FCM's Ministry Partner in Sudan Talks About the Upcoming Referendum

FCM began working in Southern Sudan in 2004 and
since that time we have tried to educate the American
church about the persecution that the church in
Sudan has endured. Often times when the subject
of Sudan’s troubles comes up on television, viewers
turn the channel, hoping to escape responsibility if
they can claim ignorance. But voluntary ignorance is
the worst kind and the church can no longer bury it’s
head in the sand and pretend that the world is ok just
because we are. The state of our own personal lives
is not the state of most lives in Southern Sudan.

In fact, the Western church is very unlike the church in
Africa. In Matthew 24, Christ prophesied that a great
escalation in persecution would take place toward the
time of His return and the “end of the age” (vs. 3).
The ninth verse reads, “Then you will be handed over
to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be
hated by all nations because of me.” The persecuted
church in Sudan is one of the greatest realities of our
time. Very harsh things have happened to some of
our own brothers and sisters in Christ. Many are
dying. Many are purposely starved. Some lose their
homes and even their children if they do not renounce
their faith. Can you imagine? But we must! We
have a responsibility to know what is going on in our
family and to address the physical and spiritual needs
that exist. It is time for us to wise up and reach out
and support the persecuted church in Southern Sudan
with both our prayers and our resources.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10

How can you get involved? On January 9, 2011
there will be a referendum in Southern Sudan on
whether or not the South will vote to become a free
and separate country.

Take time to listen to Jeffreys Kayanga, FCM’s ministry
partner, talk about the upcoming referendum and
what you can do to help. You can listen to the video
by visiting the multimedia page of FCM’s website.

Uganda Team Update

Today the team went to worship at Grace Fellowship Church in the Old Kampala Slum. It was daunting to arrive to a place that has such obvious needs, but the service was inspirational. Numerous groups of children made their way to the front where they sang and danced to songs praising God. Many of the children didn’t even have shoes but it was evident how thankful they were to God! They are truly happy children!

We were able to open a clinic in the slum where 200 people came to get medical attention. We also traveled to the boys’ home, which houses 50 boys from the surrounding area, to fit shoes for those there. About 20 girls were also outfitted for shoes. It was a long and tiring day for the team, but one I’m certain no one would trade. God is at work here.

Tomorrow we will travel to Masaka, and will be staying at the Maria Flo Hotel. The phone number to the hotel is (256) (0) 752 800329. Please continue to pray for us and especially for the Ugandans here. We will be out of touch for the next few days while in Masaka. We are staying at the Metropole Hotel in Kampala on Thursday night, and the number there is (256) (4) 1439006. Thanks and may God bless you!

Ruth Yusckat

Sudan Team Arrives Safely Back to States

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the Sudan team is home safely! Praise God for an incredible trip that I pray will spark future thoughts and posts...as mentioned yesterday, so much to process...
Thank you again for all of your love, support, and prayers! We felt them in a mighty way!

Praise Him!
Rebecca Cummings

A Great Day in the Pearl of Africa!

Hi all!

Today was our first ministry day here in Kampala, and it was great! The medical and optical teams had a busy day and helped so many at Grace Fellowship Church... I think I heard that the medical team saw 198 people! Wow! The people were truly a blessing. As someone who had never been outside of the US before this trip, I can honestly say it was an eye-opener. The need here is so great, but the children we saw on carnval team were SO happy! The simplest things thrilled them, and it just made me think about how spoiled most of us are (I know I am anyways!) Last, I'd just like to say that we have a wonderful team here. Everyone has such a good, loving attitude, and I am so thankful! All is well.. please continue to pray for our team and the people we come into contact with. Pray that God will use us however He sees fit and that we'll remain "flexible* and follow His leading. Thanks and Love to all!

Whitney Shelnutt

Uganda Mission Team Arrives Safely in Kampala

Happy to let everyone in the States know that the Uganda team rested well last night. The team will move out this morning to a village outside of Kampala called Awera. We're looking forward to seeing how God uses our time in Uganda to challenge the way we see ourselves, our community and the world. Please keep us in your prayers.

Randy Plaisance
Kampala, Uganda

It Made a Difference to That One

Most of you have probably heard that story about the little boy walking along the beach, picking up starfish and throwing them back in the ocean. An older man comes along and says to the boy, "There are thousands of starfish on the shore that will die if they do not make it back into the ocean. Why are you doing this?"
The little boy smiles as he picks one up and thows it back to the ocean and says, "It made a difference to that one."

Boy, have we felt that way this week. The need is so great, we cannot begin to even express it. We pray that our stories, pictures, and videos help, but as we head home to tell you about it all...please bear with us. We want to capture your hearts the same way ours have been. There has been so much to process and comprehend in our minds and hearts. It will take us time....and different points of view will come at different times.

