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

June 3, 2012- Would You Cast Out the Demon?

We are at our second borehold in Diju, Kajo Keji County, South Sudan. Our first borehold caved in, so we drilled a second hole. The second hole started to cave in, so we had to take some steps to try and save it. Today was a big day for Robbie and me as it was our first Sunday in South Sudan. It was amazing. The worship was raw and beautiful, and it seemed that everybody in the congregation of 30 was involved in the worship. The congregation was singing a song in Bari, so I couldn't understand it. I closed my eyes and just listened to the sound of brothers and sisters in Christ lifting high the name of our Lord. Then, the person next to me tapped my shoulder, and I opened my eyes. The entire congregation was looking directly at me but still singing. The man told me, "you can pray for that child" as he pointed to a young boy who was about 10. I was stunned that everybody was looking at me, and I was also confused by the man's sentence structure. It sounded as if he was implying that I had wanted to pray for the kid, but he was really asking me, "Can you pray for that child?"

 I asked what the child needed prayers for. The man said that the child was disturbed by a demon, and he did not want to spend time helping his family. Instead, the boy would escape from the village and spend time alone. The man asked me to pray the demon from the child. I looked at Robbie almost helplessly because I have no experience casting out demons, and I felt like the spotlight was on me. I walked over to the child and held his hands as I crouched down to the ground with him. The congregation continued singing their beautiful song, and I started praying. I didn't know what to say, so I prayed for the power of Christ to come down. I repeated Jesus's name many times. I told the demon to leave the child in the name of Jesus. The child and I began swaying back and forth, but I don't know which one of us initiated the swaying movement. I continued praying for him and then went back to my seat. I don't know if the demon left the child, but I do know that he didn't show many outward signs during our prayer. I know that my faith was increased. Overall, I don't know what to think of the experience, but I am thankful for my powerful Lord.

-Brady

June 2, 2012- A Day of Firsts

Today was a day of firsts. I drove my first car in Africa. It was a manual off road Land Cruiser with the steering wheel on the right, but we drive on the right side of the road. It was also my first time being a school bus driver, as I had 10 kids piled in the back to travel to the nearby village. Today I learned how to survey for water with an earth resistivity device. It was an interesting process, and it enables Water Harvest International (WHI) to select well locations with a higher degree of accuracy. Before, WHI would drill 7 out of 10 successful wells, but now they can drill 9 out of 10 successful wells. The team just started using the device in January, and they have immediately seen the positive effect it has had on their work. Today I had my first African rainstorm. Of course, it was just like storms in the US, but since we live in tents in the field, everything seems louder. The lightning is bright, the thunder booms and rain pounds our tent. Tonight was my first time to drill at night and also my first time to do mud drilling. There are two main types of drilling that we do: air compression drilling and mud drilling. In both cases, the mud/air is forced down the drilling pipe until it reaches the bottom of the borehole where it returns up the side of the drill pipe pushing down the dirt and rock cuttings out of the borehole. Air compression drilling is cleaner and easier. Mud drilling is necessary in areas where the rock is further down, and you have a deep hole that is still only made of dirt and clay. Mud drilling requires much attention, and the area can get messy.

It was a long day, and I am tired. Tonight I was frustrated because I had a solution to a problem, but nobody would listen to me. Even if I tried to voice my opinion to fix the problem, it was difficult to communicate effectively because of the language barrier. The men on the drill team speak English, but it sounds different than ours, and it actually can be difficult to communicate with them. The Lord sustained me through my frustration and gave me peace and patience once I submitted to him in prayer. I am thankful that we have a Lord who tells us to cast our burdens on Him. He is good when there is nothing good in me.

-Brady

May 31, 2012- Drilling Our First Well

We are in the process of drilling our first well! We are currently about 110 feet down using air compression drilling. Every morning we have a time of devotion, worship and prayer. Before we pray, we sing this song:

You are holy x12
You are mighty x12
You are healer x12

It was awesome to sing with these men on the drill crew. When voices join together here in worship, it is a beautiful thing. This song before our prayer was the sweetest moment of the trip so far.

Robbie and I have been laughing about the food they feed us. At first, we were pretty convinced that we weren't going to be fed our first day. We started counting the Clif bars we had in our packs to determine how many days we could survive. Luckily, they fed us that first night, but it was late. The food in the field is consistent. Beans and posho are two common dishes here. Posho is a hot, moist, sticky, dense bread that they use to eat the other food (it acts like a utensil). So if you have beans and posho, you break off a piece of posho with your hand to scoop up the beans. There are no utensils in the field.

Last night, we showed the Jesus Film. Robbie and I were exhausted, so we only lasted about 40 minutes into the movie. We wanted to stay and watch it, but we were still jet-lagged. The Jesus Film is a movie about the life of Jesus, and it has been translated into hundreds of languages and is shown all around the world. When I went to Haiti in 2010, we showed the Jesus Film translated into Haitian Creole four or five times. Haitians are very dramatic and expressive, so their responses to the film were similar. From my experience so far, the South Sudanese people that we have met are less expressive.

