passion, so much love. They know very little of the Bible yet they love God as though he has given them all the material things which most of the church calls “blessings.” Yet the incorruptible seed of salvation has remained strong in these youth.

Southern Sudan is a nation which through her tribulations has been a last stumbling block against the onslaught of Islam from flowing down to the rest of Africa. It is in her standing through adversity that the rest of Africa has been spared much more suffering that it already experiences.

I looked at the radiant worshipping faces of these young people who represent the bleeding Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. Their eyes carry the history of generations of persecution for embracing Christianity resolutely. They have been struck down
again and again, but not destroyed, they have been persecuted but have not been abandoned. They represent the resilience, the strength of the heart of this continent. A heart which beats even under the worst oppression the worst rape of her resource by foreign nations, the worst betrayals of many kinds. Still these people have staggered up, the heart of this continent has still echoed a strong heart-beat for the things of God. As I looked at them I just knew in my heart…. because they have stood so Africa shall stand.

During these four days I also knew beyond a doubt, that I am a mother, and a mother cannot run away. These children need mothers and fathers to lead and mentor them into their most awesome calling, the calling to give birth to a nation and walk this nation into their destiny.

One year later, as I write this, I seem to see a bit more of the whole picture. The enemy tried to take away the few fathers of this already very fatherless nation, and by doing so break the spirit of the mothers. He tried to discourage the mothers beyond recovery, but still the nation is going to be born. What he tried to do will be turned around for the glory of God. The mothers of this nation shall only grow stronger. They shall arise like Hannah. Even though she had suffered, she brought forth the purposes of God when she looked beyond her own personal desires. She gave her son to God.

The mothers of this nation will bring forth that which God has purposed. As many other mid-wives who are encouraging the birthing of this nation through their intercessions. God has purposed it and it shall come to pass. I am excited to be part of the making of this history in a very, very small way. I am excited for the things that God is going to do in the coming days. In the coming days God’s ancient promises are coming through in front of our vey eyes, and the laughing monstrous demonic faces of death will be turned around to the cry of a new born baby, the significance of new life! The laughter of mothers, the relieved
sighs of midwives, will arise as a praise to the LORD for that which He has purposed to do in these days.

There is a deeper level of repentance going on in the land for the bloodshed, as people get understanding of their destiny; then they will forgive and release, as clans will reconcile each other, as a new generation of fathers will be born and this next generation will be taught by the LORD, as excellent schools and tertiary institutions, hospitals, farming projects and thriving cities whose architect and builder will be Jehovah Himself! I am so excited for the seeds that have fallen to the ground. I know that one day in a very short while God will turn the face of this nation because of the willingness of so many sung and unsung heroes of the faith.

Morobo Reconciliation Project 10-15 April 2011

Morobo Reconciliation project 10-15 April 2011

 In 1918, a lady who was working in a white man’s property, was given the work of preparing okra. She sorted out the okra and threw out the waste.

Panyabo Clan representatives narrative

The white man got angry and slapped her because he said she should not have thrown anything away.

In response to that offensive incident the Panyabo clan from which she came, gathered together with the clan which places curses on people. They sat in a circle, slaughtered a black chicken, took its beheaded body and invoked a curse on the white people.

These two clans then made an oath that no foreigner would ever have settle in Morobo, nor have success there.

Hedi sharing the testimony

True to this word, Morobo, which is the nearest county to the border with Uganda and DR Congo, has never experienced much in terms of development. Morobo which is also situated in the most fertile part of Southern Sudan, has not maximized its potential in Agriculture and food production. Surprisingly, every organization which has come into southern Sudan, by-passes Morobo and goes to set up in Yei and other towns and villages.

The only organization which has stayed in Morobo is SCOM at Kanyara Worship Centre.

Morobo County has only one secondary school in a one-block building. There are very few primary schools and the health facilities are virtually non-existent.

The curse has held on to the land.

Following a season of prayer concerning the redemptive purpose for Morobo, in a conversation with one pastor from Morobo area, Hedi of Shekinah Foundation was narrated to, about that incident that took place many years ago. As she prayed about it, the Lord revealed that this incident is one of the areas which set precedence for the lack of development in Morobo county.

In response, she wrote a letter to Pr. Immanuel of SPC Yei to help organize a meeting where she would seek repentance on behalf of the white man and foreigners in general, and seek for forgiveness from the offended clan, and the people of Southern Sudan in general. Her offer was accepted and the fellowship of church leaders embraced the idea and a day of Prayer and reconciliation was set for 15th April 2011. Hedi and a team of six persons from Uganda, Kenya and Paraguay also attended the meeting.

