October Events

Greetings from Tonj!

Wow, a lot has been happeing this month and it's not over yet!

The month started out with the graduation of 12 South Sudanese pastors who completed their 3 year pastor's training course here at In Deed and Truth Ministries. It was quite the celebration! For those who think graduations are long in the U.S, this one - for 12 students - last over 4 hours! It was a truly celebratory occasion.  We had such a great time.

I even sang in the praise band (those at Asbury UMC, don't tell Andy, ha).

Following the graduation, I traveled with my teammates from Uganda to the village of Dhiakuei, in Lake State. My teammate Adhanom had helped to arrange a Simply the Story (STS) training for the pastors of that area, so Billy Coppedge, Scott Rambo, and CT (look for them in my previous post), and I traveled there to meet up with Adhanom and facilitate the training.

We were expecting 30 pastors originally and 70 showed up! Had to do a little recalculating, but what a blessing to see so many who were eager to impact their congregations and communities with the word of God! This training helped the pastors learn to tell the stories of the bible without having to read them directly. They also learned a series of steps to help the participants really learn the story well, and lead them to discover the truths of the Bible for themselves through asking questions.

Here I was teaching a session on asking questions to apply the biblical truths to our lives today, with Bishop Isaac translating for me.

When we broke off into small groups I was a little discouraged at first, feeling like I was not able to communicate well, and that people just weren't getting the concepts. But, the Spirit prompted me to say a prayer, and within a matter of minutes it was as if everything suddenly clicked and the whole group was really understanding the process. It was so tremendous to see that happen right before my eyes, and more than once! Will you say a prayer for these pastors as they practice using this method of teaching the scripture?

Here, one small group sent "missionaries" to another group to practice telling the story they learned and working through the questions. They did an excellent job!

My time in Dhiakuei was not without adventures, let me assure you. I stayed the week in a hut, while the guys graciously took the tents. We bathed from a basin behind a wall of a broken down building. And then, there was the pit latrine. Now, using a latrine was nothing new for me. Squattie potties aren't really an issue. But it was definitely a new experience when 2 bats flew out of the latrine the first night I was there. I think I would have had a heart attack had I not been in shock, haha. But that wasn't the last I saw of those bats. Every night, when I would go to bed and tuck in my mosquito net, bats would come into the hut where I was sleeping and fly around all night! I think I have a much greater understanding of Batman now.

On Oct 27^th, the 3rd CHE Training of Trainers began! This is the next step in the CHE process for our trainers and they will begin to form committees in their CHE communities after this training is completed. This is when things really kick into gear and the program really starts to get moving for the local communities, so this is exciting stuff.

As these trainers prepare for the next steps, will you commit to praying for these teams of trainers? There is a general profile for the teams, as well as specific profiles for each individual team. I would love to be able to cover them each in prayer. If you, or your church or Bible study group would like to commit to praying for one of these CHE teams, please write to me at whitney.smith@wgm.org I'll be happy to send you the profile and more info about the CHE program!

This training will last until Nov 1, which also happens to be the first day of the Cataract Clinic for 2012! Do you remember the previous clinics from my newsletter? Let's cover this clinic with prayer - for the team traveling from Kenya, for those receiving the surgery, and for the staff here at In Deed and Truth who will be assisting. It's a powerful way to impact lives spiritually and physically. You can donate to the Cataract Clinic at wgm.org/sight4sudan to provide sight-restoring surgery to someone in need!

Check back soon for more stories of village visits, the cost of cabbage, and some of the craziest dancing I've ever seen!

Story Time in South Sudan

Once upon a time...

When you hear these words, there's a pretty good chance you know what's coming next...a story! And who doesn't love a good story? cultures the world over love to listen to stories, whether it's a love story, adventure, fantasy, or nearly anything else. People love stories wether they're true or make believe. They speak to our hearts. They captivate us.

