four_corners

Learn more about FCM's partner Faith Comes By Hearing

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:45:02 GMT

"Eradicating Biblical Poverty in Our Lifetime"

Technology Helping Advance the Gospel

"From every nation, tribe, and language, standing before the throne"

By Lauren Johnson

April 2026

" And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come ," Matthew 24:14.

Meet Okot Simon Peter, keyboard player for Living Stones Community Church

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:09:34 GMT

"Come Before Him with Joyful Songs"

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms," 1 Peter 4:10.

He and his wife, Susan, have two children who he can share his passion with. He’s teaching them how to play the keyboard, and his first-born daughter, Lakica Mary, also enjoys music through singing.

In 2011, Simon was asked to be the keyboardist for Living Stones Community Church, and he was excited to accept the position. He also began working on the Abaana’s Hope farm. Over the years he moved around to different roles including the chicken caretaker, working in the grist mill, working on the landscape team, and now working in the Abaana’s Hope kitchen. His wife is also employed at Abaana’s Hope where she works on the farm.

The kitchen feeds two meals a day to over 140 employees and nearly 300 primary school students. When the Pastor Training Center (PTC) students are attending class at Abaana’s Hope, the kitchen staff also prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for these students.

While the PTC students are on campus, Simon joins them during international worship, playing the keyboard as the students sing praises to God in their native languages. These students come from 18 different tribes, each of which have their own tribal language. During the worship service, the students take turns leading a song in their language. Those who know it join in singing, and those who don’t, keep the beat by clapping. Simon listens to the tune and matches the rhythm on the keyboard.

“One song you can sing with many languages. If you know the tune, they can sing in the different languages to the same tune,” he said.

In the kitchen, Simon’s job is to collect the firewood and maintain the fire that cooks porridge in the morning and beans and posho in the afternoon. When he has to collect wood outside of the Abaana’s Hope property, he’ll use the truck, if it’s available, or a wheelbarrow.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23.

By Lauren Johnson

March 2026

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song," Psalm 95:1-2.

Meet Patrick & Irene, serving Jesus together at Abaana's Hope

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:00:12 GMT

"I'm now fighting for Jesus"

By Lauren Johnson

February 2026

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses," 1 Timothy 6:12.

Meet Faron and Nancy Golden, FCM's new missionaries

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:00:09 GMT

"For I know the plans I have for you"

"'For Such a Time as This"

By Lauren Johnson

January 2026

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'" Jeremiah 29:11.

Life as a Missionary Kid

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:30:05 GMT

Meet the Hagins Girls

By Lauren Johnson

December 2025

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15.

Meet Taban Francis, a PTC graduate and lead trainer

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:00:09 GMT

"South Sudan Needs the Gospel"

By Lauren Johnson

November 2025

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity," Colossians 3:13-14.

Meet Ajok Agnes, a graduate of the Women's Refuge Center

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:45:01 GMT

"I have seen the goodness of the Lord"

By Lauren Johnson

October 2025

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me," Psalm 27:10.

Meet Jerry & Patrick, 2 PTC students graduating tomorrow

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:30:01 GMT

"He began to send them out two by two"

By Lauren Johnson

September 2025

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into this harvest field,'" Luke 10:1-2.

Meet Stephen & Robert, PTC students from DRC & South Sudan

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:15:01 GMT

Every Nation, Tribe, People, and Language

By Lauren Johnson

September 2025

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands," Revelation 7:9.

Meet Lakot Beatrice, from the Women's Refuge Center

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:30:28 GMT

Surrounded by Death, but given Eternal Life

By Lauren Johnson

August 2025

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," Psalm 34:18.

Meet Ray & Peter, 2 PTC students from Koboko, Uganda

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:31:03 GMT

God has a plan and a purpose for all things

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes," Ephesians 6:10-11

By Lauren Johnson

August 2025

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," Ephesians 6:12.