The team included:

•  George Seth Nyaundi gnyaundi@gmail.com
• Salome Khatundi Lukorito skhatundi@yahoo.com
• Doris Dueck Wieler doris_dck@yahoo.de
• Faith Lakisa
• Shekinah Colline Lee
• Hedwig Lee Unrau leehedwig@yahoo.com
• Lily Mudasia lilymudasia@gmail.com

The team comprised of a number of people who have potential to work in Morobo in various areas of community development, The program for the day would include a partial fast. Different church groups from across all denominations in Morobo were invited. Also the landlords, chiefs and government officials from the Commissioner’s office, and youth were invited. The groups included:

• Episcopalian (Methodist) church of Sudan – 6
• Evangelical Presbyterian Church – 6
• Roman Catholic Church – 6
• Chiefs from various payams in Morobo – 6
• Sudan Pentecostal Church – 6
• House of Prayer Church – 6
• Anglican Church of Sudan – 6
• Panyabo (the offended) Clan members – 4
• Landlord of Ombasi Keliko
• Youth from various church denominations
• Commissioner & his government team – 6

The meeting had a total of 132 people. The program for the meeting ran as follows:

• Opening prayer
• Praise and Worship session
• Introduction of various participants
• Testimony of narrative by Hedi

Hedi washing feet of clan reps

• Testimony of the actual events by the grandchildren of the offended Panyabo clan
• Repentance by Hedi
• Response from Panyabo Clan spokesperson
• Washing of feet of clan representatives by Hedi and team as sign of repentance and blessing to the clan
• Prayer of rededication of land to God and Holy Communion as sign of new covenant with God by Pastor George assisted by Sudan pastors team
• Altar call for salvation
• Word of encouragement (2Chron 7:14-15) by Pastor Isaac Gaga

General intercession for:

• Morobo
• Development activities in Morobo
• Government of Southern Sudan
• The New nation of Southern Sudan

• Vote of Thanks and closing prayer by Bishop Elias Languya
• Luncheon for all participants
• 2 Group meetings for youth and church leaders on August 2011 Springs of Living water project

Hedi & clan reps group photo

Having accepted the reconciliation and repentance, the Panyabo clan representatives had a discussion with the Shekinah Foundation and Church leaders fellowship representatives where they pledged to go back and gather their entire Panyabo clan, and the clan which specializes in placing curses. They would share the activities that had taken place at Ombasi Keliko meeting, and seek repentance from God for the curses that they have invoked on their land which have hindered development.

Shekinah foundation and the church fellowship leaders offered to contribute a goat and some food supplies and some help to facilitate that particular meeting.

Observation We believe that in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation the Lord will begin to move in a mighty way over the land of Morobo and by extension across the New Sudan.

Also the response by the Panyabo clan, to go back and carry out their own repentance at clan level, is the first fruit of this reconciliation. It is our prayer that this action which will have a domino effect across Morobo. As more people witness the effects of this action, then they too will go back and do likewise. On 13th four members had a day’s trip to Yei to get acquainted with the town. On 14th the team had a fact finding mission in nearby areas of of Morobo county including the Ombasi Keliko Primary school. It is more than 50 years old and has only 3 government teachers and 5 volunteers who manage 400 pupils. The government transferred the last head teacher so the school has no head teacher. Then they went to a clinic which serving the entire Morobo county i.e. from Kaya to Gulumbi. They had two nurses and one mid-wife who communicates only in Arabic. She was transferred from Yei so there is a language barrier. One nurse just died on 13th while we were there. All patients who were admitted ran away in fear. This is a huge loss to the community at large.

Team prophetic tree planting

The clinic receives at least 15 women on daily basis in various stages of labor. The maternal mortality rate is very high. In March alone, 3 women who came to the hospital 4 died. This does not mention those who give birth at home. There are no basic facilities for labour. There is no laboratory and no lab technician but one apprentice. In the night there is no staff and no health support for any emergencies. The team also visited the local market as it was a market-day. There is little on sale at the market in terms of local produce, yet there is much demand for food products in the general territory. One thing which was noted, was that there is need for their own cottage industry as almost everything is imported. There is much potential for agriculture, small business enterprises, health facilities, laboratories, educational facilities especially early childhood and adult literacy etc. The team discovered that 85% of the population in all of Southern Sudan is completely illiterate. The team then had a prophetic tree planting ceremony where they planted 27 fruit trees at the fellowship compound. The day of Prayer was on 15th April from 10am to 4pm. The Prayer day budget consisted of the following: (Sdpds = Sudanese Pounds)

• 2 Goats @125 + transport Sdpds 30 280
• Cassava flour + grinding 95
• Ruwenzori water 4 boxes 96
• Fish 40 Sugar 40
• Meat 74
• Soda 140
• Tomato 10
• Maize Flour 12
• Rice 17
• Onions 10
• Beans & Kerekede 17
• Typing and Printing program 20
• Soap 8
•  Empty Sacks 6
• Lunch on market day 30
• Bodaboda 27
• Transport of benches 35
• Transport for Pastor Emmanuel 50
• Lunch in Yei 51 Bodaboda from Yei 12
• From Yei to Morobo 205
• Banana 5
• Coffee and Tea leaves 5
• Trees & transport 38
•  Contribution to Mama Lucy 120
• Contingencies 300
• TOTAL 2574 

• Disposable cups, spoons and plates
• Kenylon Tomato paste
• Teepee Wooden toothpicks
• Roiko Mchuzi Mix
• Melvin’s Tangawizi Tea
• Tang Orange flavor Juice
• Tea Masala (Ksh) 4928
• Rice (Ksh) 2700
• Bread (Ksh) 450
• Taxi to Akamba Bus (Ksh)
• 700 Akamba to Kpl and back x6 (Ksh) 13,200
• Taxi from Westland-Guesthouse (Ksh) 450
• TOTAL 22,428 

• Taxi in Kpl (Ush) 140,000
• Gaga to Koboko and back (Ush) 369,000
• Transport of luggage (Ush) 24,000
• Accom. in Kpl (Lily) (Ush) 30,000
• Panyabo clan contribution (Ush) 200,000
• TOTAL 763,000 

• Visas (US$) 650
•  Taxi Koboko-Morobo & back (US$) 230
• Transport Lily (US$) 185
• TOTAL 1,065 

• Kpl accomm. 2 nights (sponsored by Mr & Mrs Geoffrey Tindimwebwa)
• Coffee for function (contributed by Eva Mutua Dormans Ltd)
• TOTAL AVERAGE IN US$ ~ 2,500 

In Conclusion 

Team with hosts Tindimwebwas in Kpl. Pic by Salome (not in photo)

The team had a safe trip back on 16-17th April 2011. We are thankful for all the prayer support received from various friends who were aware of the meeting.

