Hope sent a team off to Sudan again today.

Dave and John Jefferson this time.

We raised over $25,000 last year and didn’t spend it all when the team went in September.

So basically they are going back to spend the rest.

Every last penny.

On food for people in and around the border region who are starving.

But also to bring them the Bread of Life.

To share Jesus.

Our only true Hope.

In a world that continues to fall short.

We’ve set up a 24-hour prayer chain and it brings great comfort to know that the trip will be prayed for around the clock.

 

If you’re part of this prayer chain or interested in praying, here are some initial requests:

* Health and Safety

* Endurance and Hydration (outside temps average 110 degrees)

* Wisdom and Favor over the Logistics of the food purchase and delivery

 

For more information, you can read the Hope 4 Sudan blog here.

You can also follow @Hope4Sudan on Instagram, @Hope4sudanblog on Twitter and/or “like” Hope, San Mateo on Facebook for updates and prayer requests throughout the trip.

 

I’m so thankful for a church family who loves people like Jesus does.

For a husband and pastor who loves people the way he tells other people to.

And for the body of Christ who loves our family as we stay behind.

You guys.

Look.

 And you know?

I’m not surprised.

I am thrilled.

Thankful.

So very thankful.

But not surprised.

God is good.

And He provides.

 Jon P. and John J. left SFO on the 11th.

And met a team of two others.

The four men arrived safely in Sudan and will head up to the Yida refugee camp sometime today.

And then move up into the mountain region over the next few days.

Please pray.

For safety.

Clear passage.

That rains would stop and roads would be accessible.

Lack of injuries and sickness.

For those starving and sick.

For families that have been separated.

It is a desperate situation there.

For grace and chances to share about the Living Bread.

That God would continue to work miracles.

Thanks to all of you.

Those who donated.

Those who opened shops and gave away your proceeds.

Those who shared of the need and the story.

Those who prayed and continue to pray.

Starving people will receive food in the next few days because God used you.

And on behalf of our family and our church, we are grateful.

So grateful.

We’ve set up a daily 24 Hour Prayer Chain in 15 minute increments.

There are still a few open spots.

If you’re interested, please comment below and indicate a time of day preference.

And again, thank you.

It’s a privilege to serve Him with you.

To be the Church, together.

As a family, we’ve been trying to think of creative ways to contribute to the Hope For Sudan campaign.

If only we had 25,000,000 pennies in our sofa.

I checked.  We don’t.

Dave suggested we throw a party for his birthday this year.

In lieu of gifts, guests were to bring donations towards Hope For Sudan.

First I took his temperature.

Then I realized this fundraising effort was serious biz.

Let me try and explain.

He likes _____________________ more than birthday parties for himself.

I’m trying to fill in that blank with something sufficiently terrible and I can’t.

Black bean and tomato casseroles?

Extensive dental work?

Traffic on Highway 5?

The Los Angeles Dodgers?

Nothing fits.

Being the guest of honor is not his favorite.

But our family and friends like to celebrate him.

And he loves helping people more than he hates birthday parties.

It is was an easy opportunity to do our part in this effort.

Because if we’re asking you to help.

We better be busy ourselves.

New favorite enchilada recipe courtesy of Meg.

Yummy.

Easy.

Perfect for feeding people and making them happy when you’re asking for lots of skrill.

That was tacky.

But totally true.

The puffs didn’t hurt, either.

Our house has never been so full.

Literally.

And figuratively.

Overwhelming.

In the very best way.

I was praying some fish and loaves action over the enchiladas.

And regretting my puff intake, pre-event.

Thank you to all who came and contributed.

And to those who couldn’t come but contributed anyway.

We are overwhelmed at your generosity of heart.

The way you love my husband and our family.

And your willingness to help people you’ll likely never meet.

$1,500 added to our effort.

Bringing our grand total so far to $15,499.55

So exciting.

I’m so glad you were born, Dave.

I hope you liked your party.

OK, people.

This is going to be short and sweet.

And not super fancy.

Jamie‘s bridal shower is tomorrow and I’ve got baking, shopping and prepping to do.

Both girls have sleepovers at different houses.

One has a party tomorrow and I still need to get the gift.

Also, the carpet cleaners are coming between 1 pm and 3 pm because they missed a spot.

And shower favors need to be picked up by 4:30.

Groomer wants Kobi to go in for a test walk up her new ladder before she’ll book an appointment.

Today sometime.

Also, Dave and I need to look like Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne by tonight.

For an Olympics Opening Ceremony party.

Come as your favorite Brit.

The choice was obvious.

Dave will most likely be wearing eyeliner.

And I’m supposed to bring cupcakes for that, too.

It’s one of those days where I wish there were 124 hours instead of 24.

I’m already exhausted.

Basically, it’s 6 am and I’m in my pink polkas.

Picking your names, old school.

Because let’s face it.

11 True Random Number Generator screen shots = SNOOZEFEST.

Ready?

I’m so excited to give this stuff away!

Julie’s prints.

Four lucky winners.

And they are…

Susan

Laurie Hawley

Natalie

Kathy

 Email me with your choice.

 

Next.

Katy’s prints.