Even so, we are so excited to be coming home and to share! Although there were so many we could not help...and we have and still are grieving for those people...we made a difference to that one.

See you all very soon.

We love you,
The Sudan Team:
Rebecca and Tommy
Joy and Yancy
Kevin
Eric
John
Tripp
Daniel

Sudan Team Lands in Uganda

The Sudan team has landed safely in Uganda. Everyone is resting, preparing for the flight back to the States later this evening.

What a great week we had. Words cannot begin to describe the experience. The trip ended on a great note with Yancy and Joy Carpenter getting to visit the home of our dear friend Bullen Timo. Yancy and Joy prayed with Mr. Timo, as well as all of his family. Bullen, your grandad sends his love and so do all of your other friends and family in Mundri.

Pray for our staff. FCM's Uganda team lands in a few hours with ministry beginning tomorrow.

Tripp Skipper
Kampala, Uganda

Last Ministry Day Underway in Sudan

The team is physically exhausted but their spirits are strong. I don't know if you realize it but this mobile medical team is the first of its kind in Western Mundri County. Work has been done in East Mundri County but so many of the folks in the villages that we are visiting have never seen a doctor. By the end of the day the team will have seen over 750 patients.

For the family members that were left behind I encourage you to prepare yourself for the stories that will be communicated once the team returns. They have seen a depth of physical pain and suffering that will be difficult to put into words. The pictures and videos will help but they only go so far in helping each team member unpack all that is in their head. Be patient with them. The reality of life in Sudan has set in and the images are a lot to process.

We give all the glory to the Lord. He is writing a story with each of our lives. We give thanks for the goers as well as those that sent. It's all about Him!

God Bless,

Tripp Skipper
Mundri, Sudan

Dr. Eric Robinson in Surgery

Please pray for Dr. Eric Robinson, one of our team members that is serving in South Sudan this week. As I write this update Eric is performing hernia surgery on several patients at the hospital in Lui, Sudan. The hospital has over thirty patients in need of hernia surgery but there is only one doctor available. Hopefully Eric can help relieve some of the back log over the next two days.

The team rested well last night and the mobile medical clinic is working today in a small village just outside of Mundri. It's hard to believe that we only have one more ministry day left.

Daniel Phillips
Birmingham, Alabama

FCM Leads Medical Team in South Sudan

Internet is tough to come by in South Sudan but here's a quick update. The team is safe, healthy and doing great. Yesterday we visited a small village just outside of Mundri, called Okari. This is the home village of our dear friend Andrew Elisapana. What a joy to visit with his family. Andrew, your mom and dad send you their love.

As I write this the team is ministering in a village called Mirikalanga. After today the team will have treated over 300 patients, distributing much needed medical supplies. With every prescription that Rebecca fills, the love of Christ is being demonstrated. Yet, we know that even our care is temporary. The spiritual healing that God offers through Christ Jesus is the eternal answer.

Check out FCM's facebook page to view some of this week's pictures.

For the Joy,

Tripp Skipper

Mundri, Sudan

IN SUDAN!!!

Good afternoon (early morning for you!) from Mundri, Sudan!!!!

We arrived safely a couple of hours ago and have already had lunch (rice, beans, tomatoes and onions, and bread...we hear this will be the norm for us while here), orientation from Jeffreys on what to expect for the week, and a visit to Former Commissioner of Mundri Bullen's home. We think a Commissioner is sort of like a county mayor.

Change of plans....we will no longer be staying in Lui tonight; instead, we will be in Mundri the entire trip. Good news - this means we will have a "shower" the whole time! We will be going to 3 churches tomorrow...Yancy and Joy will be going to Andrew's father's church, John will be speaking at another church, and Eric at another. The rest of us will be going to those churches as well.

The plane trip here went very smoothly - the journey was beautiful and we got to see the Nile! Africa, at least this part, is so green!

Praise the Lord! - all of our medications made it in!! This afternoon or tomorrow we will plan to repack and prepare for Monday's clinic (we thought we were starting tomorrow, but that has changed also).

Our anxiousness has drastically decreased. We are so excited to be here! Please continue to pray for our energy, our unity, and that Jesus will be glorified in everything.

Everyone is well. Tripp has a bit of a cold, so please pray for his health because we need him!

We continue to be thankful for you and all of your prayers!

We love you,
Rebecca and Joy and the boys

On Our Way In

All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians 4:15

Each night, John has been leading us in our share time, and as we prepare to enter Sudan tomorrow, he spoke tonight of giving thanks. How encouraged are we to know that as God's Word reaches the people of Sudan, there will be more thanksgiving and God will receive more glory!