Meet Lalam Monica, a Life Beads Table Leader

rachel@fourcorners.org (Rachel West) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:43:38 GMT

Renewal and Joy Through Christ

"The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps," Proverbs 16:9

As the war reached its end, Monica was a teenager and was still living in Paicho with her brother. The Local Chairman (a district elected leader) helped her find a job near the IDP camp at a paper jewelry company. There she was trained in cutting paper in preparation for rolling it into beads. She was able to work with this organization for a while, but it ultimately closed down because of poor management. While her plans to continue working at this company fell through, we later see that the Lord had his own plan and purpose in placing her there. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps." Even though Monica was not yet a believer, the Lord was indeed establishing her steps.

After the war, Monica's family began settling back into Kinene. She was now a mother of two sons and her husband was absent at the time. In the aftermath of the war, many of the Acholi tribe where in land disputes. Without her husband’s presence, Monica had no land to go to. Her only hope was to settle with her maternal family. In Ugandan culture a woman is not meant to return to her family once she has married, even if the husband is not present. Monica’s family would not help her raise her children and they often chased her away from their land, bringing her much hardship.

In 2013, Monica was able to find a steady job to pay for her children's needs. The Local Chairman who placed her at the previous paper bead company, informed her of a new organization near her village, Life Beads. The ministry was in its early stages, with only seven women making jewelry. Monica became the eighth, and was able to join quickly because she had already been trained on cutting paper. She says that being selected to cut the paper at her previous job was a blessing from God because it led her to getting the job at Life Beads.

Monica’s husband returned and she gave birth to two more children. His presence in their lives remained infrequent and she was often left alone to care for the four children. After years of going through constant hardships, Monica continued working at Life Beads and became a table leader, with the role of guiding the other Life Beads workers. Along with selling chapati (tortilla-like bread) to her coworkers and working at Life Beads, Monica has been able to pay all her children’s school fees.

Life Beads gave Monica the community of supportive women that she needed. While the gospel was at the center of many conversations, she was heavily resistant to it for years. When her husband would return, he further discouraged her from trusting in Jesus. Life Beads leaders, Amony Pamela and Mallory Corbin continued telling Monica of the goodness of God and showing her the love of Christ. By the grace of God, her heart began to soften.

In 2021, after eight years of hearing the gospel at Abaana’s Hope and being poured into by missionaries and fellow Life Beads women, Monica chose to surrender her life to Christ. “Being in a sinful world, a lot of challenges were coming. I could not bear the challenges by myself,” Monica says. “I decided to confess Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.” Knowing that the challenges will continue to come, Monica now chooses to surrender her worries to Christ and worship Him in times of hardship.

“The greatest thing God has done in my life is changing me and giving me the heart of forgiveness.”

Those around Monica are able to see the work God has done in her heart. She often talks about how much joy she now has from the Lord. She has offered up her home to host a Bible study for teenage girls in the community. She has also made amends with her maternal family, who brought her so much hardship. “I thank God that despite all things, I am living happily with them,” she says. “The greatest thing God has done in my life is changing me and giving me the heart of forgiveness.”

After forgiving her family, she says that she has received so much joy from the Lord in that situation. At times they still treat her poorly, but she now responds with a heart of forgiveness. “I know that when you are a born-again believer, it's not that you don't go through difficulties. They are there,” Monica says. “But the way you respond to them is far different from the way an unbeliever responds.”

Monica’s story reminds us of how God is working in our lives even before we open our hearts to Him. God knew that one day Monica would hear the gospel at Life Beads, so years prior, He placed her in a company to be trained at cutting paper. God also knew that one day Monica's heart would be transformed, leading her to forgive her family. Her forgiving heart is a testimony to how the Holy Spirit changes us. Hopefully, through Monica, her family can see the joy she's found in God and turn to Him as well.

