Psalm 23

I recently read a small book about Psalm 23 called Trusting the Shepherd. After reading the book, I have a renewed interest in the Psalms and also a great appreciation for David as a writer. Let me recite Psalm 23 for you.

"The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

The book explained how David understood the job responsibilities of a shepherd, since he was once a shepherd as a young boy. David writes about the protection that the shepherd has over his sheep and relates it to the protection that the LORD has over him. Many people can read this psalm and understand the analogy but what many people miss is the small word in the first line- a word that I consider to be the most important word in the psalm. "MY". The LORD is MY shepherd. At all points in the psalm, David writes in the first person. The first line sets the perspective for the rest of the psalm. David claims that the LORD is his shepherd. The LORD is not just any shepherd; David passionately declares that he sits under the ownership and care of the LORD, his shepherd. The psalm shows the various methods through which the shepherd cares for his sheep. Sheep usually have difficulty going to sleep, and they have a harder time going to sleep unless they have been fed properly. Before a long journey, a shepherd would lead his flock to a green pasture where they could eat their fill. Then he would walk to each sheep and push the sheep to lie down in the grass. If he did not take the time to push each sheep down individually, they might just stand all night and not sleep. The shepherd knows that the sheep need his direction to sleep or else they will not have the energy to make the journey the next day. Sheep can also be frightened easily, even by the sound and movement of running water. Sheep will not drink from a river or stream but rather prefer water that is not moving. Shepherds would block off a small part of a river or stream to trap the water by the bank. The sheep would be able to drink from the stilled waters even though the river may be right next to them. It is just another way that the shepherd is protecting and providing for his flock. There are many more explanations for the verses in Psalm 23, but I would encourage you to read the book to find out.

After reading the book and studying Psalm 23, I am strongly reminded of the way that the Lord cares and provides for my family and me. I read Psalm 23 knowing that I can be a sheep by nature. I can be frightened easily; I can wander from the flock; I can try to work, work, work without resting. Despite my shortcomings as a sheep, I have a shepherd who is watching over me. He isn't just any shepherd; the LORD is MY shepherd.

-Brady

July 9, 2012- South Sudan is 1 year old

Just yesterday (July 8th), my nephew Clark Christian turned 1 year old. One year old is a big moment in a person's life. Clark is moving around quickly and will be walking in no time. In one year, Clark has learned so many things about the world around him. Weekly, he learns new things and even looks a little different.

South Sudan is 1 year old today (July 9th). One year ago, the people of South Sudan voted with 98% approval of fully separating from Sudan and becoming their own country. As their own country, they have made some great strides in development, but they have also had some issues. One issue is their ongoing struggle with Sudan. Leaders from both countries are currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for peace talks. The countries have been mobilizing their defenses ever since South Sudan's army, the SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) went by force on April 11 and captured Abyei, an oil-rich disputed land area along the border between the two countries. Internationally, the land is recognized as part of Sudan, which is why Sudan responded with force when the SPLA entered the area. Sudan sent forces down, and there were clashes in the Abyei region for weeks. Tensions are still high in the region and animosity exists between the two countries. Hopefully, the talks in Addis Ababa will bring peace to these two countries. Since April 11, South Sudan has halted the production of oil, which previouly accounted for 98% of their GDP. One year old, and there are some growing pains.

But in Juba, there are celebrations today for the first Anniversary of Independence. I feel lucky to be in the capital of the newest country in the world on their First Anniversary of Independence.

-Brady

1st Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of South Sudan celebration in Juba

July 8, 2012- A Change of Plans

The WHI truck on Juba compound

You would think that I would be updating y'all about my time in Tanzania right now. After all, I was planning on flying to Tanzania one week ago. I write this post from South Sudan after a change of plans. I was planning on going to Tanzania for five weeks to work with a group called Thirst No More (TNM). TNM is a Christian aid/relief/development organization that has worked in many countries around the world. In Tanzania, they are starting their permanent operation for drilling water wells and repairing broken hand pumps. Since TNM is a relief organization, they also respond to emergency crises all over the world. My contact in Tanzania with TNM had to leave Tanzania to respond to an emergency situation in another country. Because of this, there was nobody to receive me in Tanzania. So I decided to stay in South

Sudan with Water Harvest International and continue helping them with construction on the new compound in Juba and also with drilling new water wells.

