Martyns in Africa

• Identifying With Muslims

  Posted: April 30, 2011, 10:32 pm by Taylor

  
  

  I recently watched Morgan Spurlock’s ‘Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden’. This image is a screen grab from the film. I think this image really humanizes Muslims more than any other I’ve ever seen. It helps me identify with them. While our society usually teaches that they are the enemy, they are in need of knowing Christ. These are the friends I encountered, especially when we lived in Sudan.

• Easter Coin Hunt

  Posted: April 24, 2011, 8:01 pm by Taylor

  We had a lovely Easter with communion at church, good naps for almost everyone, and a fun SIM Easter coin hunt at the compound in the afternoon. Here is a pic from the hunt.
  

• He is risen, He is risen indeed!

  Posted: April 24, 2011, 3:48 pm by Taylor

  Happy Easter to you all. May you have a wonderful day reflecting about and celebrating our risen savior!

• New Video: A Look Back

  Posted: April 21, 2011, 2:16 pm by Taylor

  Since 2005 SIM Sudan has been investing in the Sudanese church through water projects, education, healthcare, vocational training and more. Look back with us as we talk with Sudanese who have been impacted by our work.

• New Video: Sudanese Friendships

  Posted: April 20, 2011, 2:04 pm by Taylor

  Ryan Weeks of SIM Sudan takes us on a journey through his typical day in Sudan. At the end of it all, it’s about the relationships built and the opportunities that gives for evangelism and discipleship.

• Prayer Request

  Posted: April 12, 2011, 12:01 pm by Taylor

  Though we still have a month and a few days before we leave for the U.S. we do not have Larson’s passport. When we applied for it at the embassy we were told though the process was taking longer we should receive it in time to make our flights. We could apply for an emergency passport if need be or just delay our return flight but would greatly appreciate prayers for his passport to arrive in time for our currently booked flights. Thanks!

• @ushahidi deployment in Japan gets mention on NBC Nightly News (pic – take 2)

  Posted: April 9, 2011, 9:29 pm by Taylor

  Posted via email from Martyns In Africa

• Reflections on ministry

  Posted: April 9, 2011, 6:01 pm by Taylor

  As we are wrapping up the time on the field of our first term we have been reflecting on the past few years. We have filled out paperwork regarding this term and the next. I had to pause and wonder how to fill out the slot for what my ministry is and will be.

  As most of you know I have wanted to be a missionary for many years. I gave my all in seeking after this dream I felt the Lord was directing me to take. I was fortunate to meet Taylor to help balance me out and help me through this journey together.

  It was exciting to finally be able to live out the dream as we moved our family in November 2008 to Kenya and then Sudan. I had been picturing myself digging wells, leading seminars, helping others plant gardens that not only helped their families avoid starvation but be a source of income as well.

  What I could not truly prepare for ahead of time was the reality of my role of wife and mother being full time. During this adjustment I was thankful to have the title of language learner while in Sudan, then be able to help assist the short-term program here in Kenya.

  Looking ahead and wondering what my “ministry” will be in addition to being a wife and mom I continue to struggle with feeling like it isn’t enough. I received a good reminder from a recent daily devotional…

  There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:46 (NRSV)
  “…even when we feel we have limited ability, we are still needed to help fulfill the ministry of the church. The Bible tells us, “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor” (niv). I am thankful that God gives each of us the privilege to serve and to be included as a useful part of the body of Christ.”

  I continually need to step back and remind myself that whatever job, ministry, task I do matters because that is what the Lord has for me at this moment. No matter how I view it or its importance it is of highest importance that I give my all and do it as unto the Lord. To refocus on the fact that I, that we, get to take part in the Lord’s work as his children. What an honor!

• International Day for Landmine Awareness

  Posted: April 8, 2011, 6:30 pm by Taylor

  A few days behind in posting but just wanted to share some photos from this year’s day for landline awareness. April 4 was set up to be a day for creating awareness of the issue of land mines that still plagues many countries, including areas right outside of some of our bases in Sudan.

  
  The picture above can be found on yahoo’s site with a few other pictures from a memorial service in Colombia. Click here to see the others.

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Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes