February 26th:
This update is to let you know that a second team will be leaving for Sudan on March 9th (the airline moved their flight from March 8th to March 9th). The team will include Rick Wood, David Wood and Ty Homer. As mentioned in the February 12th posting, they will be re-supplying William Majok, Fred Beesley and David Green with needed supplies, check on the progress of the building project and assess the next phase of Grace Chapel’s ministry in Jalle. Please lift up this next team in your prayers for travel safety and for the Lord to use them in providing spiritual refreshment to Fred, David & William.
The clothing for children ages 1-11 years old are coming in by the bagfuls...what a blessing this will be to all of the children and to Fred, David & William as they see their church body answer the call. Thank you so much from the entire team!
As we approach the final week, we are still in need of donations for mosquito nets, Dinka bibles (which will be purchased in Uganda) and, of course, some extra funds to ship the trunks of clothes. If you would like to contribute funds for the purchasing of these items, please make your check payable to Grace Chapel Church and include “For Sudan Supplies” in the memo line. Donations can be put in the offering bags or dropped by the church office.
For those of you who do not attend Grace Chapel, you may send donations in the same manner to:
Grace Chapel
3279 Southall Rd.
Liepers Fork, TN.
37064
Thank you all, once again, for your ongoing support and prayers for this project and team!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
February 20, 2009
This email was written to Rick from Fred after Rick let the team know that clothes were being collected for the children of Jalle by the youth at Grace Chapel.
Subject: whoo hoo!
Man, you don't know the joy that it brings my heart that the youth at
Grace are behind this! I was actually thinking of the 8th grade guys that I
led in a small group. Man, that's just awesome! That really pumps me up!
This email was written to Rick from Fred after Rick let the team know that clothes were being collected for the children of Jalle by the youth at Grace Chapel.
Subject: whoo hoo!
Man, you don't know the joy that it brings my heart that the youth at
Grace are behind this! I was actually thinking of the 8th grade guys that I
led in a small group. Man, that's just awesome! That really pumps me up!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
This is huge!!!
Daniel (a Sudanese local) has just arrived back to Jalle!! He comes bearing the gift of 500 bags of cement! We also received our first correct load of rock last night arround 8:00 pm. so we are set to start mixing concrete! God's timing is good, as usual, as the guys are finishing digging the last couple footers. Daniel also said that a cement mixer is coming. I'm not sure where it's coming from or how it's coming or if it actually is coming, but he said, "I saw it, it's big, and it will be here maybe tomorrow."
He also said that one of the trucks transporting the buildings is in Bor. He said that it's experiencing some kind of problem and should be here soon. Anyways, just wanted to update you on the progress!
Fred
He also said that one of the trucks transporting the buildings is in Bor. He said that it's experiencing some kind of problem and should be here soon. Anyways, just wanted to update you on the progress!
Fred
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
God is good!
From: David
2/17/09
I would have emailed you sooner with the praise report of being healed, but I had to get back to work!! Let me first say that this was way way worse than the last time I was sick. I couldn't even keep one sip of water down. That's a scary feeling when you're in the middle of Sudan. Within a couple hours in the middle of the night I was completely drained of everything that was inside of me...food and water. It was about 5:00 am when I came back inside from one of my vomiting marathons out front; and I sat down and thought to myself "man does not live on bread alone." But I didn't have the energy to get up and get my Bible, so I just started to say any scripture that I could remember. Fortunately I had just decided to start memorizing scripture the day before. Oddly enough, the scripture I started with was James 1:2-3. So I quoted that over and over again along with any other scipture I could recall, like by your stripes I am healed. As I began to do this and pray with everything I had, which wasn't much at this point, I began to be able to keep water down...one sip at a time. The day consisted mostly of me resting and drinking and praying and reading or quoting scipture. Fred and William went to Bor and got back late afternoon. When they got back we all prayed, and it was great. I immediately felt better!! I crashed pretty early despite the fact that I had spent alot of the day sleeping on and off and this morning I woke up, and other than the fact that I am a little weak, I feel as though I was never sick! Supernatural!! God is good!! I'm back to work today and it's only by the grace of God!