When I first arrived in Africa, I spent one week in Arua, Uganda (it's a cool place, you should google it), and participated in a training called Simply the Story. This is a method used to teach scripture through storytelling. This is tremendous for me because the culture in South Sudan is, for the most part, an oral-preferenced society. That means they prefer to learn through oral means such as discussion and stories rather than lectures or reading.

With the wonderful leadership of Billy Coppedge and Scott Rambo, I was able to learn a story from the Old Testament very quickly! I was surprised how easy it was to pick up, and I am hearing of how God is working very much through this tool in so many places. It is so exciting!

Here is the Mango Ministries Team - from left - Joy Phillips, Tim Connaway, Adhanom Hidug holding Sophie C., Whitney (that's me!), Elsie Jane held by Joanna Coppedge, Billy Coppedge holding Lucy, and Arua Volunteer CT holding Chloe C..

I'm enjoying being back in Africa, and it was such a blessing staying with the Coppedges (do you remember them from one of my earlier newsletters?) It is such a sweet gift God gives us when he crosses our path with other members of the Body of Christ.

On Monday, Sept 3, Joy (Mango Ministries Coordinator) and Adhanom and Tim (fellow teammates) and I traveled to Rumbek, South Sudan, and then on to Tonj, where my home for the next year.

I have just completed my first two weeks in Tonj, and I have to say, I really love it here already. God is revealing to me how the harvest is so ready, just waiting for laborers.

Here, Joy, myself, Tim, and Adhanom are preparing for our flight from Uganda into South Sudan

I am staying on a compound run by In Deed and Truth Ministries (Check out their website!), a partner of Mango Ministries, and I'm very happy to be a part of this community here. We are only a few minutes walk from "downtown" Tonj, where there is a marketplace, a few restaurants, and some shops.

This is my home! My room is on the right side, and I share this building with nurses Margaret and Ann, who work in the clinic on the compound.

Right now is the tail end of rainy season (~April-October), so everything is beautiful and green.

I've also met some of the CHE teams that we have been training, and I am looking forward to working with them in transformational development. Will you be praying for the communities we are seeking to implement CHE? They are Guaria, Kullo, and Panchum. Soon, we will have a team profile for each community, and I want to ask you to consider committing to praying for one of these teams when we have the profiles completed.

On Saturday, I was able to travel to the village of Guaria and meet with some members of the community! Albino, the compound manager, took me by motorbike to this village. Because it is the rainy season, the grass is very tall, taller than me. So, as we are riding along, there were times when all we could see was the path as we were surrounded by grass. As I arrived, I was greeted with songs and dancing. The Dinka* people love songs. We had a wonderful time together, and it’s evident they are very excited about getting CHE started there, which was of course very encouraging to me. They are already off to a good start with a variety of crops they grow, including sorghum, pumpkins, tomatoes, sesame seeds, greens, cucumbers, peanuts, okra, and even some potatoes.  

Here we are in the village of Guaria. Sitting next to me are a few of the people we are training in the CHE program to be trainers in their communities.

Pray for me as I continue to get adjusted and learn my way around Tonj and the surrounding areas and study the Dinka language. I am so excited to see how God is already at work in this place! Pray with me as we seek the Kingdom of God to come in this place with all of God's transformational power! How can God use you in this ministry?

*Dinka is the largest tribe in South Sudan, and makes up the majority of the population around Tonj

So, here's the challenge:

Throw the Ultimate Independence Day Celebration for South Sudan! 

Last year on July 9th, South Sudan celebrated their birth as a nation, and next week they are celebrating that 1st year. Let's join with our African brothers and sisters and extend their celebrations to the States! And while we are at it, let's make it a fundraiser challenge, so that our celebrations will be giving back to this new nation as they build for the future.