Before I left for Africa, one of my prayers was that God would make me F.A.T- Flexible, Available and Teachable. The Lord has been doing many things in my heart, and I see that He has definitely been working on the "flexible" part. To change my plans for travel to another country was surprisingly easy to do because I think the Lord was giving me a spirit of flexibility. When Robbie was here, he reminded me to be flexible when a change of plans bothered me. Luckily, Robbie's hard work on me paid off.

Me on the Juba compound

I will now be in South Sudan for the rest of the summer. So my 10 week trip to East Africa turned into a 10 week trip to South Sudan. I have no problem with that, and I am excited to spend so much time in one country. I feel as though I know this country very well now.

My day to day life here for the past three weeks has been full of construction. We are busy constructing a compound here in Juba, so that East African Ministries has a headquarters for their operations in South Sudan. The construction is being run by a guy named Jon Parsons, a graduate of TCU who decided to give up the normal life for a missionary life in the world's newest country. Jon is in charge of the compound's construction, which is done by compressed bricks. At the compound, we have a Hydraform hydraulic press which generates blocks for construction. The entire compound will be built using these blocks. It is really interesting to see the process work and see the finished product. The building process doesn't take long and the finished buildings look amazing. I have been spending my time on various projects such as installing plumbing lines for a new building, installing plumbing fixtures on a more completed building, helping with woodwork, designing a front gate and generally helping the builders with their work.

One of the buildings on the Juba compound made of Hydraform blocks

I enjoy working here in Juba just as I enjoyed working down south in Kajo Keji. I have really enjoyed spending time with the other Western staff here, and I know I can call them friends. Even though my time here is temporary, they treat me with respect and give me responsibilities so that I can really contribute. I have appreciated the way that they treat me and teach me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with them.

Since we are building the compound right now, we don't have internet out here. I only get access to internet once to twice a week, which is why I haven't really been able to post in Juba. My apologies for being disconnected. Thank you to all my supporters and thank you for your prayers.

-Brady

Juba

Driving out of the SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) Headquarters in Juba

Before and after pictures of a Hydraform building on our Juba compound

Four weeks into my journey and things have changed quite a bit. Last time I posted, Robbie and I were preparing to move to Juba to begin our work here. Now we have been here for a week, and I plan to be here for another week. Robbie leaves this Wednesday to go back to the US, so I am sure that things will be different when he is gone. Here in Juba, the compound is under construction. Once things are finished here, Water Harvest International will have a second team drilling water wells for needy communities in South Sudan. Until then, there is much work to be done on the compound. We are doing some plumbing work on the new buildings and helping in whatever way is most necessary for the local staff. We had had some great interactions with the local staff and have been blessed by those relationships. This post is short, but there will be more to come in a few days. Thank you for prayers and support.

-Brady

Farewell Kajo Keji

Today Robbie and I leave for Juba to help with the work going on there to establish a compound. We have really enjoyed our time in Kajo Keji and working alongside the staff of Water Harvest International and learning from the staff of Mobile Health International, which is a sister organization to WHI. It has been such a great experience to worship with our South Sudanese brothers and sisters in church, to pray with them in the mornings and to have fellowship with them everyday. I have learned that the community here in Kajo Keji seeks to know the Lord better, desires to do His will and is a light to the surrounding communities. I am thankful for the East African Ministries and their work here in Kajo Keji. As we leave for Juba, we realize that we will not drill any more wells during this trip. Our efforts are needed in Juba, where they have not yet started their well drilling operations. We will help them with the construction of the compound, so that they can begin using the compound as a base for their well drilling team. During our time in Kajo Keji, we were able to help drill 4 water wells, which should provide water for at least 700 people (a conservative estimate). I am so thankful for my brothers here, and I look forward to our time in Juba.

