25 April 2012 Rain, Mangoes, New Life…… Much of the last few weeks we have been involved in learning about effective ways to facilitate discussions and teach health topics within this new culture, with many local languages. Translators are so important to allow good communication. We have learned from pastors, church chairladies, TBAs (traditional birth attendants), and staff working with the team of missionaries. We are especially grateful for Rachael who is helping us learn Juba Arabic. God has blessed us with good rains intermittently over the last 2 weeks – now green spear grass and ripe, yellow mangoes are seen everywhere! Children (and grown-ups!) are seen up in the trees or under the trees with long poles to coax the mangoes to fall more quickly. This sweet fruit is enjoyed by all! We received a wonderful gift from the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for a portable ultrasound machine and a 4 WD vehicle just before we left the US. We used the ultrasound the first time this past week to confirm twins on Stella, the wife of Justus, the UMC driver. Please pray for them and their twins as the pregnancy continues – she is due to deliver on July 4th, the same day our granddaughter was born in 2011! We have also been able to order a 2012 Toyota Double Cab pick-up with lockable cover this past week. It may take several months to arrive (Dubai to Mombasa to Yei), but the additional vehicle for the work here will be invaluable! Thank you, friends in Kentucky! Every Sunday we travel to a different church. We’ve seen a young woman recommit her life to Christ; enjoyed lively singing and dancing; and heard the Word preached in Kakwa, Bari, Arabi, and English! We were blessed to be at an opening for a “permanent church building” in Gwiria. This past Sunday Lynn went to Kelego, a new UMC about 15 miles out on the Maridi Road. Worship was held under a tree as they have no church building yet – but the Holy Spirit was present as a man who had been an alcoholic stepped forward and repented of his sins and accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He and his whole family were baptized at the end of the service! At the end of each time of service, many people, young and old, come forward for individual prayers for healing. We are humbled to be involved with the faithful believers here! Unrest continues in the eastern part of South Sudan as well as along the northern border with Sudan. Please join us in praying for peaceful negotiations and end to violence. Seli le salaam! (Pray for peace!) Shukran ashan salawaat bitakum! (Thank you for your prayers!) Sharon and Lynn