Even amidst turmoil, the Lord is always working in our lives. From the moment we are born, He is shaping us into His disciples. Please pray for Monica, that she is able to buy her own land and continue being an example of Christ’s love for her family and fellow Life Bead’s women. May her story stand as a testimony of God’s sovereignty and renewal of our hearts.

By Rachel West

July 2025

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope," Romans 15:13

Meet Samuel & Philips, 2 PTC students graduating in September

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

"When Disciples Make Disciples"

By Lauren Johnson

July 2025

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile," Romans 1:16.

Meet Brenda Frye, FCM Roanoke Thrift Store Assistant Manager

rachel@fourcorners.org (Rachel West) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:00:07 GMT

"If we can't do anything else, we can lift each other up."

"Let your requests be made known to God"

 ~Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Brokenhearted, Brenda made her requests known to God. She would often return to the parking lot of the closed down Goodwill for moments of prayer. Sitting in her car, she prayed, “Lord, please send somebody to open this building back up. Send us something here in Roanoke.” In all of God’s faithfulness, He heard her prayers and answered them.

One day when she drove to the parking lot to pray, she saw a man in the building. She recognized him as Gary Clark, a former Director of Thrift Store Operations for Four Corners. She went to the door to ask him what was happening to the building. He told her that they were opening Four Corners Thrift Store and about how the store was to help fund mission work. In that moment, she was reminded how great a provider the Lord is. Gary set up an interview for her and she went home, eager to share the news with her family.

She recounts the blessing saying, “God not only answered my prayer. He didn’t just send an average store here. This was a missions minded store.” She was grateful to find a workplace where she could glorify the Lord and be surrounded by people that were faithful in supporting one another.

Brenda has now worked at the thrift store for 14 years. “We have had some of the best people work here,” she says. “When you go through anything in your life and they hear any word about it, they're gonna come up here and they're gonna check on you.”

“If we can’t do anything else, we can lift each other up.”

She recalls the time last year when her son-in-law passed away from a heart attack. Four Corners founder and board member, Jimmy Sprayberry, came to mourn alongside her. He had previously gone through a loss in his family and was able to use his grief to help Brenda walk through hers. “Everybody has a story, and it isn’t always happy,” she says. “If we can’t do anything else, we can lift each other up.” During Brenda’s time working at Four Corners, God has used her to lift up those around her just as she has been lifted up.

There are many customers in the thrift store that she has built close relationships with. She’s learned the interests of the frequent customers and can often predict what they are looking for when they enter the store. She is grateful for the ability to help customers in need of items we often take for granted, such as shoes. Just as others have helped her mourn a loss, she has been able to use her job to help customers grieve as they come in looking for clothes to wear to funerals. Her connection with the customers has been a way for her to spread the love of Christ and continue encouraging others to rely on His sovereignty.

Through Brenda Frye’s story and the work she does at Four Corners Thrift Store, we can see how faithful the Lord is in caring for his children. God can use our hardships to strengthen our reliance on Him as well as to give us a testimony to lift up others with. It is such a blessing to see how God has used Four Corners as a means for his perfect provision.

By Rachel West

June 2025

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19

Meet Ameku Godfrey, a Pastor Training Center Graduate and Trainer

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Tue, 13 May 2025 14:36:47 GMT

"Seek and you will Find."

By Lauren Johnson

May 2025

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened," Matthew 7:7-8.

Meet Acan Santa, a Women's Refuge Center graduate

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:34:20 GMT

"I will never forget what the Lord has done for me."

By Lauren Johnson

May 2025

"Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live," 1 Corinthians 8:6.

Students return to the PTC May 11

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:59:31 GMT

Equipping the next generation for ministry

Dr. Nathaniel Pearce and his wife Cheryl

By Lauren Johnson

April 2025

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others," 2 Timothy 2:2.

Meet TLI Trainers Mike Evans, Larry Szyman, and Stu Dix

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:55:47 GMT

"Creating a network of gospel-centered, Bible-saturated, African-led churches."

