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It all came together at the last minute – alarming, perhaps, by American standards but not too out of the ordinary here – a road trip to Uganda with the three Trump boys, Julie McManus helping out, Carlotta Tiews making pictures, Sarah Kanoy surveying for an upcoming Mercy Medical Team (MMT), and Jon Clausing being re-introduced to Pastor Charles and learning more of the context for his work with Mission Training Centers. Josiah, in particular, was very excited to be going back “home” - to the country where he was born - and all three of them were thrilled to be on a trip with Papa – who, of course, was also thrilled to have them along (and grateful for the support of Julie and the rest of our party).
It was a full day's drive from Nairobi to reach the border town of Busia, Uganda, where two sites had been identified for the next MMT location. At each site we took a look around, visited with the leaders of the congregation, asked about the distance to the nearest clinics and typical health problems in the area, and tried to envision what a clinic would look like in that context. Was water available, would tents or chairs need to be hired, would medication be able to be securely left on site each night or loaded back into the van at the close of each day? With answers in hand, we set off for the next task – Shauen visiting the new seminary where newly called missionaries Mark and Megan Mantey would be working.
The new Lutheran seminary in Uganda is still under construction but the basic structures are in place and the church was committed to opening the seminary as soon as one dormitory room and one classroom were ready. Shauen worked with the church leaders to determine where the Manteys would stay, what this work would look like for them, and how they would support the church and be supported by the church.
The whole time we were in Uganda, Jon rode along with Pastor Charles to learn more about how the church has implemented MTCs in the past and what their desire would be for a future program.
Praise the Lord for a successful trip all-around!
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To Ethiopia to Welcome New Missionaries
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Finally, after two and a half years, our children's desperate ongoing plea, “Papa, when are you going to take us to Ethiopia?” was answered. This month, as summer vacation was drawing to a close, we enjoyed the opportunity to take the whole family up to Ethiopia to welcome Krista Young and her family – our new Volunteer Coordinator for Ethiopia. Our children got to reconnect with the Rabe and Stinnett children and Krista finally got to see first-hand where Shauen goes, who he works with, and what he gets to do when heading up to Ethiopia.
While Shauen spent time in his normal work, the family also got to join in for dinner at the cultural restaurant (Shauen didn't get pulled up on stage to dance this time), enjoy Addis Ababa traffic (reminiscent of Kampala but without the motorcycle taxis), enjoy fine Ethiopian cuisine, and savor those amazing macchiatos which Shauen gushes about every time he comes home. Shauen visited with his staff in Ethiopia, visited with the seminary faculty, and provided a 3-day field orientation to the Young family.
But by far the most enjoyable aspect of the trip was spending time together – fellowshipping with our missionaries there and getting to know the Youngs as they began settling in to their new life in Ethiopia. Praise the Lord for raising up new servants in Ethiopia and for sending us to support them!
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Twice a year, the Eastern and Southern Africa field meets together for a Continuing Education course presented by a LCMS seminary professor. Our courses usually take place in an environment conducive to both study and respite and are attended by the entire missionary family. Church worker participation in continuing education was strongly encouraged in the most recent LCMS convention. Besides the obvious benefit of being engaged in ongoing learning, this time of gathering together provides opportunities for fellowship, worship, encouragement, and rejuvenation for our missionaries and their families. But we need help. In order for parents to participate in the course, we need volunteers to work with two groups of children in particular: those ages 4-12 (VBS-style program), and those 12-17. If you or someone you know is open to coming to Africa (locations vary) for about a week in mid-September or early January to work with missionary kids in either age group, please get in touch with us – we need you! Our next course is September 15-19, 2016, followed by January 4-8, 2017. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to continue to be a learner!
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Prayer Requests
For comfort and support in this time of grief and discouragement
For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries
For the missionaries, projects, and relationships Shauen oversees for the church
For safety during upcoming trips to Ethiopia and Tanzania |
In Praise
For the arrival of the Young family and the opportunities before them in Ethiopia
For an opportunity for Shauen to study towards a PhD |
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 9:16PM 