We believe that the other projects planned for Morobo and Ombasi Keliko in particular will be able to take off with much more promise following the prayer day and continued intercession for the region.

We continue to listen for what the Lord God is directing us to do in order to do our small part in the rebuilding of Morobo county and Southern Sudan in general.

Team with hosts Tindimwebwas in Kpl. Pic by Salome (not in photo) 

Prepared by Lily Mudasia 17 April 2011

Sudan Update

Dear friends.

Yesterday we arrived back safely from our trip to Sudan, Morobo, the historical site of our ambush 5 years ago, and a place that is going to be transformed, as you will read on. Let me write you short what has happened.

Shekinah enjoyed the trip exceptionally, and we were all most of the time healty. I took a team with us of some future missionaries for Sudan.

Salome a missionary daughter of friends of mine for the last 15 years, she is going to graduate Community work end of this year, during some periods of her long university years we have been able to support her financially.

Faith, who was one of my disciples when I lived in Gulu, Northern Uganda, a former LRA, a sweet lovely woman of God, she was sponsored by friends in Bermuda and will graduate as a Lab technician this June.

Doris my friend and art teacher from Paraguay

Pr George, a Kenyan Mennonite pastor who has had a burden for Sudan over 6 years, he has wife and 4 children.

Lilli, my strongest Kenyan friend and support during most of my latest challenges over the last 6 years, who has been with me several times in Sudan, writes our book, and has been strongly involved with things developing in Morobo.

On the way we also met with Rose, who will be the first on this team actually settling I Morobo, she is the daughter of the late Pr Christopher Banja, the one who says that she carries the mantle of her dad, she will be graduating Micro finances in June.

I never knew that all of these one day would be joining us in this vision of helping Sudan give birth to its new nation.

It took us 2 and half days to reach Morobo, and sure enough we were exhousted by than. After a few hours of rest the team started to enjoy and explore the place. During the next few days the team visited the humble Hospital and discovered that there is no lab experienced worker, and very few tools, they would receive Faith with open arms, as well as a doctor, nurse’s tools etc.

Salome would be a perfect person to do all types of empowerment and encouragement in the community.

We also bought trees ad planted as team our first 28 trees at the mission’s land that was given to me or as it is now called, the Shekinah foundation.

The most important reason of our tour, besides helping the future missionaries on their spying and prayer trip, was the day of Reconciliation on the 15th of April. This surely became a historical event.
Background: Last year when I spent a few months in Sudan I searched for more information why Morobo is so strategic, but at the same time so seemingly dark.

Than I was told the story that happened alms thundered years ago, of a white man slapping the face of the wife of a chief in Morobo.

After that the clan of the chief had come together, slaughtered a black chicken and spoken out oracles that from now on, no foreign people should be able to settle in this land of Morobo which is a whole county of Sudan. Since than exactly that has happened, most NGOs and other foreigners as they pass through Morobo, which is at the border of 3 nations, therefore an entry gate, but almost no one has stopped to settle or to help at this county.

I felt that I as a white person should go to Morobo and ask for forgiveness, standing in the gap for all the whites that have abused, enslaved humiliated and exploited Morobo and Southern Sudan.

The big day: With this agenda, the my pastors friends invited chiefs and members of that offended tribe, as well as witnesses from all churches and authorities in Morobo. We were a congregation of about 140 people.

I cried when God helped me feel the pain in his heart about white men so often having misinterpreted and misrepresented him.

After repenting, and washing the feet of the representatives of that clan, they stood up in shock and said they had never known that there is something like this. They spook out forgiveness and simultaniously realized that they were responsible for the lack of development in their county; all repented and asked us to return and bring all our friends, to help the nation to be built up again. Than we all prayed for the healing of the land, rededicating it to God, and praying for the new nation of Sudan.

We celebrated the Holy Communion, and than celebrated with a big meal we had organized.

We strongly believe that this was a historical moment in Morobo, and they shall see what they have asked, their county shall become a land of peace and prosperity, which is the lemma of their county, and it can even become the bread basket of Sudan, there is unspeakable agricultural possibilities, as well as in all areas of development.

Thank the Lord with us, that he has led us and brought us back safely.

Pray with us, as things now unfold even much faster as ever expected
.
May God bring people, experts in agriculture, development, health, empowerment of pastors, politics, youth, women, etc, healing and worship retreats, etc, may God bring people who will build up housings to receive and host us, at the moment we all sleep in Mama Lucy hut, the widow of late Pr Christopher, but our surprise was big to also see the humble church family building up the first visitors hut and toilet (hole in the ground with grass around)

The whole trip with all the transport, feeding and feasting, as well as tree planting and visas, cost us about 2,500 USD. Lilli has written a more complete report; please ask for it if you desire to get it.(Lilli encouraged me to give you more details on things as Shekinah Fundation starts developing)

Grateful to our father in heaven who allows us to be part of History,
Blessings and love to you all

Hedi

Dear friends and intercessors. March 2011

And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh! Joel 2:28 ….And his glory shall fill the whole earth.