By Lauren Johnson

April 2025

"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 2:4-5.

Meet Opito Judith, an original teacher at Living Stones Christian School

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:01:36 GMT

"The reason I'm here today is because of God's grace."

By Lauren Johnson

March 2025

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4.

Meet Okello Benson, Pastor of Living Stones Community Church

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:25:34 GMT

"Abandoned by his earthly father and Adopted by our Heavenly Father"

By Lauren Johnson

February 2025

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus," Romans 3:23-24.

Students return to the PTC Jan. 12

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:18:12 GMT

Church Leadership, Membership, & Discipline

Pastor Cameron Bell teaching at the men’s discipleship conference at Abaana’s hope.

By Lauren Johnson

January 2025

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood," Acts 20:28.

Meet Hannah Henderson, Stateside Life Beads Director

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:22:03 GMT

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

By Lauren Johnson

December 2024

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus,"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Meet Okello Samuel, the Abaana's Hope Administrator

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:23:34 GMT

"It's Christ alone and nothing else"

By Lauren Johnson

November 2024

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast," Ephesians 2:8-9.

Meet Mary Kathryn Brake, a missionary at Abaana's Hope

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:01:54 GMT

"This is where the Lord wanted me"

“In your mind, whatever is the opposite of English, that’s Acholi. It’s the opposite of everything I’ve ever learned. Their sentence structure is so different, it’s a tonal language, and one word has multiple meanings depending on the way you say it. In English, if you say a word, that is the word. It doesn’t matter what pitch or tone you say it in,” MK explained.

For example, in Acholi, there is only one word used for grace, forgiveness, and mercy. While we would say, “Where are you going?” the Acholi would say, “You are going, where?” Learning how pitch, tone, and context can change a word has been one of the most difficult parts of learning the language, but the methodology MK learned from MTI has helped her through the process.

While she’s not sure how long it will take to become fluent in the language, her understanding has grown exponentially in the last few months. She's looking forward to learning more and to seeing what else God has in store.

By Lauren Johnson

October 2024

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin," 1 John 1:7.

Pastor Mwindula Mbewe at the PTC in 2024

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:34:58 GMT

"If those who know the truth don't step up, other false gospels will"

By Lauren Johnson

October 2024

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them," Matthew 7:15-16.

Meet Akello Susan, the Abaana's Hope Medical Clinic Nurse

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:26:29 GMT

"God is our strength, our comforter, and our guide"

By Lauren Johnson

September 2024

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God," 1 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Meet Amony Pamela, Life Beads Director at Abaana's Hope

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:22:51 GMT

"Strings of Hope restoring lives through jewelry"

By Lauren Johnson

August 2024

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay," Psalm 16:8-10.

Meet Omony Denish (Bomb), an Abaana's Hope Security Officer

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:22:10 GMT

"We were just surviving by the grace of God"

By Lauren Johnson

July 2024

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world," John 16:33.

Meet Kevin Kiden, our CDP Social Worker

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:21:03 GMT

"Because I'm a sinner, I need Jesus"

By Lauren Johnson

June 2024

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails," Proverbs 19:20.

Meet Lubangakene Godfrey, LSCS Head Teacher & PTC graduate

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:18:31 GMT

"It was only possible by Christ alone"

By Lauren Johnson

May 2024

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind," Psalm 107:19-21.

Meet Alanyo Dorine, Director of the Abaana's Hope Kitchen

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:22:27 GMT

"Draw closer to Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life."

By Lauren Johnson

April 2024

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'" John 14:6.

Meet Vincent Wilobo, Manager of Abaana's Hope Farm

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:13:27 GMT

"Galatians chapter 3 is what got me"

By Lauren Johnson

March 2024

"Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified," Galatians 2:16.

Meet Joan Saylor Tate, FCM Valley Thrift Store Manager

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:40:38 GMT

"God gave us that strength to keep going"

By Lauren Johnson

February 2024

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him," Psalm 28:7.