2/17/09
I would have emailed you sooner with the praise report of being healed, but I had to get back to work!! Let me first say that this was way way worse than the last time I was sick. I couldn't even keep one sip of water down. That's a scary feeling when you're in the middle of Sudan. Within a couple hours in the middle of the night I was completely drained of everything that was inside of me...food and water. It was about 5:00 am when I came back inside from one of my vomiting marathons out front; and I sat down and thought to myself "man does not live on bread alone." But I didn't have the energy to get up and get my Bible, so I just started to say any scripture that I could remember. Fortunately I had just decided to start memorizing scripture the day before. Oddly enough, the scripture I started with was James 1:2-3. So I quoted that over and over again along with any other scipture I could recall, like by your stripes I am healed. As I began to do this and pray with everything I had, which wasn't much at this point, I began to be able to keep water down...one sip at a time. The day consisted mostly of me resting and drinking and praying and reading or quoting scipture. Fred and William went to Bor and got back late afternoon. When they got back we all prayed, and it was great. I immediately felt better!! I crashed pretty early despite the fact that I had spent alot of the day sleeping on and off and this morning I woke up, and other than the fact that I am a little weak, I feel as though I was never sick! Supernatural!! God is good!! I'm back to work today and it's only by the grace of God!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request
From: Fred
Date: Feb 16, 2009
Writing to let you know that David is pretty sick. He was up pretty much all night with stomach problems. I know he would appreciate it if you could get something up on the blog or get a prayer chain going to lift him up. He laid in bed all day and is still feeling pretty bad. He started the cipro medicine earlier today and I've been making him drink plenty of water and some gatorade. But none the less nothing works better than prayer. Thanks, I know he'll appreciate it as much as I will.
Date: Feb 16, 2009
Writing to let you know that David is pretty sick. He was up pretty much all night with stomach problems. I know he would appreciate it if you could get something up on the blog or get a prayer chain going to lift him up. He laid in bed all day and is still feeling pretty bad. He started the cipro medicine earlier today and I've been making him drink plenty of water and some gatorade. But none the less nothing works better than prayer. Thanks, I know he'll appreciate it as much as I will.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stupid goat!
Update: From David..
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009
from: David
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: stupid goat!
We decided to recruit more (local) guys to dig the footers so that it wouldn't take as long, however, we didn't have enough digging bars (for all of them). So Fred stayed behind in Jalle, while William and I drove to Bor to get more digging bars and some other supplies. We left Jalle around 9:30 and were pulling into Bor around 11:00. Now I must say before I go any further, that there might be more goats in Sudan than there are actual people; so when we're driving, it is fairly common to have to slow down or stop and wait for goats to get out of the way. There are also a good bit of cattle, but the goats seem to enjoy getting in your way more than the cattle. So as I was saying, we were pulling in to Bor around 11:00 and about to head to the market when this suicidal goat darts from the brush straight out in front of the land cruiser. I hit the breaks, but it's a dirt road and all I do is slide. The inevitable happens, and the goat is no more. I feel bad, but there wasn't much I could do. At this point I am instructed by William to stop the car, at which time he and the other 2 or 3 locals in the car turn around and look at the goat for about 10 seconds. I am then told to continue driving. It's a sad day for goats in Sudan, but we move on after a brief moment of silence in the car. We head to the market, do all the shopping we need to do and are done in a reasonable amount of time. We are about to head out of town, when we are flagged down by an official. He says that there has been a goat "hit and run" reported and the vehicle description matches mine. I think they also may have mentioned that the driver was white, which narrows the line up considerably. So the official gets in our car and instructs me to drive us to the police station. Once at the station, we fill out a full report on the goat incident. At the completion of the report, we all load back up in the car. We are now accompanied by the chief of police. We head out to the area where the accident occurred and when we arrive at the crime scene we meet the owner. He then throws (in a non-gentle fashion) his dead goat into the back of the land cruiser; he joins us in the car as well, and we proceed back to the station. There are now too many people in the car to count. Upon arriving to the station a meeting is held. The attendees include William, myself, the goat owner, the goat, and about 10-12 people who apparently specialize in goats. At this meeting we were to decide how much the owner of the goat should be compensated for the death of his goat. After much...MUCH discussion, the amount decided on was 320 sps ($160). This is admittedly a little high, however, the owner of the goat did argue that his goat was pregnant (this has yet to be proved). After paying the owner his money we were free to go. All in all, it was an interesting experience.
