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Bridges to Sudan Newsletter
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Welcome
Newsletter
November 2008
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Dear
Joe,
As
I fondly look back at our accomplishments during 2008 I am truly
amazed at God's glory and presence in this organization. One of my
favorite verses is that of James 4:6 ;"Humble yourselves in the
sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up". He has blessed
us with wonderful donors, major accomplishments and many
volunteers. We have grown more than we ever imagined and are
anticipating what He has in store for us in 2009!
To all of you who have prayed unceasingly, I am most grateful.
Philippians 4:6-7;"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus". With all of the major changes our country and our
world is going through, I will ask that you continue to pray
unceasingly for everyone, and to continue praying that we do only
God's will in our work through Bridges to Sudan.
We look so forward to joining hands and hearts together as we look
beyond ourselves and help others who deserve a better chance in His
riches.
Executive
Director, Bridges to Sudan
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The Hope Fund in Action
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Meet
Ring Akech.
Akech is a 26 year-old Sudanese refugee in Jacksonville facing daily
challenges. He has worked for a local fishery, a newspaper company
and an airplane testing facility, but his jobs don't always pay
enough to support his wife and two daughters. Bills pile up. On
top of that, he still sends half his paycheck back to Sudan in order
to help those in his village survive.
Enter
The Hope Fund.
Established to help those who need it most, The Hope Fund distributes
money to about three dozen organizations including Bridges to Sudan.
Bridges to Sudan reached out to Akech in order to help provide for
his family's needs. As Akech lacked health insurance due to a layoff,
most of the money went straight to medical expenses, allowing him to
fix his teeth and alleviate stomach pain. Additionally, the funds
allowed him to pay bills incurred from a carjacking in 2002.
Bridges
to Sudan is thankful for The Hope Fund, truly living up to its name
by offering hope for those establishing a new life in America. To
learn how you can help other Sudanese in need, please contact Sharon
Svihel at ssvihel@bridgestosudan.com.
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The Children's Ministry
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Mama
Chol (Executive Director Sharon Svihel) and I were called upon to
help supervise the children during the weekly Sudanese church
services, helping the Sudanese organize the service and making the
kids comfortable. At the beginning of each service, the kids started
a book of their artwork featuring their favorite Bible characters.
With the help of Bridges to Sudan volunteers Mike, Falma and Aganya,
we focused on faith for at least a portion of the two hours every
Sunday.
Using
each of their unique gifts, Mike led music; Falma read and explained
Bible stories and Aganya encouraged the kids to listen and follow
instructions. Together, we started a real ministry for the
children.
Educating today's youth on their faith is of unrivaled importance as
they are the future of the world.
The
children in the Sudanese church are intelligent and curious and only
need direction to become great leaders of Christianity. We hope
that the children's ministry provided a foundation to give them that
direction.
Eleyse
is a senior at Episcopal High School.
The
Children's Ministry was developed by volunteer Katie Leininger in
response to a need by the Sudanese church. After the structure was
set by Bridges to Sudan, Sudanese took that foundation and began
managing their own children's ministries at two different Sudanese
churches in the Jacksonville area.
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©
2008 BRIDGES TO SUDAN: is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt
organization. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as
allowed by law.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Meg Young
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"Let
us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good..." - Galatians 6:9-10
Ever since the first Lost Boys arrived in Jacksonville in 2001, Meg
Young has worked diligently to assist people displaced from Africa.
At the inception of Bridges to Sudan, Meg was one of the first to
volunteer her services in whatever way was needed. Given her prior
work history with a county agency, Meg was instrumental in advising
on some of the casework issues in retaining files for families
needing assistance. Her skills were also essential in keeping files
organized and maintaining case consistency. Having a huge heart for
those in need, Meg also drove Sudanese to school at night and
frequently visited them at home.
Her true love has always been with children. As she sought God for
her next steps, Meg felt led to Durban, South Africa. After training at
the International Learning Center of Jacksonville, she set out in
January on her latest life adventure - giving hope, love and care to
children in an orphanage.
We at Bridges to Sudan are grateful for Meg's service contributions
and for truly being a woman who stands up for what she believes in.
You can follow her adventures at www.megyoung.blogspot.com.
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International
For
the people of the Sudan, that they may join hands and hearts and trust in Him
to heal their hearts and their land
For
God's continued direction in planning and
funding for an assessment trip to Sudan
For
partners that
are willing to join hands and resources
Local
Praise
for bringing new
board members to Bridges
Praise
for
wonderful partnering agencies who work together to accomplish great things
for the local Sudanese in need
Volunteers
who
work relentlessly to help people reach their God-given potential
Finances
that
will help with the many needs of the Sudanese
Health
and happiness
as people learn more about blending their Sudanese culture with
American culture
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