Four more lucky ladies.

Denise

Jen Smith

Ashley Helenius

Leslie

Congratulations, girls!

Email me with your choice.

 

 One pair of Happy Days earrings.

Winner is…

Jeannett

Email me your choice.

Woo hoo!

I love giving away other people’s stuff!

 

Next?

Daylight Designs Invite package from Mel Larson.

Super lucky winner is…

Melissa

Email me for claim deets.

 

 

And, last but not least, Make Pie $20 store credit goes to…

Cara

Again, email me for deets.

Congrats all!

And thank you, from the bottom of my busy, overflowing heart.

 

To date, we’ve raised $4,925.00!

With more fundraisers in the works.

 

Keep spreading the word.

We’re just getting started.

The response to my last post has been overwhelming.

Texts, emails.

Inquiries.

“How can I help?”

“What can we do?”

Brainstorming from afar.

Launching mini-fundraising campaigns.

We’re excited.

Encouraged.

Feeling unable to properly thank you.

Your hearts are bigger than Africa.

So.

I’m hosting a little give-a-way.

In exchange for your help in spreading the word.

Wanna see what my huge-hearted friends have offered up?

Let’s take a look, shall we?

Julie is giving away any one of her special edition Micah 6:8 printables to FOUR of you.

In between setting up cupcake stands for us.

Her heart is unreal.

Go check out her adorable, new shop.

All proceeds go to Hope For Sudan.

My favorite Katy is giving away one of each of her FOUR special edition Africa printables.

Coming to her shop in the next few days.

Above is a sneak peek.

She’s burning the midnight oil in between nighttime feedings.

And I love her for it.

All proceeds from the sale of these Africa printables will go to Hope For Sudan.

Sweet Hannah is giving away a pair of earrings from her darling shop.

Your choice.

I wear mine every single day.

You want some.

Trust me.

Super generous Mel is offering a party design package from her shop.

25 invites & envelopes

25 favor tags

25 cupcake toppers

I won a similiar give-a-way last year for Kayla’s 8th birthday.

And I’m so happy that I did.

Our faves Make Pie Not War are offering a $20 store credit.

I love Alana’s stuff.

So creative and unique.

And those constellation earrings may just give Kayla the courage to get her ears pierced.

That’s ELEVEN awesome prizes.

ELEVEN separate winners.

Here’s the catch.

I’ll share their stuff with you.

But you have to share for me.

We have a very little amount of time to raise a substantial amount of money.

Awareness is key.

I’m asking that you do the following:

If you have a blog,

Rep the Hope For Sudan button in your sidebar.

Mention my initial post in a post.

Mention this post in a post.

Direct people to the Hope For Sudan website.

Tweet it.

Facebook it.

Instagram it.

Use the #hope4sudan hashtag.

Have you already shared?

Tell me about it!

Those without blogs, don’t tune out.

You probably have a Facebook, too.

Or a maybe a Twitter or Instagram account?

Use them for good.

Get creative.

I don’t care how you spread the word.

Leave a SEPARATE comment indicating each SEPARATE way you’ve shared.

Even if it’s telling your neighbor.

Multiple comments increase your chances.

Winners will be chosen randomly next Friday.

Ready?

Go!

And thank you.

Many of you know Dave traveled to Africa in April.

I’ve been wanting to recap his trip.

But I’ve always felt it wasn’t really my story to tell.

And sometimes that’s the problem.

It’s not “our story” so we don’t talk about it.

We don’t feel the need or urgency to share it.

And sadly, it dies.

The story I tell today is not about Dave’s initial trip to Sudan.

But what he learned there and upon his return.

And about his plans to go back.

There is a devastating humanitarian crisis happening north of where he stayed.

Hundreds of thousands of people near the border region are starving to death.

Little children.

Babies.

Being forced, with their families, into the mountains during the rainy season.

Unable to make the trip to the refugee camps due to the weather.

Or weakness from lack of food.

Eating bugs and leaves to survive.

IF they survive.

Many are dying today.

Our church wants to help.

We’ll be sending a small team into this region to provide immediate hunger relief next month.

And our desire is to continue to send groups of individuals in the near future.

Below is the complete 411 from our church website.

Please take the time to read.

Hard, heavy stuff.

It’s not what you normally read here, on our family blog.

But when my girls read this post in ten years?

I want them to see that, as Christians,

we’re called to ACT.

To HELP.

And GO, even.

And I am so very thankful the Lord burdened their dad.

And that they will read about our little church as an example.

A church that not only loves it’s children.

But other children, too.

Bottom Line?

We have five weeks to raise $25,000.

And we need your help.

I’m asking that you click on the button below and donate.

Your donation is tax deductible and 100% of funds raised will go to Hope Church, directly for this effort.

 

I’m asking that you pray.

For the people of Sudan.

Pray for the safety of those going.

Specifically, for the logistics of this first mission.

It’s not an easy one.

I’m asking that you please share this story.

Via Facebook, Twitter or your individual blogs.

Please grab a button in my sidebar. 

We’re not all called to go to Africa.

But we’re all called to do something.

Thank you, in advance, for the something you will do.

I’m humbled and privileged to even be able to ask.