We are good and safe and Daniel should be here any minute, but we are also nervous and anxious about what this next week holds...and we are more aware than ever of how much we need your prayers and God's grace.

Please continue to pray for the whole team and each person we will come into contact with.

We hope to share again with you on Friday sometime when we arrive back in Kampala, Uganda (although, let us just state for the record that contact from Africa is hard....Tripp calls it TIA - This Is Africa!).

Until then...God is good!

We love you,
Joy and Rebecca (and Yancy, Tommy, Kevin, John, Eric, Tripp, Daniel)

In Africa!!

Hello from Africa!

We can't believe we are finally saying those words! As we look out over Lake Mburo and 2 crowned hornedbill birds (Zazu from the Lion King for any Disney fans!), we write to you with full mouths and hearts! There is so much to tell about, so we'll try to hit the highlights...

Our flight over was...LONG! Both of them. But after repairing a flat tire on our trailer on the way to the Atlanta airport, we were thankful to have made it without any further issues. We landed in Entebbe and arrived Tuesday evening at Father's House.

Father's House is a family-style orphanage that is such a sanctuary from the surrounding area of Kampala. It is a beautiful home overlooking Lake Victoria and the city of Kampala. Even more beautiful is the family inside. Suzanne was a gracious hostess and shared with us about following the Lord's guidance to "father His children." They have about 20 children in the home currently, and they were so much fun to visit with. One message Suzanne shared with us was about the custody battle that exists between God and Satan for the hearts of the children of the world. Oh, how God loves us!!

Wednesday morning we left Father's House and traveled into Kampala to Grace Fellowship Primary School and Church. Pastor Nelson loves the people, and especially the children, of this city! We were loved on by the children at the school, many of them orphans, and they sang for us. It was incredible. They just wanted to touch us...and it reminded us of the woman who just wanted to touch the hem of Jesus' robe. We pray that we showed His face to them.

We also visited the Street Boys...a ministry to boys who live on the street. Many of them are also orphans and have been abused by their families. Abby, a former street boy himself, leads this ministry that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to love on these boys, have Bible study, help with homework, provide a meal, and teach a trade. We had the great honor of praying with these boys and viewing/purchasing some of their beautiful work! When you see the giraffe in our homes, you will know where it came from!

After lunch, we headed to Mohingo Lodge in the Mburo National Park. For those of you who know Tripp well, you will love the fact that we 1) thought this would be a 2 1/2 hour trip, 2) were told as we boarded the bus, that it would take 4 hours, and 3) journeyed 5 hours before arriving!! :) Good times. Literally, for a 5-hour bus ride on African roads, it was! The team has had many opportunities to share with each other. :)

The trip was worth it. On the road to the Lodge, we saw zebra, warthogs, antelope, and massive deer-looking animals. For those of you who know Joy and Rebecca well...we are camping. In a glorified tent, but we. are. camping. We are thankful that the preparation for the trip into Sudan has been gradual.

Today (Thursday) has been a very restful day. Enjoying the animals, the food, and the fellowship. The boys are currently on a boat ride to see more animals. The girls are enjoying extra relaxing. We know the rest of the trip will be full, and we are very thankful that God has provided this respite before the rest of the trip begins.

We fly into Sudan on Saturday. Many of you have been praying for the "logistics of Sudan" as mentioned in Joy's and Rebecca's last email updates. We had no idea of what we were praying for, so we want to close with this miracle and final specific prayer request:

Right before Tripp left for Uganda (a couple of days before the rest of us came), he received word that Jeffreys, the missionary we are working with in Sudan, had not yet received his letter of exemption from the Government of South Sudan to come get the medications from us in Uganda and drive them back over the border into Sudan. Jeffreys told Tripp the letter would not arrive until November 15 or so.
After Tripp landed, he began the search for a way to get the medications to Sudan.

God provided.

Tripp contacted the MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship), and they "just happened" to have an empty plane going into Sudan this Friday...as in tomorrow!

On our way to the Lodge, Tripp spoke to a staff member at MAF, and, in more continued praise, ALL of our medication gets to go in!!! Hallelujah!
Please continue to pray that the medication will make it there before we do. That sounds really simple to us, but evidently, it is not so simple here.

Please also continue to pray for us and our time in Sudan. Pray that God will prepare us. We don't really have a clue. Please pray that we will glorify Him in every single thing we say and do.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support! We love you, and we can't wait to share more with you!

For Him,
Joy and Rebecca and the boys

Headed to Atlanta - Sudan Here We Come!

So is this what being ready feels like?!

Honestly, I wasn't thinking so. But IT'S HERE!! And I know God is meeting our needs, just as he did for Paul:

"At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts [prayers, support, encouragement] you sent me...They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen." Philippians 4:18-20

If you receive updates from my friend Joy, you will notice some of the content below sounds strangely familiar. :) In her last update, she provided some great thoughts and information that I would like to pass along also.