To my partners, thank you again for your prayers and support of this trip. I am blessed to be sent by you, and I think of you often. Thank you to those who are sending me emails saying that you are praying for me. I appreciate every prayer that you life up for me and please continue to do so. I will try to post once we get settled into Juba; however, the internet in Juba will be less accessible than it is here at the compound in Kajo Keji. God bless you!

-Brady

June 10, 2012- Back from the Field

All of the previous posts have just been added to the blog, although I wrote them in my journal days ago. We just returned yesterday from the field, and it is nice to be back at the compound for a little R&R. I have received a number of emails from people who are praying for our trip. I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers as Robbie and I are here drilling wells and sharing the Gospel. I am constantly reminded that I have a host of people praying for me, and it is a much needed encouragement. During our 11 days in the field, we were able to drill 4 wells. We had a wonderful time working with the drill crew, and we have learned so much about water well drilling. As we rest at the compound, wash clothes and recount our experiences so far, we will also prepare for the coming weeks. Our specific plans are up in the air right now. We eventually need to be in Juba (the capital) to take our flights out of there, but until then we have a number of options. The drill crew in Juba has not yet started their drilling operations because their compound is still under construction. We could go to Juba in the coming days to help with construction and encourage the team there. We could also stay here in Kajo Keji to help the drill crew on their next drilling trip. During each drilling trip, they go out in the field for about 3 weeks and drill 6 wells. Then they come back to the compound and rest for 1 week. Also, there is a potential that we could go to the town of Nimule for a couple of weeks with a team to conduct earth resistivity testing to select well locations. One of the great things for Robbie and me is that we are completely available to the WHI staff to go anywhere and work on anything that they need help with. We will nail down some plans in the coming days, but at least for a couple of days, we will stay here at the compound to get to know the staff here and help with any small tasks that need to be done. I have enjoyed the field staff and compound staff. I can tell that WHI is seeking to serve God in the most effective ways, while building up local leaders who love the Lord. It is a joy to learn from them and serve alongside them. Thanks to all who donated to support this trip and all who are praying for the work we will do here. I am so thankful for your support, and I am bolstered by your prayers. The Lord is good!

The pictures from these last few posts are from a photographer who works for WHI. Check out the WHI flickr page for more pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/43972710@N08.

-Brady

June 6, 2012- The Power of God

Day 2 of drilling in Jikidi, and we have hit a small aquifer. Although I am having some homesick feelings, I take joy knowing that this work is bringing glory to God. After this well, we have one more well to drill then we return to the compound for a week. Again, a rainstorm has interrupted our work. When it rains, we basically have to stop work for the day. As I lay here in my tent, I am reminded of the power of God. The sound of the rain and thunder declares the glory of the Lord. I took some time during the rain to look up scriptures that remind me of the power, glory and majesty of our God.

Genesis 1

Exodus 14
Exodus 15:2

Deuteronomy 10:17
1 Samuel 14:6
Nehemiah 8:10
Job 10:16
Job 38: 24-28
Job 38: 34-35
Psalm 21:13
Psalm 28:7
Psalm 29:4
Psalm 47:9
Psalm 50:1
Psalm 72:11
Psalm 108:5
Psalm 145: 3, 6
Psalm 147: 5
Proverbs 18:10
Isaiah 6:3
Isaiah 40:28-31
Daniel 10:6
Matthew 8:27
Matthew 28:18
Luke 1:37
Luke 21:27
John 16:33
Romans 8:39
Romans 16:20
1 Corinthians 1:25
2 Corinthians 12:10
Ephesians 1:19
Ephesians 6:10-17
2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 1:2

It was a long storm.

-Brady