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009
from: David
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: stupid goat!
We decided to recruit more (local) guys to dig the footers so that it wouldn't take as long, however, we didn't have enough digging bars (for all of them). So Fred stayed behind in Jalle, while William and I drove to Bor to get more digging bars and some other supplies. We left Jalle around 9:30 and were pulling into Bor around 11:00. Now I must say before I go any further, that there might be more goats in Sudan than there are actual people; so when we're driving, it is fairly common to have to slow down or stop and wait for goats to get out of the way. There are also a good bit of cattle, but the goats seem to enjoy getting in your way more than the cattle. So as I was saying, we were pulling in to Bor around 11:00 and about to head to the market when this suicidal goat darts from the brush straight out in front of the land cruiser. I hit the breaks, but it's a dirt road and all I do is slide. The inevitable happens, and the goat is no more. I feel bad, but there wasn't much I could do. At this point I am instructed by William to stop the car, at which time he and the other 2 or 3 locals in the car turn around and look at the goat for about 10 seconds. I am then told to continue driving. It's a sad day for goats in Sudan, but we move on after a brief moment of silence in the car. We head to the market, do all the shopping we need to do and are done in a reasonable amount of time. We are about to head out of town, when we are flagged down by an official. He says that there has been a goat "hit and run" reported and the vehicle description matches mine. I think they also may have mentioned that the driver was white, which narrows the line up considerably. So the official gets in our car and instructs me to drive us to the police station. Once at the station, we fill out a full report on the goat incident. At the completion of the report, we all load back up in the car. We are now accompanied by the chief of police. We head out to the area where the accident occurred and when we arrive at the crime scene we meet the owner. He then throws (in a non-gentle fashion) his dead goat into the back of the land cruiser; he joins us in the car as well, and we proceed back to the station. There are now too many people in the car to count. Upon arriving to the station a meeting is held. The attendees include William, myself, the goat owner, the goat, and about 10-12 people who apparently specialize in goats. At this meeting we were to decide how much the owner of the goat should be compensated for the death of his goat. After much...MUCH discussion, the amount decided on was 320 sps ($160). This is admittedly a little high, however, the owner of the goat did argue that his goat was pregnant (this has yet to be proved). After paying the owner his money we were free to go. All in all, it was an interesting experience.
Updates / Help children in Jalle!!
From Fred: Sun 2/8/2009
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: stuff
Hey rick,
just sitting here thinking about stuff that ya'll could bring for us
and had a cool thought. The kids here, i would say up to age 10 or so, seem
to either not have clothes or the ones that do wear them are really ragged
and worn out. We were thinking that it would be super cool to get a trunk
or bag that is nothing but clothes. I'm sure that people would
gladly give whatever the expense is for having another piece of
luggage shipped or we would even sacrifice the precious MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and "Sweet Sue" chicken (packages), for the kids to be clothed.
Thank you again for all that you are doing for us. Especially all of the
prayers and keeping people updated. I can't express how good it is to
know that people are hearing how we are doing and being updated on how
they can be praying for us.
Fred
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 12th:
Blog readers...this is in response to Fred & David's request for clothes for the children of Jalle.
Help the Children of Jalle, Sudan!