1. In addition to Apryl's daily updates, we are hoping to have internet access to update the Four Corners blog. Updates can be found at http://4cornersministries.blogspot.com/.
2. If I have the opportunity to, I will post updates on Facebook!
3. A couple of prayer requests: We contacted the Gideon's about getting Bibles in the Moru language. God is so good because they told us that they had just shipped every Moru Bible they had to Lui, Sudan! That's where we are going!! Please pray that we are able to meet up with the right people to get the Bibles. How awesome would it be to give everyone we treat at the clinic the Word of God?! Another prayer request that Tripp mentioned is for the logistics of our travel in Sudan (where we will be when and how we'll get there).
4. We are loaded to the max...I have crammed more stuff into spaces it really doesn't fit over the past 24 hours than I ever have before! I am so thankful that we are able to take so much to help the people we will be visiting, but I am really nervous about it all getting through the check-in process. We have weighed and re-weighed...so please pray that those scales at the airport read no more than 50 pounds!!

Thank you many times over for being the hands and feet of Jesus. I love you all so much and can't wait to share how God glorifies Himself through this trip! Talk to you from Africa!!

Rebecca Cummings
Opelika, Alabama

FCM at Beulah Christian Church

FCM was given the opportunity this morning to address the folks at Beulah Christian Church. Please pray for Beulah's leadership team as they consider deepening their partnership with FCM.

Packed and Ready to Go!

As the day draws closer for us to leave for Sudan, Tommy and I are getting more and more excited! We had our final team meeting last night, and Tripp shared from Psalm 91. How perfect! God will protect us, go before us, and deliver us. Hallelujah!

We are packed! It was a goal of the team's to have our personal belongings packed by last night's meeting so that we would know how much extra space we had to take additional items and gifts. Once we calculated and looked at everything, we are definitely going to have enough space to pack everything we had hoped to take. Yay!

Please continue to pray for the team...for our friendships and our time together. There will be lots of time together. :) So please pray that we will not get on each others' nerves, and that we will not allow the little things to bother us. Please pray Psalm 91 over us.

Rebecca Cummings
Opelika, Alabama

Are You Desperate?

I have two words for you today: TWO WEEKS.

Wow.

To say that I can't believe the trip to Sudan is this close is the understatement of the year!

I have recently been studying Radical by David Platt. I posted the quote below on Facebook earlier today because it so accurately reflects my struggle right now. It provides me a good attitude adjustment for when I get stressed (thinking I can do it...whatever it is) and a great encouragment about our Heavenly Father.

"This is how God works. He puts His people in positions where they are desperate for His power, and then He shows His provision in ways that display His greatness."

And in an attempt to spur you on, check out Hebrews 10:24.

Please continue to pray for me and our team as we prepare to leave for Sudan.

Much Love,

Rebecca Cummings
Opelika, Alabama

FCM Staff Back in Uganda

The FCM team arrived safely in Uganda on Sunday, August 1st. The trip marks another milestone toward the goal of making the vision of Abaana's Hope a reality. The team will begin the search for housing for Matt and Jamie East, meet with our attorney and real estate consultant, as well as encourage our existing ministry partners in Uganda.

Matt and Jamie have recently joined FCM's team. They will be moving to Uganda next July to launch Abaana's Hope. In addition to making sure that construction timelines are met, Matt and Jamie will invest themselves in potential Ugandan house parents. FCM is planning to open the first home in the Spring of 2012 and bring an additional home online each year.

Be in prayer for us this week. Pray that the right doors will open and that benefical relationships will begin.

Harold Harmon

FCM Moves Forward with Capital Campaign for "Abaana's Hope"

As many of you know, FCM recently concluded a successful feasibility study with the J.F. Smith Group. We’re excited to announce that the Smith Group has recommended that we move forward with a capital campaign to benefit the vision of Abaana’s Hope, the comprehensive children’s village that FCM will build in Uganda. Please pray for our Executive Planning Committee as they steer the campaign. The committee held their first meeting today so we will keep you informed of the campaign’s progress over the coming months.

FCM Staff Member Arrives in Haiti

FCM staff member, Trey Reed, left for Haiti this week in partnership with Servants In Faith and Technology (SIFAT) to set up water filtration systems in a village about 35 miles from Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. Once established, each filtration system can purify 55 gallons of water per minute. The systems use chlorine salt to kill microorganisms and rely on car batteries for power. When set up, the systems can be a permanent source of drinking water.

Please pray for Trey and Tom Corson of SIFAT while they serve in Haiti.

-Tripp Skipper