October 2nd, 2014 - Fall Trip Part 1: Two weeks on the road from PA to Kansas City, MO, a pictorial update from the Lueken family

Hey everybody!

     It’s not possible to sum up all the many ways we have seen the Lord direct our steps... It is truly overwhelming!! Every step of the way we have been blessed and cared for... Several times errors in directions were averted at the last minute; visits with friends & no plans of sharing where doors opened up; housing that fell through was so wonderfully replaced with unexpected treats; the overwhelming generosity of God’s people has wonderfully provided for our needs as we travel! Our hearts rejoice at His faithful provision of our daily bread!! 

Jon shares at God's Family Fellowship

After leaving PA, we had the pleasure of meeting a family in Indiana who took us in, fed us well and shared a love of missions and a secret room behind a small bookcase that you had to crawl to and slide into. That was a real treat for Emma! Thank you, Hennings!! 

 Arriving in Minnesota, Roger’s sister who works in Minneapolis, got permission that we stay in a newly renovated house while in the city... what a huge blessing!

 Another unexpected treat for Jon was a divine appointment with Uncle Kwasi, (born in Ghana, Africa) who has been a doctor here and has in the past given himself, much like William Levi, for his people in Togo. He has more energy than all of us, has a passion for people, and at 75 years old is volunteering to teach African Drum lessons to former inmates (we even got to participate in a lesson!!). He is always teaching about life as he shares and he also cares for metal health patients and is just an all around dear man. He has many connections to medical resources that could be a blessing to Operation Nehemiah. 

Our few days up north with Roger’s older siblings and his mom, was not long enough, but very sweet with gifts and giving flowing back and forth and sweet fellowship was enjoyed. Jon shared his photos with them all and the cousins had a grand time together with talks of returning sooner than later. 

ROGER & HIS MOM 

 The last three days in Minneapolis, MN included a wedding & 8 visits with friends and family: Drum lesson & lunch with Uncle Kwasi, a blessed time of sharing at a dear old friends bible study, a reunion with one of Jon’s ALERT buddies after 4 years; a wonderful overnight reunion with a dear old friend of 35 years originally from Plainville, and 3 more visits with more dear Lueken’s.

Uncle Paul and Aunt Jill,  Parents of the Bride

Mom and Mary

Meeting cousins for the First Time

 So much has been out of our control & could not be arranged before we left on this trip, so we had to trust the Lord to order our steps and provided, & He has so beautifully filled in the vacancies of housing, speaking and other provision. As an encouraging friend recently shared:

 "They who place everything in the Hand of God, 

will see the Hand of God in everything." 

 Our God is showing Himself to be more faithful than we have ever experienced before!! Overwhelmed by His amazing love and care!

Thanks for your prayers,

More updates from the trip forthcoming!

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!

~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah  774-254-4336

Lueken's webpage:

www.operationsnehemiah.org/Nehemiah_Light_House.html

Operation Nehemiah, PO Box 2401, Plainville, MA 02762 

www.operationsnehemiah.org

Operation Nehemiah Missions - Headquarters: 413-770-4711

 PO Box 563 Lanesborough, MA, 01267

On the road again and getting the word out about Operation Nehemiah

Ingoni Mozi (Hello my Friend)!                                                                  9/17/14

   Once again the Lueken family is setting out on another adventure! This Friday the Sept.19th will begin our month long road trip of sharing about Operation Nehemiah and the work in South Sudan. We will be driving as far north as Minnesota and west as far as Missouri. We also will be stopping in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and any other place that God opens the door.

Looking for God to direct us to more speaking opportunities the first & last week of our trip, according to His plan!  Appreciate your prayers as we step out on this next expedition!

9/18 - WE HAD NOTHING SET IN STONE THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF OUR TRIP, 

BUT IN JUST ONE DAY SINCE I SENT THIS REQUEST FOR PRAYER VIA EMAIL, 

GOD HAS PROVIDED TWO HOME MEETINGS, 

FREE AFRICAN DRUM LESSONS WITH UNCLE KWAZI 

& POSSIBLY SPEAKING AT CHURCH AT THE END OF OUR TRIP!!! 

GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS!