A second team of Grace Chapel men will be leaving for Jalle, Sudan on March 8th to re-supply William Majok, Fred Beesley and David Green with needed supplies, check on the progress of the building project and assess the next phase of GC’s ministry in Jalle.
Fred and David have shared with heavy hearts that most children between the ages of 1 to 11 years old have either no clothes (literally) or, those that do are extremely ragged and torn. They have requested that the team leaving for Sudan next month bring light-weight t-shirts and shorts for both the boys and girls. The girls could also wear comfortable casual skirts or dresses (the temperature gets up to 110 degrees). If you have these sized items in new or very good condition, please drop them off in the travel trunks located outside on the porch entry way during the weeks of February 15th thru March 1st.
In addition, there is a great need for mosquito nets to help prevent malaria in the children and a deep spiritual thirst for bibles written in the Dinka language since these are so scarce. If you would like to contribute funds for the purchasing of these items, please make your check payable to Grace Chapel Church and include “For Sudan Supplies” in the memo line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who do not attend Grace Chapel, you may send donations in the same manner to:
Grace Chapel
3279 Southall Rd.
Liepers Fork, TN.
37064
Thank you all for your ongoing support and prayers for this project!
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: stuff
Hey rick,
just sitting here thinking about stuff that ya'll could bring for us
and had a cool thought. The kids here, i would say up to age 10 or so, seem
to either not have clothes or the ones that do wear them are really ragged
and worn out. We were thinking that it would be super cool to get a trunk
or bag that is nothing but clothes. I'm sure that people would
gladly give whatever the expense is for having another piece of
luggage shipped or we would even sacrifice the precious MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and "Sweet Sue" chicken (packages), for the kids to be clothed.
Thank you again for all that you are doing for us. Especially all of the
prayers and keeping people updated. I can't express how good it is to
know that people are hearing how we are doing and being updated on how
they can be praying for us.
Fred
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 12th:
Blog readers...this is in response to Fred & David's request for clothes for the children of Jalle.
Help the Children of Jalle, Sudan!
A second team of Grace Chapel men will be leaving for Jalle, Sudan on March 8th to re-supply William Majok, Fred Beesley and David Green with needed supplies, check on the progress of the building project and assess the next phase of GC’s ministry in Jalle.
Fred and David have shared with heavy hearts that most children between the ages of 1 to 11 years old have either no clothes (literally) or, those that do are extremely ragged and torn. They have requested that the team leaving for Sudan next month bring light-weight t-shirts and shorts for both the boys and girls. The girls could also wear comfortable casual skirts or dresses (the temperature gets up to 110 degrees). If you have these sized items in new or very good condition, please drop them off in the travel trunks located outside on the porch entry way during the weeks of February 15th thru March 1st.
In addition, there is a great need for mosquito nets to help prevent malaria in the children and a deep spiritual thirst for bibles written in the Dinka language since these are so scarce. If you would like to contribute funds for the purchasing of these items, please make your check payable to Grace Chapel Church and include “For Sudan Supplies” in the memo line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who do not attend Grace Chapel, you may send donations in the same manner to:
Grace Chapel
3279 Southall Rd.
Liepers Fork, TN.
37064
Thank you all for your ongoing support and prayers for this project!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
God is a God who provides!
February 11th:
The following email was sent to Rick from a group of The Lost Boys here in the United States. Philip Akol lives in New York and he represents a group called "Jalle Youth (USA)". After Grace Chapel's meeting with the Elders of Jalle in Kenya last May, Reverend Thomas charged those Lost Boys living in America with the responsibility of helping this local project succeed as well. With financial hardship already upon them as they struggle to support themselves here and family back in Sudan, this is their amazing response to this charge.
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: Thanks From Jalle Youth (USA)
Dear Mr. Wood,
You and Grace Chapel Church have our sincere gratitude for giving our people a second-chance through Jalle Community Center Project. Your initiative has electrified everyone in the community including those of us in the United States. Therefore, we want to send you $10,000 as a token of our appreciation.