Finally I send you a few notes. The time has run so fast since I last wrote to you from Sudan. In January we had our move from Sudan via Kampala to Nairobi. We arrived safely with all of our luggage and favourite items of our household over the last few years in several countries (favourite plates, pictures, dolls, teddies, curtains and lots of memories.) While in Kampala for a few days, the documentary of ´Mama Shekinah `was launched at Africamp 2011. It was a very precious moment. Pr John Mulinde had just preached an awesome message the Lord had laid on his heart.It was about finishing the race, he challenged us to not get distracted, too exited or too distressed by minor victories nor defeats, but finish the mission God has placed on our heart…..we were all so challenged. Than came the movie, and after that we all prayed for the ambushers, and for the nations, like Uganda and Sudan. Shekinah gave testimony of Jesus, who took her into his arms a few months ago and told her, that he is her Father and she is his princess. It was just all so beautiful.

Finally mid January we arrived in Nairobi, we have been surrounded by the warmest welcome and family atmosphere we could imagine, here at the compound of the Mennonites. Our little house has been such a blessing, I cannot even count the joy of it all, the fun Shekinah has with the neighbours kids just a minute away,a very encouraging team, the rabbits, chicken and garden that makes this place feel like country side,(see picture) inmidst a 4-5 Million people city, the birds singing in the morning, the sun shining through my bright orange curtains, many spontaneous visits coming through the house, warm showers, electric power, water out of the tap, supermarkets, driving a car (belonging to the mission), finding great school for Shekinah who will start officially going to school in May, God smiling at us as he watches us enjoying our warm nest.

Exactly a month ago Doris arrived from home in Paraguay, who is going to be with us for a few months. She brought Paraguayan Tea (Mate) and many lovely surprises from many lovely friends in Paraguay. And of curse she brought herself, which is the greatest gift. We have such good times together, and it seems I am getting younger all the time with so much youth around. What a blessing, thank you so much. While I am more of the home maker and writer now (working still hard on the book that shall be published soon, pls keep praying), Doris is the one going out and making lots of new contacts and experiences. She is so beloved at the Sports Centre in Eastl, coaching some Aerobics, while making friendships. (See her with friends in the market place) She also helps us at home with home schooling and even Ballet classes……..who wants to be the next one to visit and become part of what God is doing?

2 weeks ago I was invited to share at a Missions conference and Graduation of a Missions training school in Kitale, 8 hours towards West of Kenya. It was so touching to see a missionary force rising up out of many different denominations and churches, even from the neighbouring countries. Even more touching it was, when we all kneeled down and dedicated our lives anew to God. People were so encouraged after I had shared with them about the reception Colin received in Glory after his last breath on earth. The awareness that we can never loos out on God, that he never will leave us alone up to the last city and the end of the world, and that at the end he welcomes us home, becomes greater than the fears and pains of persecution.

Last week I went with Shekinah and Doris to the North East of Kenya. Again we had a wonderful time sharing with Intercessors who the Lord is raising up to pray till his Kingdom also becomes the reality in the som world. Their dedication in praying every night is remarkable. Than on our way home we were stopped and taken back to the Police. After several offices and long interrogations we were allowed to go to our friends house upon the promises that we would return with our original passport (which we usually leave home to keep them safe, while travelling locally just with copies of the passport) Those hours were terrible and especially scary for Shekinah. While under ´house arrest´ we were able to continue sharing the Good News and encourage the believers. Finally on our way back home a few days later, we realized what the whole hassle was all about. After Kenya receiving some warnings that the fundamental islamic groups in Somalia would harm them if they help the fragile government of Somalia against terrorism, Kenya decided to seriously guard this particular road from any stranger, and we just happened to be in this som region at this particular time. During these days we again became more aware of how desperate the world situation is, but how, through this all, the people become seriously disillusioned of their ways and outworking of religion, and what great opportunity to share about the one who is not religion, but the answer, Jesus the Messiah.

Thank the Lord with us that we didn’t have to stay in jail cells of bad conditions, but rather could be with friends, Thank the Lord for protection. Pls pray for the Islamic nations. The turmoil in many of their nations just shows their dissatisfaction, may the despair lead them by the hundreds and thousands to the Messiah. There are already awesome testimonies Pls also pray for our next trip to Sudan, from 10th of April to 1st of May. I have been invited to teach at a Centre of Peace and Reconciliation in Yei. We will also see our beloved friends and even visit Morobo and our land.

Immediately after that, on the 3rd of May, is Shekinah´s birthday, she will turn 5 and will start schooling in Nairobi. Until here the Lord has led us, what a privilege to have been able to install everything into her as the Lord has led me. Now as the next step in her life starts, keep on praying, that the Lord will form her into all he has dreamed her to be. She is such a joy, and in spite all she has experienced in such a young life, her love to Jesus is growing.(see her and kids in our kitchen/living room) Thank you all for being part of the story God is writing in the nations and in us. I confess it is scary sometimes, I often desire to hide far away in a quiet corner of Paraguay, than again I feel so privileged to be part of HIS story, and say Yes, Lord, whatever your will, but Maranatha, Jesus come soon! We love you all.