 For details of what we will be doing on the Lueken's Operation Nehemiah 2014 Road trip…
 Read the flyer posted below.

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!
~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah Missions

A brief pictorial update about our upcoming trip (click on pics for more clarity)

Returning from a blessed trip on Prince Edward Island

Hello Everyone,

    My family and I arrived back home Monday evening (Sept. 1st) from a short, but very fruitful trip. I am standing at my computer right now and thinking about the amazing eight days God gave us on Prince Edward Island. 

    There were many opportunities to share about South Sudan among friends both old and new. I was able to give photo presentations and talk to larger groups and as well as with other families and one on one. One of the big highlights was sharing and working at the Free Church Summer camp at Camp Abegweit for a week. The Camp had made Operation Nehemiah it's camp project and gave a generous donation towards the ministry in South Sudan. 

CAMP ABEGWEIT ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF PEI 2014

     Working with many of our dear friends and interacting with the kids was a real blessing. My Dad was cooking in the kitchen for long days all week and Mom and Emma often jumped in as kitchen help. I was a Junior Counselor and had the blessing of getting involved in these children's lives and spending time with them, especially in the cabin at night. I had an opportunity to share my testimony with a small group, what God has been doing in my life, which was a time of being honest about my struggles and idols and my great need of Jesus Christ on a daily basis! A great bonus was the preaching throughout the week that was totally Gospel-centered and focused on the Cross of Christ, which was a great encouragement to hear.

    The whole trip, though of short duration, was very blessed and our whole family left encouraged by all the connections which were made and renewed. One of the highlights was sharing with a small group of people in our friends home over dessert. It was more intimate and generated a lot of questions and good conversation.

PREPARING DESSERT FOR THE HOME MEETING

I look forward to the next opportunity to return to PEI, to see more of our friends and give an update on all that God is accomplishing in South Sudan.

SWEET REUNIONS WITH FRIENDS

A big "ANJO PWOSI!" (Thank you very much!) to all our dear friends who hosted, housed, spent time with, and blessed us! 

   Appreciate your prayers as our family will be setting out in a couple weeks (around Sept. 20) for another ministry trip. This time it will be driving as far north as Minnesota and far west as Texas and possibly beyond, speaking and sharing wherever God opens the door. We are excited for new connections with people that will be made, as well as reconnecting with those whom we have known for awhile. 

Please pray for God's provision for:

-A reliable & affordable vehicle (rental?) that will carry us cross country & back.

-Traveling expenses for spending a month or more on the road.

-Speaking engagements & opportunities to share about God's work in South Sudan, along the way.

-The Lord's leading & Divine Appointments wherever we go. 

"A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

So if you're between New England and Texas and you would be willing to host a gathering of friends in your home or if could set something with your church or youth group, let us know and we will see if we could swing by your way!!

Thank you!

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!

~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah  774-254-4336

Lueken's webpage:

www.operationsnehemiah.org/Nehemiah_Light_House.html

Operation Nehemiah, PO Box 2401, Plainville, MA 02762 

www.operationsnehemiah.org

Operation Nehemiah Missions - Headquarters: 413-770-4711

 PO Box 563 Lanesborough, MA, 01267

Episode 15: Fruit Worth Fighting For

Ingoni (hello) everyone!

   It has been awhile since I have sent out an update and for that I apologize. Our family has been busy in preparing and planning for two upcoming ministry sharing trips the last 10 days of Aug. and this fall (cross country). We also welcomed my older brother, Josh,  back last night, who has a month leave at home, after a 9 month deployment in Afghanistan.

    In a week, the four Luekens will be driving up to Prince Edward Island for over a week of sharing about the work of Operation Nehemiah. We are excited to share with old friends and new, especially for the opportunity to be presenting the ministry at a Church summer camp and a church in New Brunswick as well. 

   We're also planning for a tour across the USA which will see us as far west as Arizona. We are looking for opportunities to share about the awesome work God is doing in South Sudan. Let us know if you would like myself and my family to come and share, and we can work it out. Appreciate prayers as we step out and follow God's leading and see Him provide.