The Rules:

• Teams of 5 or Less (these are who will HOST the party)
• Must take place within approximately 1 week of July 9th (sure, it can be combined with U.S. Independence day celebrations) 
• There are no restrictions on the type of Fundraiser, just make sure it is honoring to God. All the money raised can be sent to 

 WGM

P.O. Box 948

Marion, IN 46952

and can be memo'd for 

Whitney Smith Ministry Account

(or click here for an online donation)

The Results:

• The Team that raises the most money will get their party featured on my blog and all team members will receive a WGM International Cookbook (so they can totally rock future celebrations) 

  
So, let's party!


I've listed some websites with lots of information about South Sudan so you can share with all your party-goers what's happening across the ocean. 

• BBC Special Report on South Sudan 
• Joy's Blog 
• South Sudan's Official Government Website
• Coppedge's Blog 
• CIA World Factbook
• WGM Ministry in South Sudan 

Maybe even include a time of prayer for South Sudan, and for the work God is doing there. His Spirit is at work, so may we rise up to meet him in that and spread his Kingdom!

And don't be intimidated. This can be as elaborate or as low key as you want. Having a few friends over and watching God Grew Tired of Us would work just fine. Or, you can bring the whole neighborhood, hire a DJ, and let the festivities begin!

Have a dance contest!

Hibiscus Tea is a common drink in South Sudan if you want to get a little authentic. I have some to share, or it can be found easily online or at tea stores or international grocery stores. And peanuts are a favorite snack, just to get you started.

Ready...

Set...

Celebrate!

Run the Race

That's exactly what 34 friends of mine, old and new alike, did on October 1st. Though the route only contained one major obstacle, a hill 3/4 into the race, their journey was eye opening to the many obstacles faced in daily life for the people of South Sudan. Signs lined the path telling of facts such as this: Approximately 85% of adults in South Sudan cannot read or write; Less than half of children will go on to complete primary school (1st through 8th Grades); and 1 in 7 children will die by their 10th birthday.

These racers, however, were determined to reach the finish line. They pressed on to reach the goal, the prize that was before them, for this prize would not only affect their life but the lives of many more in South Sudan.

Our first place winner, Zack, crossing the finish line!

But there were a lot of efforts that went into making this event happen. Silent No More, a local band performed music that was not only uplifting and entertaining, but provided a message of hope and encouragement because of who God is.

Silent No More featuring Rev Johnny, Cliff, Kat, Andy, Chris, and Larry.

There were many volunteers, each excited to be a part of the work of God's kingdom.

Overall, this event raised more than $2,800!

I would like to thank everyone who volunteered, all of the racers, the band, and of course, our God and Father who gives us the strength to press on for his glory and the good of his creation. We would love to see this become an annual event! If you would like to be a part of this next year, let me know!

If you would like to host an event (whether a 5k, documentary/movie night, prayer meeting, cultural cuisine experience, or any ideas you have in mind) in your area to raise awareness and support, you can connect with me through my webpage: wgm.org/whitneysmith

I would love to share with your church, small group, or friends about life in South Sudan and what we all can do to have an impact there for the kingdom of Christ!
  

Upcoming 5K Event!

Hey everyone. If you haven't already heard, my local church (Asbury UMC, Fort Payne, AL) is helping me put together a 5K on Saturday, Oct 1st to raise some money and awareness about what God is doing in South Sudan. This is an exciting time in history for this new nation as they begin to look to the  future now that they have gained independence. Will you be a part of these efforts to help strengthen the church, bring physical healing, and expand the Kingdom of Christ for the glory of our Lord?

In my church, we've recently been studying what true worship is all about. And basically it comes down to this: what do we value most in our life that is worthy of our devotion? In what do we invest our time, resources, and money? You see, worship is not just about singing songs and giving thanks when we are inside a church building, but it is about offering our lives as a living sacrifice to the ONLY one who is worthy, the Lord God Almighty. Perhaps this 5K event can not only have an impact on communities in South Sudan, but it can be a tool and a reminder for each of us here in the States to truly live a life of worship to God. Let us evaluate where we invest our lives and reorder them so that God, his kingdom, and his purposes are always on the throne! For what could bring God more glory than to see all his creation turn back to him in praise and adoration. Let us truly live as children of the King.