Big blessings and hugs

From Hedi and Shekinah

Global Day of Prayer for Sudan Dec. 5th

Dearest friends and intercessors.

I am sitting here in our neighbours compound, using my friends computer and listening to the worship of a women group, rehearsing for Sunday. I wish you could hear the worship of Jesus bride in this nation, specially considering the price this church has paid, of pain, separation from family for many reasons, slavery, terror and war etc…..

I wish you could be present to feel the pulse of the heart of this Southern part of Sudan, longing for freedom, (you surely know that the referendum on the 9^th of Janaury is about the big decision if the South can finally be separated from the oppressive isl North) there is such longing to be free,to make their own decisions, be treated as humans, get the chance for education, which has been so downgraded, get the chance to grow economically and come out of the pit of poverty and ignorance, and of curse the chance to grow spiritually.

I wish you could hear the conviction of the young people, that they actually are the generation that is going to see promises fulfilled, even the ones of Is 66 of a new nation being born, and Is 18, bringing gifts to the Lord of host at Mount Zion, the gift of their life and worship.

I would love you to try these roads just for a day, where just a few miles or kms can take up to 3 -4 hours ride with so many potholes, with many trucks stuck on the road sometimes for weeks, with more dust you ever desire, but in midst of it the hospitable smile of the villagers, who, when you get stuck are right there to sell you some on charcoal baked corn or some sweet bananas.

And just feel the smell when we go into the market of most towns, where you find sun dried fish (and if you don’t know the direction of the market, just open your nose and try to find the smell of something that seems spoiled (but you would be surprised how tasty that same fish is after removing the uninvited inhabitants from it, and boil it with Peanut sauce and spices, surely one of the favourite dish for Shekinah and me, and at least economic)

Than of curse you find bananas, mangos at season, tomatoes, avocados and onions ,that’s our weekly shopping, and you prepare the sweetest meals on your little Kerosene cooker

We are also so blessed to have water right outside of the compound, where there is a borehole with fresh water gushing out as you pump it up, for hundreds of people per borehole.(others have to walk much further)

I would love to welcome you here, and become part of the most historic time of Sudan. Pls join us in prayer as we walk into a International day of prayer for Sudan next week.

Shekinah and I have been so blessed to be here at this incredible special time. I have had some chance to minister on Healing of the Broken hearted and just encourage people into their destiny and calling, for 3 weeks in a Bible school, where Shekinah also had the chance to go to the school for the kids of the Bible teachers and staff. It was a great experience for both of us.

We have a lot of time to just be here, love and pray for the nation.

I also had the privilege to be at one of the monthly worship rallies of the Youth of Yei. One Saturday a month all the quires of different denominations a few thundereds young people come together to just worship the Lord and establish his Throne (as we read, God is enthroned amongst the praises of his people) That day started a bit like performance and ended up as a holy and pleasing sweet smelling incense to the Lord. I was deeply moved to see it, since I had just encouraged them last year to start worshiping together. The last 3 days of this month we are actually going to worship with them, for one day in different orphanages, next day in bars and dark places, and last day, worship walking from different directions, through the streets till ending up together at the Freedom square with a big praise.

*_Our next step forward:_*

Finally we have come to terms about where to settle for the next season of our lives, specially of Shekinah?s schooling start and season. It has been a difficult decision, since I didn’t hear the clear voice from heaven telling me what to do, and I felt afraid of making the wrong decision, but after much prayer and some closed doors but a friendly invitation from another source, we made the decision and after that I feel at peace. We will be moving to Nairobi, to a lovely compound of the Mennonite Guesthouse and Missions office, into a sweet cottage which we can rent. It is a very child friendly environment, with some International families and some Kenyan families living in the compound and several kids of Shekinah?s age. So we finally come to the extended family we have been praying for a long time. There are great school opportunities for Shekinah in Nairobi, and as for my involvement, I am sure the Lord will lead me step by step. God is the most glorified in us when we are the most satisfied in him. I believe I will be in a position of mentoring people from the neighbouring nations living here, still be able to go for some teaching and ministry into these nations, and maybe even help a new generation of missionaries to be raised out of the nations and help them into their calling. My prayer is, that even if I step back from the front lines, that the mantle may be handed over and anointing multiplied many times.

Well, Nairobi is a city, quite civilized, with supermarkets and all the rest……those that were afraid to visit me in the bush, now surely you can start planning your trip. Welcome!!!!!

Just to finish, I once more plead with you to pray for Sudan, and for God’s purpose to be fulfilled, as well as all the other nations in God’s heart.

With much love and big blessings

Hedi with Shekinah

Update from Hedi

Dear friends and intercessors.
Big love and blessings to you. Thank you so much for all your prayer support on this road back to Africa. We have been on the road for more than 6 weeks, and here I send you a few glimpses.

13. Sept.
We have had a wonderful time in Brazil. I have been sharing a lot with Fatima’s Mom, who is preparing her heart to release her daughter, who had the original calling to Africa and the som people. It was through her that God touched my heart for that nation. Now after about 15 years, where she has been struggling with serious heart conditions and several surgeries, she sees her time arriving soon to yet go and bless the nations of the Horn of Africa. We also had a very deep touching time with Pr Filadelfo, the one who once sent me out. He has been such a blessing to me in the past as he was the first one who seriously discipled me. Now it was my turn to bless and encourage him.
Than finally we flew over England to Kenya, where we have been received so kindly at the Place of our African Pastors over all the years, Pr Ibrahim and Diane Omondi. We are so grateful to them, who have welcomed us countless times when traveling into the nations, usually stopping here for a few days.

