14 Month Update

Here is a copy of my 14 Month Email Update:

Happy New Year from Sudan!

It's 2011 and that means a lot for Sudan. For those of you who follow my blog, you know about the upcoming Referendum. For those of you who don't, here is a brief summary. On January 9th, South Sudan will take part in a historic vote. They will be voting on separating from the North and becoming their own country. If they don't separate, they will be forced in to strict Islamic law. The country has been in peace for the last five years and we are praying that continues. Everyone is expecting the vote to separate will pass overwhelmingly, but what happens next is the question. Many are expecting the North to put up a fight primarily because they don't want to lose control over valuable oil areas that would remain in the South. There is an atmosphere of peace on the ground right now, but since things are unpredictable Sabet is keeping a close eye on the situation.

Although most organizations are leaving during the Referendum, due to the important free services our clinic provides to the community, we want to stay open. Sabet, Mike and a few other missionaries and Kenyan staff will be staying in Tonj as long as everything remains peaceful. MAF and AIM air are on stand by to evacuate them if needed. Suzy, the kids and I will be going to Kenya during the Referendum because if we stayed, we would have too many people here to fly out on one plane. Part of me is sad not to be here, but I understand safety comes first. Because I am overdue for an R&R (my last proper one was in July) and I am not a doctor or nurse, it makes sense for me to be one of the people leaving. So, on Thursday January 6th, we'll be flying to Kenya where I will be visiting a friend. If there are no problems with the vote and the result announcements, I will fly back to Sudan two to three weeks later with a few other staff members. It's important to know we are not in danger. Sabet has government contacts that he is communicating frequently with. If there is any possibility of violence or war, he will shut down the compound and get everyone out of there.

December has been a quiet month on the compound. The women had a chance to go on a wonderful retreat while the guys held down the fort. It was a huge blessing and team building experience. Once we got back, our Kenyan staff went home for their Christmas break. Tom (our doctor) and Stephanie (our midwife) were here so we kept the clinic open for emergencies. Tom did a great job dealing with every case that came up. Although malaria season is over, we still got quite a few people severely sick with malaria. We also had a child who stuck beans up his nose, a few badly broken bones and many other emergencies. Our pastors school is on break for Christmas and the Referendum. Without them and many of our staff members on break, it has looked like a ghost town around here! Usually we are so busy, that this has been a refreshing break. It has been nice to have a slower pace and get ready for the new year. We had a very nice Christmas and New Years celebration just the ten of us: The Kuj Family, Mike and Amy Yordt, Stephanie, Tom and I.

Prayer Requests:

1. A peaceful Referendum and safety for those left in Tonj
2. A safe and restful R&R for me in Kenya.
3. Vision for me for 2011 as I listen for God's guidance about my future.

There is so much more to share than I can include in this email. My blog has lots of stories and pictures so be sure to check it out: http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/

As a missionary, I have to raise the funds to support myself here. I need to raise around $1000 per month to cover my expenses. That's a lot, but God has been faithful to provide. As we start a new year, would you please pray about whether God is calling you to join my support team? One time donations are great, but the monthly option is good too. If you can spare $25 per month, over a year it goes a long way! If He does, here is what to do:

1.Go to www.indeedandtruth.org. Click on donate and you'll see a my name listed and can designate a donation to me.
2. Mail a check to: In Deed and Truth Ministries, PO Box 51253, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 Please don’t forget to write my name on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible.

Thank you to everyone who has faithfully supported me. Not everyone can give financially, but everyone can pray. Please remember me, In Deed and Truth Ministries and the people of Sudan in your prayers. I am here as your representative to show the love of Jesus to these precious people so they may come to know Him has their personal savior. May our Heavenly Father be honored through our work here. God Bless you all as you start a new year.

Love,
Stacie
aka Yar