I feel very welcomed here. The children are very confused by the color of my skin, and it makes them afraid of me or shy. I wish I could speak the local language, Bari, so that I could talk to them. But for now, the only phrases we know, "good morning", "good afternoon", "how are you?" and "what's your name?" will have to do.

In the field, we bathe outside with a plastic shallow tub. We bathe at night in the moonlight, and people can potentially (do) see us bathing, so I wear a bathing suit when I bathe. Because of my Western mentality and my introvert nature, I crave privacy. There is little privacy here in the field, and it bothers me. But I know that the Lord is working on my heart to make me more like Him. As we prepare to go to sleep, I have plenty of things to be thankful for. I am safely in South Sudan and am helping drill my first water well. I have a host of family and friends that are lifting up prayers on my behalf, and I have a Lord who has conquered all things. I am thankful to be here; now the adventure begins.

-Brady

My Pal Robbie

For the five weeks that I am in South Sudan, I am blessed to have the company of my good friend Robbie Stewart. Robbie is a fellow mechanical engineering student at UT. We had the opportunity to go Cap-Haitien, Haiti for spring break last year. During our time there, Robbie kept pointing out water wells along the side of the road. His passion for clean water got me interested in learning more about clean water. Last fall, we took a class together called Projects for Underserved Communities (PUC). Through PUC, we had the opportunity to plan and implement a clean water project in Liberia. Unfortunately, the project was cancelled because UT considered Liberia unsafe for student travel. Even though that project was cancelled, we learned a lot about working on a humanitarian project in a foreign country. While God closed the door on Liberia, he graciously opened the door for Robbie and I to go to South Sudan together. I am so grateful that we get to share another incredible opportunity together.

Here is a picture of Robbie and me at the DFW airport before we left for South Sudan!

-Brady

On the Border

I have safely arrived in Kajo Keji, South Sudan, which is a town on the border of South Sudan and Uganda. Today, we flew from Kampala, Uganda on a small 12 seater Cessna on a dirt runway and landed on a dirt runway. It was definitely quite an experience. We are leaving the compound in Kajo Keji to meet the drill team that is out on the bush. The staff here is very friendly, and we are both glad to get to know them better.

-Brady

In the Amsterdam Airport

We have left the states on our first flight to Amsterdam. I usually can't sleep on overnight flights, so I will be tired tomorrow. Robbie and I have been planning for this moment for months and now that we are finally on our way, I'm somewhat anxious about the unknown. I want this trip to be as exotic and difficult as possible, yet I am nervous that God will actually grant my wish. I think that God likes to put us in situations where we are stretched, tested and overwhelmed. It gives him the chance to remind us that while we are weak, nothing can overwhelm Him. In the second half of John 16:33, Jesus reminds his disciples that he has conquered all of the difficulties in the world that we could experience. "In this world you will have many trials and tribulations, but take heart for I have overcome the world".

As Robbie and I head to South Sudan, we take with us the truth that God has already overcome any trials we could encounter. I am both nervous and excited to see the Lord show His strength when we are in a situations beyond our control.

During the prayer time we held at Grace Anglican Fellowship a few days ago, a friend prayed Psalm 91 over me and the Archers for our respective trips. The psalm is a reminder of who is our shelter. "I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:2).

Thank you for your prayers!

-Brady

A Time of Prayer

On Thursday afternoon, some friends from my church in San Antonio, Grace Anglican Fellowship had a prayer service for me and the Archer's. We gathered to pray over my trip and the trip that some family friends are going on. Carol, Emily and Stephen Archer are going to Ethiopia for two weeks on a mission trip! Thank you Grace Fellowship friends for your prayers. Being prayed over like this really bolstered, strengthened and encouraged me before my trip. I am so thankful for them!

Check out the Grace Anglican Fellowship website at www.gracefellowshipsa.org.

-Brady

The Logistics

The Itinerary:

May 27th: Flight from Dallas, TX to Amsterdam, Netherlands

May 28th: Flight from Amsterdam to Kigali, Rwanda to Kampala, Uganda

May 29th: Flight from Kampala to Kaju Keji, South Sudan

May 29th to June 13th: Training in Kaju Keji with Water Harvest International (http://www.whiwater.org/)

June 13th: Drive to Juba, South Sudan

June 13th to July 2nd: Drilling water wells with Water Harvest International

July 2nd: Flight from Juba to Kampala to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

July 2nd to August 2nd: Repairing hand pumps on broken water wells with Thirst No More (http://www.thirstnomore.org)

August 2nd: Flight from Dar Es Salaam to Kampala to Kigali to Amsterdam

August 3rd: Flight from Amsterdam to Dallas