20.September
We have arrived safely in South Africa, Kindly we were taken to the Ellel centre and almost literally carried into our beds, Shekinah and I were so tired. It reminded me of the dream I once had. We are getting to know the team of Ellel, wonderful people, with the centre in the outskirts of Pretoria, It reminds us a bit of home, durst roads and dry bushes, the same ones we have, they also are waiting for the rain. It is amazing that this lovely place is actually part of a 27 million population city, actually 2 citiees grown together, Pretoria and Johannesburg. There are also great schools near by, Shekinah and I have visited a few. We have also made friends with little Sabu, who’s mother took us to a school concert, where Sabu was part of a dance. It was a dream to see these kids singing, dancing, playing instruments and passionately developing their artistic and cultural gifts. I was just imagining how Shekinah’s many cultures that are represented in her, could flourish in such a setting.
Well, we have had some long conversations with the leadership of Ellel about the possibility of us being part of their ministry. As I have shared with many, I just feel to overwhelmed to pioneer the vision of such a centre right now in any part of Sudan, or anywhere. I feel so vulnerable personally and also so much want to b mom first at this wonderful stage of Shekinah’s life. Since the leadership of Ellel is still praying about the decision fr a bout a month, we just continue trusting in God that he has our lives in his hands, and also our future.

I had the chance to be part of their healing retreat. They usually have long waiting lists, but Thanks God I could be part of it, and the Lord really touched me in many areas again, specially taking away the power of the lie, that I am responsible for so much death. He truly is the restorer of our lives, even after much brokenness.

24th September
After 8 wonderful days in Pretoria, we are back in Kenya for a few days before heading towards Uganda and Sudan.
Shekinah and her friends are exploring every corner of this compound, and praying with all the toys she brought from home, I am so happy we took them, in spite of all the luggage. We are also able to invite some of our som. friends for lunch and hear about the situation in Somal. Truly our brothers and sisters need all our prayer.
1. October
I feel like in a grinding mill, back in Gulu, Nothern Uganda. But it has nothing to do with the circumstances outside, just with my heart trying to process so many things.

But than suddenly we are surprised by the news, that Favor of God is just having a 2 months Portable Bible school, their first one in Sudan. And can you imagine what place they have chosen, amongst the thousands of places? Well, Morobo. And Shekinah and I can go together with them, since they are just to take more provision for the 58 pastors and lay leaders meeting there. We have just a week here to meet everyone in Gulu, before proceeding.
We are participating in a few kids parties, with some of the old friends, as I had promised to Shekinah. But the biggest fun she is having with her little friend Blessing. that’s also where we are kindly hosted.

We are amazed to hear the several ministries are moving on and feel blessed that they had been part of our school of Healing and Destiny. It gave some of them the start for their ministries.
We also had a class gathering and here are some of the testimonies:

11. October
After a wonderful time in Gulu, we proceeded to Sudan. We stayed for a week in Morobo, I had the wonderful chance to teach at the Portable Bible school. This was an answer of prayer, since I had desired for a long time to gather the leaders of this region and encourage and bless them. They were so open to every word, so deep repentant and wanting healing and desiring a new generation.
Than we joined the 3 days of fasting and prayer in Morobo, where all churches came together praying for their nation and the big upcoming decisions, and the referendum coming up in January. All over South Sudan there is prayer going on for hundred days. It is a request from the Southern Government. There was again much prayer, repentance and rejecting family altars and worship of other gods, crying out fo healing of the land and a new generation. We feel so privileged to be here at such a time as this, and to be part of these very important months. Please pray for Sudan.
As for Morobo, this was the first time that it did not seem so dark to me. God’s light is stronger than darkness.

Finally we got to Yei, where we have been so kindly received by our neighbors the wonderful german family with 4 kids. It has been heaven for Shekinah, while I cleaned up my hut and we moved in.
We are doing fine and having some time to connect with friends, before starting teaching at a Bible school coming Monday.
Thank you so much for all your love and prayer, as well as any support.
We surely are grateful to be able to visit and encourage everyone at this time. Please pray for our next step, and that the Lord takes us home, wherever he wants our home to be for the next season, since Shekinah starts school early next year.

After reading Hebrews 11 many times, I am aware more than before, that God is proud of us, not because we have achieved the goal already, or have seen the fulfillment of the vision he gave us, but he is proud of us, because, we believed, we trusted, we held on, waiting for the bigger vision, eternity in his Glory, and what most matters most, He himself. He, Jesus is our LIFE.
With love
Hedi and Shekinah

