Not without reason has there been a couple month lapse of activity on this blog. The African Lueken trio, along with Abi and Dada("Grandfather" and "grandmother" in the Madi' Dialect), have been travelling for preaching opportunities, studying medical, visiting family locally, and enjoying fellowship with our local church, Grace Congregational Church, in the Berkshires (of whom we have just become members)!
"Abi" with some "light" reading for patience
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| Visiting with our dear friend and prayer partner |
On the family front, life is not slowing down any time soon. Little Patience has mastered the "Marine" crawl, moving at the speed of ligh..... or of a very motivated hedgehog. Favorite pastime includes scooting herself to the nearest reachable _____(Fill in blank: Drawer, papers, books, kitchen utensils, etc) and "reorganizing"! She is a lot of fun and we took her on her first hike on her Baba's("Dad" in Madi') 28th Birthday! Her commentary for the beautiful forest canopy and breathtaking green ridges we would observe was: "Oh!! Baby!"
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| Patience doing what she does best |
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| Patience first hike! |
In a very short period of time (5 days!) I (Jonathan) will be embarking for a temporary stay at SOLO Schools in Conway, NH (https://www.soloschools.com/) for a one month WEMT(Wilderness EMT) intensive. This was the course that I was supposed to commence in May, but had to postpone due to illness. Joyce will be taking care of Patience and keeping the home fires burning with my Dad and Mom. She also will be doing independent study from home.
I am greatly looking forward to the skills I will acquire and the practical that will be gained, both in wilderness scenarios and at local medical facilities/services in the breathtaking White Mountains. I am excited and also a little nervous as there is a large amount of information that needs to be processed and imprinted on my brain. By God's Grace, I look forward to the adventure and the networking opportunities that the Lord has for me!
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| Following God's Trail together |
This course is not the only training I will be undertaking through SOLO School. I hope to return a week after the WEMT, for a ten day Geo Medic Course. I will be instructed in the essential skills needed for medical work in the third world and developing countries. This course is personally taught by Dr. Franklin Hubbell, DO, the founder of Solo Schools (along with His wife), who travels yearly to Africa for volunteer medical outreach. I am trusting I will be able to join the Geo Medic training from August 8-17, though I am still praying for the provision of the Geo Medic tuition, which is due within the first week and a half of July. If the Lord wants me to go, I know He will provide!
Joyce and I have now been in the States for over a year. The month of July encompasses three important anniversaries for our family:
~July 8th: Patience first birthday!
~July 9th: the 7th year of South Sudanese Independence.
~July 30th: Joyce and I's 2nd year Wedding anniversary! So much has happened since we were married in front of 30 witnesses during the 2016 South Sudanese civil war outbreak.
We are so very thankful for your continued support, thoughts, and your prayers for us! Please lift us up in prayer for:
-Joyce brother, Lodu(Reggae) who is still in critical condition and having his bedsores managed at a local Hospital. He needs a direct touch by God's hand.
-My (Jonathan) WEMT course, running from July 10th to August 2nd. There are still a few remaining supplies that I need and money for laundry and food on the weekends while I stay in Conway. Pray for grace for Joyce as she stays home with Patience and God's provision for all of my family while I am gone.
-The Geo Medic Course, August 2nd - the 17th. Tuition of $2,300 still outstanding.
-Increased monthly support for Joyce and I and my parents to cover our daily living expenses.
- God's intervention and sustaining hand, as a peace agreement and ceasefire has been signed between the government of South Sudan and the rebels. May Jesus bring true peace and spiritual restoration to our nation.
-God's Vision and continued direction for Operation Nehemiah Missions.
As we reflect on the United States Independence Day, let's keep South Sudan in our prayers. More important than just the physical freedom and peace of South Sudan, let's pray for the souls, there and around the world, that need deliverance from the bondage of sin that can only be freed through the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ.
Many Blessings,
Rubanga kolu nyito (God be with you)!
~Jonathan and Joyce Lueken
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