   Have you ever heard of the African bug? I am not talking about ebola, malaria, or the host of other diseases that take residence in Africa. This condition seems particular to people who do missionary and relief work for a long time in that continent. There is no known cure. Talking to different missionaries and from my own experience I have become familiar with this "bug" and, I admit, have contracted it as well!

    It starts subtly and almost imperceptibly and takes affect on the mind and heart. You can be in any African country, but soon that place starts to feel like home. The common sights, smells, and noises are what make you think, smile, frown, laugh, and cry, all at the same time. Pretty soon walking for miles isn't an inconvenience. Eating unidentified "Bush" meat becomes an adventure and not a dread of possible pathogenic microbeasties. The ever present herds of chickens and scavenging goats are just part of the rural village scene (I don't necessarily consider goats to provide a good ambience, but "ambience" nonetheless). At this point at least half your heart has been planted in the African soil and the rest will be sure to follow. 

   Here in America I find that two months absence from my beloved South Sudan is enough to get Bad symptoms. I can't help, but compare and find that quantity and ease of acquiring in the west, does not make up for the lack of quality.

     The unequal comparison comes to mind when I think of "Fresh Fruit". The true definition of those two words is this: When you climb up the tree, knock down several mangoes and share the juicy deliciousness with several friends a few minutes later. In addition to the best thing you ever tasted, you get exercise and are challenged by an opponent who wants the mango on the tree as much as you want it off. 

    The Mango Ant was aptly named for its symbiotic relationship with the fore mentioned tree and a soldierly devotion to defend it. It packs quite the bite and one of them would be quite the pain to deal with. Multiply that by thousands and then cover the branches of the tree your climbing with this standing army. I very quickly learned two lessons on my first mango harvest:

    1. Be prepared to endure never ending biting on various appendages and in clothes as you ascend the tree.

    2. Learn how to continually brush your self off with one hand while climbing with the other.

   It may sound pretty miserable, but after a couple forays into the canopy you learn to move swiftly and avoid certain ant covered branches. I now can harvest for over a half an hour without receiving or feeling too many bites. Even with that slight irritation, the resulting fruit is more than worth the climb. I have been spoiled for the produce section at the grocery store. Picking fruit and veggies out of those safe little bins into plastic bags makes me want to fall asleep!

    So in my experience, things that come easy are not better. The most difficult path we tread is often the most rewarding and satisfying. No better example can be given than following after the Lord Jesus Christ!

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." 

                                                                                                   Matthew 7:13-14

    

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!

~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah  774-254-4336

3rd Trip~ Episode 14: WIlderness Exploration in a Fertile Land

3rd Edition, Episode #14: Wilderness Exploration in a Fertile Land

   Since the independence of South Sudan in 2011, refugees have been flooding back to their homeland. This is a blessing, but has brought with it the big issue of land disputes as people resettle. In South Sudan, Land ownership is based on family/ancestral inheritance and not buying and selling. 

   The recent land survey our US Mission and ground team in South Sudan completed in April, was a long dream in the making and very important. We pray that it will ensure that the Levi family and Operation Nehemiah will keep the land God has given to them demarcated for the future and preserved for God's work! A map will be made of Borongole, Gordon Mountain, and Beth Israel Farmland and will be kept to inform the coming generations of their inheritance, after William and his generation pass on.

  The stories of African exploration by men such as Livingstone, Stanley, and Speke always impressed me. Think about tramping through the thick jungle interior with all the needed food, shelter, scientific equipment, and gifts for the tribes they would meet along the way, all on the backs of men and animals(before Tsetse flies and hunger winnowed their ranks). It was a momentous task and you can be sure that they weren't carrying ultra-light backpacking gear. Spending two to three years of dealing with malaria carrying mosquitos, Tsetse flies, disease, large wild animals, and hostile tribes was no African vacation. 

  My own exploration in the bush of South Sudan has given me just a small appreciation of what the early explorers and missionaries experienced. Semi-accessible roads, lightweight GPS gear, and more modern technologies definitely give a real helping hand, but even wilderness exploration in the 21st century has its challenges. It was an exciting and wild adventure!

