GARY:
God has been gracious to allow us some huge laughs amongst the pain we know that exists here in Sudan. Last night at dinner I asked Rosemary if she had heard about Rafael and his dad. She had not and so I proceeded to tell her that Rafael had made the whole thing up and that the gentleman was really not his dad. She could not believe it as she was sitting there both days to see and hear the interaction between the three of us. We must have laughed for 15 minutes - the eyes were sweating from laughter which continued again this morning when we realized we would face the man again. We walked in and could not help but laugh. Rafael has not showed up again which saddens me. One, I loved interacting with him but two, I wanted to introduce him to his mother!! The other good laugh is that we have commented that you need to really pay attention to how you are driving here as there are no lanes and drivers are weaving and merging everywhere - onto sidewalks and shoulders trying to get six lanes where there really should be three. Anyway, we have been amazed at the few motorcyclists we have seen. We watch them talking on their cell phones and wonder how they will stop but yesterday's sight topped them all. There was a guy driving a motorcycle and reading a newspaper. We laughed so hard! We also learned that Thursdays is just a 1/2 day of work - we wondered how that worked when they really don't get there till almost halfd way thru the day - we laughed about that! The Sudanese with us laugh at it as well.

Once again we have been so blessed today as it usually works out when you are one of these trips - we receive far more than what we give. Micheal did a great teaching on the role of the husband which for the most part is very contrary to what happens here. Some Englsih lessons which included greeting one another and some head=shoulder-knees and toes produced some great laughter for the students. Vergil got them going after saying his favorite verse in Arabic and then having them cheer for the Lord - which then lead to another sweet ministry time. God kows what it will take to produce some great teachers/leaders for His Kingdom. It is not just the information and tools, but the inner healing which makes you a far better lover of and for Jesus. I began teaching after lunch - which they call breakfast - and encouraged them in how God will take this small team and use them in mighty ways as He did with the early disciples. A few more sweaty eyes from me and them. Then we were off to bringing the puppets out which they just love. We then did our final prep work for our ministry to the desert camp tomorrow. Be praying for that time. The students have worked out for this time. I am sure this will be an experience like none other.

It is hard to believe that our teaching times are over. I feel like we have just gotten into it. One of the students is determined to teach me Arabic. Everytime you do something in their native tongue - they go wild. You can't help but love these people. Their strength truly comes in the joy that they have for the Lord. How I want to learn this dependence on the Lord - though of course I also know what it entails as they have suffered for the Lord. Not something we talk much about in USA.

They are calling us for dinner. Pray for our time tomorrow - that the students will depend on the Lord for their service to the desert camp children - that nothing will block the children from coming - that their ears and hearts would be open to hear and respond to the gospel message. We will be getting the children in small groups to explain the gospel and give each child a wordless bracelet. Thank you 4th and 5th grade girls for putting them together.

You gotta come back tomorrow night to hear the full story!!

MICHEAL:
It was another very good day at the conference. I opened with my final session on marriage and then had an English lesson. It was great. I taught them a greeting -- Hello, my name is Micheal. How are you? Then I handed out names from the Bible, two each. They had to greet one another using their Bible name until they greeted someone who greeted them back with the same name. With 80 people beginning, it was very fun to watch and then how excited they were to meet the same person and come up front with them for a little prize. Vergil next did his final session. Before starting he said that since it was the last day, he wanted to hear their loudest and most glorious praise possible to the Lord. An hour or so later he continued with his lesson. It began very loud and then once again the Holy Spirit started doing some deep work in the people. There is so much! hurt and pain deep in their heart. This week had been so good for them. Several times beginning the first day there have been powerful ministry times in the Spirit. Each time the light of Jesus goes a little deeper to illuminate the hurt and they are able to release it. The process of healing those incredible deep hurts has been amazing to participate in. Holding a sobbing young man or woman and praying for Jesus to touch those hurts is such a privilege. Gary did another great job in his teaching and then more puppet training. The last hour was spent in preparation for the desert camps. I have them in about 7 groups. One is teaching a song with actions, one group is working with Gary to do an Arabic children's song using puppets, several are doing parables, one is doing a craft, of course there will! be lots of worship and small groups where the wordless bracelets will be handed out and explained. They will also have something to eat for the children. The whole emphasis of the outreach is the gospel message and it will be presented in a variety of ways. The students have worked very hard and just watching what they are doing in their groups in preparation, it should be an amazing day.

It was fun at the end of today when Sebat, the one in charge of the Sunday Schools in many of the churches, was making announcements. (Joseph was interpreting for us) He said he wanted everyone there on Saturday for graduation. He said he didn't want to assume anything, but there may be certificates for each of them. I can only imagine the excitement when they see the T-shirts we have for each of them.

It really was another very good day. Thank you for the continued prayers -- believe they are truly having effect. It can only be the Lord moved by prayer that is accomplishing so much.

Blessings from Khartoum,
Micheal

VERGIL:
Wednesday's:

It was a great day today. Worship was worship! Gary brought out the puppets today; they were a hit. I think they will make a huge impact in the children's lives (Rolling HIlls purchased 40 puppets to give to leaders attending the conference to use in there children's Sunday school class). Micheal taught more today on marriage and facilitated the work groups, as they prepare for the desert camps. I continued to teach the gospel of John. I am slowly learning Arabic. Today, I read my favorite scripture 1 John 4:19 in Arabic. I know I butchered it however, the people just loved it.

Pastor Joseph was feeling much better today. Praise God.

I mentioned before that the Sudanese view time very differently from us. This morning our ride was late again (on time for the Sudanese). In the van on the way to the conference we talked about time. I asked, "What time do people start work?" Pastor Apollo's wife answered, "9 or 10." Apollo explained to us later that during an 8 hour work day, one only works 3 hours. I can't believe it. His wife made the comment that nobody really knows what local Sudanese time is. You would think that there are no clocks in this country. God bless them.

Tomorrow is the last day of the conference. We hope to pour ourselves out like a drink offering; till the last drop. Pray for peace in Sudan.

For His Glory,
Vergil

Thursday's:
Today was the final day of the conference. We believe the Lord has used this conference to equip, encourage, and excite the teachers that attended. Tomorrow, we will go the the desert camps. The students will be applying what they have learned this week; some will teach using the puppets, others will teach through song, some with drama, others with crafts. It will be a marvelous time.

I have learned so much from this experience. When we first arrived, my heart was broken for the church in Sudan. I could not hold back the tears. However, over the course of this week, the Lord has given me a peace that really surpasses all understanding. The Lord Jesus Christ, God our Father, the Holy Spirit is moving in the war torn country of Sudan. He is sovereign!

I have been so privileged to travel, teach, and room with Micheal and Gary. They are both great men. But I have to admit, they don't compare to my roommate in Portland.

Sudan will always have a special place in my heart. I look forward to supporting the work God is doing here. I am most excited to show and tell you about all of the wonderful people I've met. Here come those tears I talked about. I love Sudan.

For His Glory,
Vergil