Thanks,
Philip Akol
Today, Grace Chapel received this sacrificial gift. Please pray with us as we thank our Lord for all of those He is bringing together in His name for the love of His people.
The following email was sent to Rick from a group of The Lost Boys here in the United States. Philip Akol lives in New York and he represents a group called "Jalle Youth (USA)". After Grace Chapel's meeting with the Elders of Jalle in Kenya last May, Reverend Thomas charged those Lost Boys living in America with the responsibility of helping this local project succeed as well. With financial hardship already upon them as they struggle to support themselves here and family back in Sudan, this is their amazing response to this charge.
To: Wood, Rick
Subject: Thanks From Jalle Youth (USA)
Dear Mr. Wood,
You and Grace Chapel Church have our sincere gratitude for giving our people a second-chance through Jalle Community Center Project. Your initiative has electrified everyone in the community including those of us in the United States. Therefore, we want to send you $10,000 as a token of our appreciation.
Thanks,
Philip Akol
Today, Grace Chapel received this sacrificial gift. Please pray with us as we thank our Lord for all of those He is bringing together in His name for the love of His people.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Update!
February 10th:
We have received a report that the building structures were loaded on the trucks and they will be leaving today from Uganda. Please pray for the safe transport of these materials and the drivers from Kampala, Uganda, crossing the border into South Sudan and the travel up into Jalle. Please pray for our Sudanese brother, Daniel, who will ride with the drivers providing them with the directions to Jalle. Daniel is a true servant who has aided the teams on past trips with his ability to locate and provide necessary supplies and services at crucial times.
Thank you all for your prayers daily for this team!
We have received a report that the building structures were loaded on the trucks and they will be leaving today from Uganda. Please pray for the safe transport of these materials and the drivers from Kampala, Uganda, crossing the border into South Sudan and the travel up into Jalle. Please pray for our Sudanese brother, Daniel, who will ride with the drivers providing them with the directions to Jalle. Daniel is a true servant who has aided the teams on past trips with his ability to locate and provide necessary supplies and services at crucial times.
Thank you all for your prayers daily for this team!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Rock on!
Feb.6th:
*(In previous blog report we mentioned that Jackson is a foundation technician that we are employing for a short time to work with the team).
From David
Subject: rock on!
"So we just got back to Jalle from Juba. We have Jackson*...whoo hoo! And we paid for the rock...if (the trucker gets the ok), a truck might leave tomorrow (with the rock to Jalle). We will keep you posted. Fred is having stomach issues and has been for the last couple days, so
keep him in your prayers regarding that.We are quite tired from
traveling the last couple days, pray that we are renewed and ready to hit
it hard with Jackson! "
thanks!
David
*(In previous blog report we mentioned that Jackson is a foundation technician that we are employing for a short time to work with the team).
From David
Subject: rock on!
"So we just got back to Jalle from Juba. We have Jackson*...whoo hoo! And we paid for the rock...if (the trucker gets the ok), a truck might leave tomorrow (with the rock to Jalle). We will keep you posted. Fred is having stomach issues and has been for the last couple days, so
keep him in your prayers regarding that.We are quite tired from
traveling the last couple days, pray that we are renewed and ready to hit
it hard with Jackson! "
thanks!
David
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Good news!
From David: Feb 4th 11:00pm (CST)
We are in Juba. We have come here for a couple reasons: One is to pick up Jackson. Jackson is the technician form the Steelworks company...and he has finally arrived!! This is very good news. The other reason is to pay for the rock that is to be transported to Jalle, this is good news too. Also, we bought sand in Bor and they finished transporting it to Jalle today! after we pay for rock tomorrow, we will head back to Jalle.