Testimonies of my former students from Gulu:
1. After the school I have been able to hold a position as a chair person at a secular job, having wisdom in conflict management and resolving conflicts wisely, Thanks God.
2. During those 3 months God restored my brokenness, now I am back in College and even being able to be a blessing as leader of Focus in our school, leading prayer and discipleship for the students.
3.God has given me a ministry in the Hospital, many are getting healed physically and spiritually
4. I am the most blessed. After that school I opened a church, and was able to stand the persecution and intimidation of the people. I used to be so rejected and having fear of more rejection, so this is a miracle that I was able to stand even in spite of intimidation and wisely, without running away, stand till the ministry became strong. I also got married, here is my ring, I am one of the 147 couples that got married last year on one day, sponsored by a church for people who want to stand rightly under marriage covering as we have learned, but not having the funds to do a big wedding. I am so proud. I am now living under rightful covering with my wife.
5. I am one of the former LRA soldiers. I was set free from bitternes during the school. I have been in different places, even in my home village, sharing on forgiveness ad sensing a strong anointing. Go has also blessed us, for my husband and I are part of the 147 couples getting married, after having been together for many years…….you can almost not recognize hhim anymore…….he cried during the wedding, and received Jesus, being so toched by so kind church people. Evenmy father came, after I had forgiven him, he was the first to enter the church during wedding day.
6. God has opened doors for me to go to nursing school, I can´t express the joy I feel, and now we even started prayer in nursing school, I am able to share the message we learned in the training every where.
7 After that school God confirmed hos calling on my life, right now I am in Bible school to be even better equipped.
8. I have gone through the most difficult time, for my household is broken down. My husband has left me……But now I have forgiven, and i brokennes I am sharing his message.
9. Forgiveness is a process. I always excused myslef that I am who I am becouse of what happened to me, but slowly I am able to see the truth and be set free, ad become what was God´s original plan for me.
10.I have often forgive those that did not pay the mazonry work I didi for them, it was not easy but what could I do, I have realized, that when I forgiv, even after a year of delay, that´s when they suddenly would call me and pay back their depths. You see, as mazon I work in many places, and stay there for a few weeks till the project is finished. That´s just enought time to minister the whole message we have learned to the comunity. Oh,. God is soo good.

Updated Prayer Points for Mamma Shekinah Film

 

 

You do not test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible. F.B. Meyer
There are three stages in any work of God, impossible, difficult, done. Hudson Taylor

 

Loved Friends,

 God has continually demonstrated His great generosity of heart to us through you.  We have been so humbled at the willingness of many talented people who have come together in this labor of love for the Kingdom.  Many of you have prayed, given, encouraged, and helped bring the Mama Shekinah docu-narrative into being.  We are so thankful.  

We have now shown the film to Hindu’s, Jews, young college students, Christians, non-Christians, and we’re pleased to say that in all our focus audiences, it has touched the hearts of many, including  pre-Christians of any age, and college students.

We are thrilled to tell you after the impossible, and difficult stage we are at the done stage as far as the film itself.  Now we need your prayers for one of the most important parts, distribution. Of course distribution involves a whole galaxy of opportunities and pitfalls.  We really need God’s wisdom. (If you have famous friends who might view it and if they like it, give us an endorsement we’d welcome it!)

Since we last wrote….

1. Joey has spent zillions of hours editing. (He’s my hero with the patience of Jesus).
2. Dustin Bocks created the Poster art, and an American version of the cover art  (I’ve attached it above).
3. Our Kenyan friend, John Paul Ouko has translated it into Swahili
4. Our Romanian friend, Aura Serb has translated it into Romanian
5. Emily Glasner has written original piano for the film
6. Jesse Glasner has helped us edit the music.
7. We’ve entered it into the South African 1^st International Christian Film Festival, Transforming Stories. If it wins, it will be shown at Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism III in  Cape Town, South Africa in October.

If you’d like to arrange a showing for your church or small group when it’s released in August 15th, all we ask is the following;

1. That the film showing be well promoted among your members. For a church this might include showing a 2 minute clip on a Sunday morning. For a small group it may be directing them to our web site www.mamashekinah.com to view online a two minute clip (click on trailer) and encouraging people to invite their friends.
2. That a moment of silence be given at the end of the film with the question  “Is there anyone I need to forgive?” Some showings will be called “Nights of Healing” with prayer teams ready to pray with anyone at the end of the showing that God is touching regarding forgiveness.
3. A love offering be taken. The proceeds of this film will be split equally after expenses between Mama Shekinah who has much specific vision for East Africa and many open doors, and Reignbridge, who would like to bring you more amazing transformative stories.  Checks can me made out to Reignbridge
4. Copies of Mama Shekinah will be made available at the back for purchase and the spread of this powerful story.  Please assign someone to oversee this table.
5. We are also open to being with the film to introduce it on occasion. You can contact us if you’re interested.

 We have seen this film powerfully touch pre-Christians.  One of Joey’s clients told him yesterday she didn’t want her children to see it as she didn’t want them to see her crying through it.   A Kenya grad student told us it was all he could do to keep from crying throughout the film. 

We are anticipating the Lord using this film in many ways, including salvation and healing as others see the testimony of joy and forgiveness as is so evidenced in the story of Mama Shekinah. 

We, of course have new costs in the distribution/foreign translation phase.  If any of you feel the Lord nudging you to give to this film we would welcome your financial gifts as you sow into this phase of seeing the film go to the nations. You can do that on the www.mamashekinah.com page or by snail mail.  Please make your check payable to REIGNBRIDGE and mail to 540 West Highland Drive, Camarillo, Ca. 93010

As you know, we have sought to marinate this film in prayer. We would so love you to join us if you live in America, on our prayer conference call this Saturday at 8 am Pacific Standard time. Even if you can be on the call just 5 or 10 minutes we would so love you to join us.  The information to call in is listed below:

 Prayer Conference Call
 Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4810
 Participant Access Code: 205666#

We anticipate the film being available by August 15^th.  You may order it from www.mamashekinah.com after that date.

Thank you for being in this God adventure with us. May His fame and renown continue to increase through you.