If you would like to participate in the Hope 4 South Sudan 5K event, click here to register online. There will be live music with the band Silent No More, t-shirts for sale (included in registration for all racers), refreshments including authentic Sudanese snacks and tea, and lots of info on life in South Sudan, the work of the Mango Ministries Team, and how you can make an impact for the Kingdom of God. The race begins at 8:00am. There will be prizes for race winners (all donated - thanks for making this a community effort!) and flip flop fun sprints for all ages! (Don't worry, those will be in the grass).

If you would like to make a donation to these efforts to help me get overseas, you can do so here.

Pray that this event will be one to bring glory to our Father, for it is from him that we have received all that we are and have. I am praying for you as we work to serve the Lord and bring his Kingdom to earth.

Peace!

Independence Day!

So, this past Monday we in America celebrated one of the most popular holidays in our country: Independence day. Many watched fireworks, shot fireworks, sang songs, cooked great food, and spent time with family and friends to celebrate an important part of our nation's history, when we gained freedom from those who ruled over us. This freedom, as we know, came with much struggle. Soldiers fought, civilians gave resources and supplies, and people came together to achieve something that would one day be looked upon as remarkable.


On July 9th, South Sudan will be granted their independence. This achievement has not been without its share of war and sacrifice. The people of South Sudan now have the chance to come together and make something remarkable with what that have striven for. July 9th is this Saturday! That's only 4 days away!! Let's pray that the birth of this new nation is peaceful and glorifying to our Lord. Spread the word, get others praying. Have an independence day party for South Sudan and stay updated with what is happening through the BBC website including their Special Report Page that is solely reporting on the birth of the new South Sudan, and the Sudan Tribune.

 The Flag of South Sudan

Write a comment about what you are doing to raise awareness and get people praying for those in South Sudan, the world's soon-to-be newest nation! This will not be an easy road for these people. Do not make them walk through this alone.

Peace...

A Step at a Time

The past month has been a busy one. But I seem to always find ways of being busy (just ask my college roommates). Among the business, my little sister graduated from high school and I'm so proud of her!

This past Sunday I was able to share at Sand Rock UMC. We had a great time. I've been able to visit there before so it was great to catch up with members of the congregation. Also, the pastor, Darrell Morgan, and his wife Julie, have been like a second set of parents to me growing up. I am good friends with their daughter, Sabrina, so I spent lots of time at their house when I was younger. I am so excited to have them in my support team!

I am making preparations now for an upcoming camp in North Carolina, where I will be sharing about Sudan. Check it out at campwesley.com 

Then in July I will be traveling to Mississippi to speak at Frost Bridge Holiness Camp. I am excited for the opportunities these experiences will bring.

If you are a part of a church, bible study group, or organization that would be interested in learning more about God's work in Sudan, please contact me at whitney.smith@wgm.org (or find me on Facebook).

Thank you for all the encouragement and support! I ask that you continue to be committed to praying for the nation of Sudan. The South is approaching independence, but it is not an easy road. There have been some clashes between rebel groups from within the South and the South's armed forces. There has also been conflict in the border region of Abyei. Read more about this on the BBC website.  These are no small challenges because the division and conflict in Sudan has deep roots. Pray for healing. Pray for Peace. Pray for God's Spirit to abound in the hearts of his children that they may follow courageously after his leading. Thank you for being a part of this team. 

Training team recently traveled from Nairobi. Kenya, to Tonj, South Sudan, 
to train Sudanese pastors in the art of Biblical storytelling

Look for my newsletter coming next month. If you don't receive a copy, but would like to, email me your address (or email address if you would like a digital copy) and I will add you to my list.

Thank you for what you do. I hope you know you are loved.

Peace! 

Don't forget to check out Joy Phillips blog [click here] for current updates from the field!