     To traverse virgin land in which few men have walked was a blessing and an amazing experience. Hiking for long distances in an area that was miles from the nearest dwelling was rather surreal and exciting at the same time. I am convinced (though I might be a bit biased) that the eight square miles of Beth Israel Farmland is the most varied and beautiful spot I have had the privilege to see. The green mountains, lush sand-filled rivers, and extensive wooded grassland are momentarily decorated with multicolored birds and fleet antelope darting of into the bush. In the sandy river bed you would observe the tracks of Warthog, Dik Dik, monkey, and Baboon. Beyond having an abundant farming production, Beth Israel is its own wildlife refuge and took a total of fourteen days to completely walk and map out!

 I vividly remember the day William Levi, Brian Mackay, and myself, led 12 men and boys in mapping and staking the final three corners of the farmland. The long line snaked its way through the bush with food, Jerry-cans of water, and surveying gear on heads and shoulders. In addition to my pack, I became good friends with an 18 pound sledge hammer.

    After four hours of footing the terrible discovery was made that there was not a drop of water left! There was one more corner to be staked, Three and a half miles of bush whacking, and roughly 3 hours until our party would reach a source of water.The only option was to advance and we doggedly pressed forward in the blistering sun.

   Only five of us had the energy to stake the final point, while the others rested in the shade, reserving strength for the last push to water. As my brother Jeremiah and I measured and staked the last objective, I looked around and saw the parched and exhausted faces of our small advance team. God was merciful and the 15 man expedition made it to our solar well after more than seven hours of wilderness hiking! Water never tasted so good and no one was worse off for the wear.

   I was reminded that only dependance on the Lord Jesus can sustain us through the seemingly waterless treks of life. Isaiah declares it so well:

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? 

The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

He gives strength to the weary, & to him who lacks might He increases power.

Though youths grow weary & tired, & vigorous young men stumble badly,  yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31    

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!

~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah  774-254-4336

Lueken's webpage:   www.operationsnehemiah.org/Nehemiah_Light_House.html

Mailing address: Operation Nehemiah, PO Box 2401, Plainville, MA 02762 

Operation Nehemiah Missions - Headquarters: 413-770-4711

PO Box 563 Lanesborough, MA, 01267

www.operationsnehemiah.org

Preparation for Farming in South Sudan

   My recent trip to South Sudan was so encouraging in seeing what God is doing, especially in the area of agriculture. Food imports from Uganda have been greatly reduced. A great variety of crops were planted that are even now being harvested by the people of Borongole! Planting and cultivating with the dear people of South Sudan gave me a desire for more experience to prepare me for living there. The training I just completed is the beginning of that process.

   The training course in North Carolina was excellent! The staff and instructors at Equip were very gracious and there was a real personal connect with them. They were either actively serving on the mission field or former missionaries and had real hands on experience in the third world. My three fellow classmates are all actively working in Africa and two of them are preparing for three years of service in Kenya! There was real camaraderie amongst both students and instructors which made for a real edifying time of conversation and sharing. We were staying in a beautiful and peaceful environment in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. It was very conducive to times of spiritual reflection and focused study.

Our two instructors are on the far right and far left of the group. the Four students in the middle.

  The methods of Farming God's way are incredibly productive (with records of a 300% increase in parts of Africa where it has been put into practice), but primarily centered in the spreading of the Gospel and the discipleship of farmers to put all areas of life under God.

In addition, our small class was able to cover the learning material quickly and had a lot of extra time to pursue other areas of farming. I learned about no till farming, mulching, Bio-intensive Gardening, Terracing, tower gardens, aquaponics, hydroponics, and installing drip irrigation etc. We also visited a farm that planted an unusual variety of crops and methods. Many other interesting third world technologies were learned beyond farming, which will equip me for future service in South Sudan.

     This week long intensive opened a whole new world of farming that I wasn't aware of before. It also made me realize that I have a lot to study and learn! This summer I hope to be able to devote to applying what I learned and getting more hands on experience as opportunity arises.  I am very thankful for being given the opportunity to attend this course and be prepared for more long term agriculture and work in Borongole, starting this fall. 

Rubanga kola nito (God be with you)!

~Jonathan Lueken with Operation Nehemiah  774-254-4336

onlighthouse@gmail.com

www.operationsnehemiah.org/Nehemiah_Light_House.html