Love,

Fawn and Joey Parish

Mama Shekinah Poster

Loved Friends,

We are just now packaging up a submission of Mama Shekinah for the Transforming Stories International Film Festival in South Africa, that is a part of Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization III. 

We are praying this film will begin to create a culture of forgiveness among those who see it.

Please pray with us over all the details of launching this film.  It has been translated into Swahili and Romanian even before the launch, with Chinese, and Juba Arabic translations to follow.

love,

Fawn and Joey Parish

Mama Shekinah Film Project

It was on 5th Nov 2005. They were supposed to travel on the 4th of Nov but I think there was a change of flights and so they traveled on the 5th from Arua in Northern Uganda into Yei in south Sudan and fell into a Lords Resistance Army (LRA) ambush.

These were the very people Hedwig and Colin had traveled half the world to minister the love of God. On the day Colin died I was present. I was in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) compound around 7km from the IAS compound when I received a call from Uganda asking if Colin and Hedwig had arrived to which I answered in the negative.

I later got a call that there had been an ambush and Colin and Hedwig were at the Yei hospital. We were later to learn that there had been a warning issued that morning that the LRA had entered Sudan from northern Uganda. The borders at Kaya (Northern Uganda/South Sudan) had been requested to halt all incoming traffic from Kaya border into Sudan and apparently due to lack of communication equipment, this message was not relayed in good time to the team transporting Colin and Hedwig.

The driver transporting them was a former soldier and he heard gun nozzles from a distance and communicated to Hedig and Colin to lie down but things happened very abruptly. The driver jumped off the car and rolled into the ground and escaped with a bullet shot on the upper arm. He managed to escape and return to Northen Uganda (koboko) where he passed on the information of ambush to the Programs country director. We rushed to Yei hospital where Colin had been admitted in a ward at around 7:15pm.

Being a weekend, there were no doctors on call but only medical students.  I remember seeing him in the ward with a bandage on his back where a bullet had exited. Hedwig knelt by him and whispered words of encouragement to him slowly all the time. She was caked in blood and had no shoes on. While at the ward, Hedwig relayed to us their ordeal at a place called Morobo where they were sprayed with bullets that hit Colin on the neck and back.

The attackers took all their possessions burned the organization’s vehicle NS 929 A. At the time, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant of arrest against Joseph Kony, the LRA leader in October of 2006. In retaliation of this warrant of arrest, his soldiers had sought to attack humanitarian workers working within their vicinity.

Back at the hospital, Colin’s condition deteriorated and he was taken to theatre to try and stop the bleeding. They needed some blood transfusion and since I knew mine was O positive, I accompanied a student nurse to have my blood drawn. As they were running compatibility tests I went inside the theatre, I was not prepared for what I saw. Collins lay there, his tongue was so swollen, they had tubes through his mouth to his chest trying to remove clotted blood, but he had lost so much blood.

Hedwig stood by his side all the time, saying “I love you”, “I love you”, and praying in tongues. When he breathed his last, Hedwig covered his eyes and said to him “bye” and “I love you”. At that time, I ran out saying, “he is gone”, “he is gone”. We drove back to the IAS compound and brought a blanket which was used to wrap his body as we removed it from the hospital as it did not have any mortuary. I could feel his cold lifeless hand as we were sitted in an open pickup and transported him back to the IAS guest house which was 4km away.

The men had his body washed and tied both his arms and legs tight and placed him in a “tukul”- a hut and covered him with a bedsheet. I embraced Hedwig in my arms, not knowing what to say. Her hair had been caked in blood, so was her dress and she had no shoes. I provided a change of clothes for her. At the time she was 3 months pregnant. She spoke to the baby in the tummy and told her everything would be okay.

That night, Hedwig spent the night in the same tukul with Colin but on different beds. A number of female colleagues slept with them in the room as well. What amazed me about Hedwig was that she kept quoting scripture verses from the Bible and I marveled at the strength that could only have been from the Lord. She did not cry then and neither did I see a tear from her the next morning. I remember her reading from Isaiah 54:10 to all the people in the tukul “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed says the Lord who has compassion on you”.

The next morning, Colin’s body was put in the TV room “tukul” and embalmed by one of our medical staff, Mama Hellen, as we waited for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) team to evacuate his body to Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.     -Faith Ndunge

Mama Shekinah Film Project

In Paraguay, as Hedi realized that God wanted her to work some time in San Paulo, she stood up from our prayer time and said that she was going to study Portuguese. I asked her:”Who is going to teach you? Well she is going to search if there a some Brazilian people who live in our town. The next day she was on her bike searching for Brazilians in our town. No surprise she found them. It was a couple Edi and Salmira. After some time with Mate´and Terere´(a tipikal drink for Paraguayen) they started to meet for Bible study, after a few weeks this couple accepted Jesus as their Savior. The Brasilien Bible study was growing. Hedy was now inviting me to meet her new friends and they were quite a lot. Today we have a Brazilian speaking church and for sure this people don´t remember the first missionary.

That was a part of Hedi she was not searching to be famous, she wanted to be obedient to her Lord Jesus.

In a year or so she was on the way to San Paulo. Speaking Portuguese and ready to serve the Lord. She saved some money for her trip, but the money never held her back. She could enter in a bus and ask the driver for permission to travel without paying the ticket. She simply said:”I have to travel in this bus and cannot pay, could I stay?  The bus driver would simply respond:”Yes.”

-Anna Rempel