We received news Sunday evening that James and his wife Nyakume lost their daughter due to dehydration. We were also told that Chan's daughter is suffering from the same thing. Doctors are trying to keep her hydrated but she is still struggling. Last I heard Nyakume was not handling the loss of Tabitha (their daughter) very well. For sake of privacy I will not disclose any information but please pray for her earnestly and constantly. Again this is their second child to lose in the past 6 months, so she is grieving the loss of Nhial and now the loss of Tabitha. While James is caring for Nyakume, he has also been spending much time at the hospital helping care for Chan and his wife's little girl. Since Chan helps teach at the preaching/Bible school and his wife cooks for the students, they are unable to be there as much as they would like. So, James decided to help.
The previous prayer request is first and foremost. However, we do also ask that you pray for the following things:
1. The hotel there is currently full and Tyrone has yet to find us a room. If this is the case we will have to stay in the student's dorms (which we hope will be done being built by then) and the students will continue to stay at the Church's building. We do not like this plan because we hate the idea of "kicking" the students out. However, Tyrone nor the students would ever let us trade arrangements so, for now we just pray rooms will open up.
2. There is still no running water at the compound and do not see it happening in the foreseeable future. This addition would mean an easier day for the women that must haul water all the way from the river (which is a ways away). It would also be safer since they would not have to worry about crocodiles.
3. Since last year, 3 new refugee camps have opened about 30 mins from Gambella. This means there are 1.5 million more S.Sudanese in that area. Tyrone is already making arrangements to send out men to teach the gospel. Already he has ran into a few previous students who were baptized. He hopes they will be willing to go out and teach. He also has 23 students this year (most of whom I understand to be new but I could be wrong). Even with the war going on, God's word is still spreading.
We are ready for our trip to begin. We can literally not get there soon enough. Pray for peace in South Sudan, for those who have lost loved ones to cope, and for God and His word be taught and spread. Pray we do not get sick, have safe travels, and that the children will be receptive to what we teach and continue to learn even after we leave.
I also ask that if you talk of this trip with me or any of the other teachers, that you do not remind us of the dangers. We are aware, and are choosing to go anyway. Our faith is in God to keep us safe. We need encouragement and support and strength. Not to be told we should not go because of what COULD happen. Paul, Peter, James, John, Timothy....they all took risks in order to spread the Gospel. It was something God called them to do and because of their willingness Christianity was spread. We have been called and we answered yes. These people want us to come and to share with them the News that we have been blessed to already know. Please, pray and encourage.