Meet Jamie Taylor, Director of Thrift Store Operations

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:22:22 GMT

"God cleaned me up and prepared me for the call"

By Lauren Johnson

January 2024

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms," 1 Peter 4:10.

Meet Nancy Overton, FCM Roanoke Thrift Store Manager

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:33:35 GMT

"There's going to be trials in your life"

By Lauren Johnson

November 2023

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged," Deuteronomy 31:8.

Meet Deborah Brown, FCM Talladega Thrift Store Manager

lauren@fourcorners.org (Lauren Johnson) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:13:21 GMT

"I thank the Lord for what He has done for me"

By Lauren Johnson

October 2023

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight," Proverbs 3:5-6.

Uganda 11/24/2009

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

We just finished with our evening share time and the devotion tonight talked about the value of a rubber band. It’s value is only determined by how far it can be stretched- today we were definitely like rubber bands- very stretched. We traveled to a remote village called Moomba to do ministry today in a church. We were greeted by many of the church members in their “sanctuary” which was really some small branches tied together with pieces of torn banana leaves and covered by a tarp. They were singing worship songs when we arrived and then they treated us to a “traditional African dance”.

Everywhere we looked there were eyes watching us…it was quite obvious that many of the village people have not seen many Americans- they were very timid, shy, and some where actually afraid of us. The medical team shared tonight that when they were able to start this morning (broken down bus along they way) they were given a booklet with 220 names in it- these were the names of the people that had spent the night next to the church last night just because they heard that there was going to be a medical team and medicine in their village today. The team was able to see all of those people, but when they left this afternoon there were as many people still outside the building as were actually seen today. The optical team has a similar story- many people helped, but many more left behind without treatment. The children’s carnival had at least 150 children or more and once the children realized that there was nothing to be afraid of if someone was “blowing bubbles” or balloons, they had a wonderful time.

The women’s ministry was not actually in a building or structure because they just pulled a few benches out beside one of the structures and then we began. At first the women were very shy, but once we began sharing with the women, they really began to interact with us. We shared with them about Christian marriage principles, hygiene topics- including a lesson on how to floss your teeth(something they had NEVER heard of!). We also studied the book of Ruth. It occurred to me tonight as we were sharing that one of the points that we have been learning from this study is that God had a plan for Ruth in the midst of her despair, in the midst of her hurt- He had a plan for Hope and Peace. That is what we are standing on with our brothers and sisters in the Moomba village- God has a plan for them, a plan for Hope and Peace. He is the all powerful, and all knowing Provider for them- not our medical team or optical team or carnival team. In fact- even though we have already run out of a lot of supplies- the most important thing that we brought with us is the Holy Spirit in each of us. His strength is perfect, when we are at the end of ourselves.

Melodi Isbell

Church of Brook Hills (SCMD)

Last Ministry Day Underway in Sudan

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

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

Update from Bullen Timo

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 23:00:00 GMT

Thank you for your prayers!!

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)

Brothers and sisters, I want thank you for your constant prayers and love for the people of south Sudan who are pushed out of their homes due to civil war. Above is the picture of Bidi-bidi refugee settlement currently is the world’s largest refugee settlement. Continue to pray for us as we are ministering in this camp.

I also want thank all of you who have helped buy giving towards the purchase of the van. It has been a great blessing in our ministry. It was small but it is working very hard. The road was very challenging sometimes but we are so grateful for this van. Thank you once again for your generosity!!!!

The hope is raising among the South Sudanese refugees who are in Uganda. The gospel is the only hope for all nations. By the grace of God we were able to distribute thousands of bibles in both English and native languages. Many pastors and church leaders including church planters were able to get training that they need for their various ministries. Continue to pray for Bishop Akim, Pastor Sunday and pastor Sosthen.