Now all we are really missing is cement. Things are coming along! God is providing! He always does!! As the project starts rolling and we start to get busier and busier, be praying that God renews our minds and our strength daily and that everyone works well together, Ugandans, Sudanese, Americans. Also, pray that we remained focused on God and that we continue to lay our agenda down daily (despite moving forward in the project), and be sensitive to what He's trying to do in us, through us, or with us!
Also, know that are we are praying for everyone back home daily. we miss you guys! Love you guys! And really appreciate your prayers!! Don't let up even for a minute!!
We are in Juba. We have come here for a couple reasons: One is to pick up Jackson. Jackson is the technician form the Steelworks company...and he has finally arrived!! This is very good news. The other reason is to pay for the rock that is to be transported to Jalle, this is good news too. Also, we bought sand in Bor and they finished transporting it to Jalle today! after we pay for rock tomorrow, we will head back to Jalle.
Now all we are really missing is cement. Things are coming along! God is providing! He always does!! As the project starts rolling and we start to get busier and busier, be praying that God renews our minds and our strength daily and that everyone works well together, Ugandans, Sudanese, Americans. Also, pray that we remained focused on God and that we continue to lay our agenda down daily (despite moving forward in the project), and be sensitive to what He's trying to do in us, through us, or with us!
Also, know that are we are praying for everyone back home daily. we miss you guys! Love you guys! And really appreciate your prayers!! Don't let up even for a minute!!
Update
February 4th update:
*Today the team drove to Juba, South Sudan to buy rock, one of the components needed to make concrete. They will also be picking up Jackson, a foundation technician, who will be assisting the team in building the foundation for the structures.
*Another Sudanese source should be delivering a supply of mortar, also for the concrete mix, within a few days. These items to make the concrete are critical components that need to be in place before the steel structures arrive within two weeks ( the sand was delivered yesterday--a major PRAISE! ) Please pray that the team will be able to secure these items without any further delay.
*The four school buildings, the church and medical clinic structures are scheduled to be transported from Kampala, Uganda to Jalle (South Sudan) by the end of this week by truck. Please pray for the driver's safety, and for the safe delivery of these structures on this long journey. Pray that the border crossing will be without incident.
*Please pray that Jackson, the foundation technician, will conclude that the site is ready for construction without any further excavation or modification.
* Continue your prayers for the team daily--for wisdom in their decision making, for strength, for their health and for their time with the Lord as they seek His guidance and comfort.
*PRAISE--Thanking the Lord for His daily provision for William, Fred & David and for healing their bodies during times of discomfort.
Personally, the team seems to be healthy once again and their spirits are rising as they see the site cleared for the buildings and the supplies starting to be transported in. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers daily as your prayers are what sustains them. Thanking all of you... for them!
*Today the team drove to Juba, South Sudan to buy rock, one of the components needed to make concrete. They will also be picking up Jackson, a foundation technician, who will be assisting the team in building the foundation for the structures.
*Another Sudanese source should be delivering a supply of mortar, also for the concrete mix, within a few days. These items to make the concrete are critical components that need to be in place before the steel structures arrive within two weeks ( the sand was delivered yesterday--a major PRAISE! ) Please pray that the team will be able to secure these items without any further delay.
*The four school buildings, the church and medical clinic structures are scheduled to be transported from Kampala, Uganda to Jalle (South Sudan) by the end of this week by truck. Please pray for the driver's safety, and for the safe delivery of these structures on this long journey. Pray that the border crossing will be without incident.
*Please pray that Jackson, the foundation technician, will conclude that the site is ready for construction without any further excavation or modification.
* Continue your prayers for the team daily--for wisdom in their decision making, for strength, for their health and for their time with the Lord as they seek His guidance and comfort.
*PRAISE--Thanking the Lord for His daily provision for William, Fred & David and for healing their bodies during times of discomfort.
Personally, the team seems to be healthy once again and their spirits are rising as they see the site cleared for the buildings and the supplies starting to be transported in. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers daily as your prayers are what sustains them. Thanking all of you... for them!
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