Those men of faith are working tireless in sharing of the gospel and making disciples among the refugee people. As you pray with us, also pray that God will send you to fellowship with the refugee people here in Uganda.

four_corners

Learn more about FCM's partner Faith Comes By Hearing

"Eradicating Biblical Poverty in Our Lifetime"

Technology Helping Advance the Gospel

"From every nation, tribe, and language, standing before the throne"

" And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come ," Matthew 24:14.

Meet Okot Simon Peter, keyboard player for Living Stones Community Church

"Come Before Him with Joyful Songs"

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms," 1 Peter 4:10. ﻿

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23. ﻿

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song," Psalm 95:1-2.

Meet Patrick & Irene, serving Jesus together at Abaana's Hope

"I'm now fighting for Jesus"

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses," 1 Timothy 6:12.

Meet Faron and Nancy Golden, FCM's new missionaries

"For I know the plans I have for you"

"'For Such a Time as This"

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'" Jeremiah 29:11.

Life as a Missionary Kid

Meet the Hagins Girls

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15.

Meet Taban Francis, a PTC graduate and lead trainer

"South Sudan Needs the Gospel" ﻿

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity," Colossians 3:13-14.

Meet Ajok Agnes, a graduate of the Women's Refuge Center

"I have seen the goodness of the Lord"

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me," Psalm 27:10.

Meet Jerry & Patrick, 2 PTC students graduating tomorrow

"He began to send them out two by two"

Meet Stephen & Robert, PTC students from DRC & South Sudan

Every Nation, Tribe, People, and Language

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands," Revelation 7:9.

Meet Lakot Beatrice, from the Women's Refuge Center

Surrounded by Death, but given Eternal Life

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," Psalm 34:18.

Meet Ray & Peter, 2 PTC students from Koboko, Uganda

God has a plan and a purpose for all things

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes," Ephesians 6:10-11

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," Ephesians 6:12.

Meet Lalam Monica, a Life Beads Table Leader

Renewal and Joy Through Christ

Meet Samuel & Philips, 2 PTC students graduating in September

"When Disciples Make Disciples"

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile," Romans 1:16.

Meet Brenda Frye, FCM Roanoke Thrift Store Assistant Manager

"If we can't do anything else, we can lift each other up."

﻿ "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19

Meet Ameku Godfrey, a Pastor Training Center Graduate and Trainer

"Seek and you will Find."

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened," Matthew 7:7-8.

Meet Acan Santa, a Women's Refuge Center graduate

"I will never forget what the Lord has done for me."

"Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live," 1 Corinthians 8:6.

Students return to the PTC May 11

Equipping the next generation for ministry

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others," 2 Timothy 2:2.

Meet TLI Trainers Mike Evans, Larry Szyman, and Stu Dix

"Creating a network of gospel-centered, Bible-saturated, African-led churches."

"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 2:4-5.

Meet Opito Judith, an original teacher at Living Stones Christian School

"The reason I'm here today is because of God's grace."

Meet Okello Benson, Pastor of Living Stones Community Church

"Abandoned by his earthly father and Adopted by our Heavenly Father"

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus," Romans 3:23-24.

Students return to the PTC Jan. 12

Church Leadership, Membership, & Discipline

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood," Acts 20:28.

Meet Hannah Henderson, Stateside Life Beads Director

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus,"

﻿ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Meet Okello Samuel, the Abaana's Hope Administrator

"It's Christ alone and nothing else"

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast," Ephesians 2:8-9.

Meet Mary Kathryn Brake, a missionary at Abaana's Hope

"This is where the Lord wanted me"

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin," 1 John 1:7.

Pastor Mwindula Mbewe at the PTC in 2024

"If those who know the truth don't step up, other false gospels will"

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them," Matthew 7:15-16.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms," 1 Peter 4:10.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," Colossians 3:23.

"South Sudan Needs the Gospel"

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

"Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified," Galatians 2:16.