Saturday, 10 February 2007
February 2007
Dear friends
Warm greetings to you from Sudan in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I want to thank you very much for your prayers and support. I want to also to praise God for guiding us safely to the beginning of this New Year.
I am now back on the frontline Christian ministry. It started with Diarrhoea and vomiting but I have recovered now. The work is going well. The Fly Sports Yei football League is starting today. We are excited about what God is doing in Sudan. Some members of the Fly Sports ministry would like to share a few words with you:
“Hi, my name is Dumba Alsion my age is thirty. Since I joined Fly Sports ministry as an assistant Coach my relationship with God as grown deeper. I have also gained more confidence in myself and developed spiritual gifts as well as physical gifts thank God”.
“Hi, my name is Elisa Leame. I praise God for Fly Sports. It as helped me in so many ways. My parents and relatives respect me more. Fly Sports help me to develop skills and spiritually to know God more. Our youth in South Sudan are trying to create a spirit of peace and unity as a result of the work of Fly Sports praise God”.
Currently it is very hot because of the dry season. In addition, it is very dusty. Hundreds of people suffer from lack of clean water But God has not forgotten his people he is faithful in all of his ways. We are looking forward to the effects of the Fly Sports football league amongst the youth that many will come know Christ as personal saviour. We also look to disciple those who are new Christians through small groups so that they grow into mature Christian people.
Christmas and New Year was a blessing, a time of rest with loved ones and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you very much for your support and prayers I could not be doing what I am doing without your help
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
You may also like to know that Manny has been featured in the latest issue of 'Interface' magazine published by Action Partners. If you have not already received a paper copy (that is if you ticked the box on the supporters form), then you can view an electronic version on the Action Partners website at www.actionpartners.org.uk This has a download page which holds the latest magazine issues in PDF format. You will need to register on the website to access this page, but registration is free.
Warm greetings to you from Sudan in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I want to thank you very much for your prayers and support. I want to also to praise God for guiding us safely to the beginning of this New Year.
I am now back on the frontline Christian ministry. It started with Diarrhoea and vomiting but I have recovered now. The work is going well. The Fly Sports Yei football League is starting today. We are excited about what God is doing in Sudan. Some members of the Fly Sports ministry would like to share a few words with you:
“Hi, my name is Dumba Alsion my age is thirty. Since I joined Fly Sports ministry as an assistant Coach my relationship with God as grown deeper. I have also gained more confidence in myself and developed spiritual gifts as well as physical gifts thank God”.
“Hi, my name is Elisa Leame. I praise God for Fly Sports. It as helped me in so many ways. My parents and relatives respect me more. Fly Sports help me to develop skills and spiritually to know God more. Our youth in South Sudan are trying to create a spirit of peace and unity as a result of the work of Fly Sports praise God”.
Currently it is very hot because of the dry season. In addition, it is very dusty. Hundreds of people suffer from lack of clean water But God has not forgotten his people he is faithful in all of his ways. We are looking forward to the effects of the Fly Sports football league amongst the youth that many will come know Christ as personal saviour. We also look to disciple those who are new Christians through small groups so that they grow into mature Christian people.
Christmas and New Year was a blessing, a time of rest with loved ones and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you very much for your support and prayers I could not be doing what I am doing without your help
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
You may also like to know that Manny has been featured in the latest issue of 'Interface' magazine published by Action Partners. If you have not already received a paper copy (that is if you ticked the box on the supporters form), then you can view an electronic version on the Action Partners website at www.actionpartners.org.uk This has a download page which holds the latest magazine issues in PDF format. You will need to register on the website to access this page, but registration is free.
December 2006
Dear friends
Warm Christmas greetings to you and a Happy New Year. First of all, thank you very much for your prayers and support it’s been truly a blessing to see what God as been doing in my life and ministry.
At the end of November it was a blessing to have Pastor Neville Hollands and his wife Jackie come over for a visit to southern Sudan. This showed me their love and support because they were willing to come all the way to see what God has been doing.
Action Partners’ Director Gerard Potifier also came for a one week visit. His time with me was both nerve racking and good. He was able to give me a lot of encouragement and support and he brought a big shadow over me.
Thousands of young people have come to know Christ in schools and we have launched Fly Sports in Yei in southern Sudan for the first time. We are praying this will make a big impact on the youth in Yei and then throughout southern Sudan. Above all, we are looking to be disciplined in our strategy.
Matthew 28: Make disciples of every man baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I will be spending Christmas with my family in Nairobi and looking to rest, eating lots of food and to catch up with a few things that need to be done. Above all praising God for what He has done. I will be returning to the field in January in the New Year after having plenty of rest.
But above all I want to thank God and to thank you all for your prayers and support; it has meant so much to me to know that you care. I would not be doing what I am doing now without your prayers and support.
May you all have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
Warm Christmas greetings to you and a Happy New Year. First of all, thank you very much for your prayers and support it’s been truly a blessing to see what God as been doing in my life and ministry.
At the end of November it was a blessing to have Pastor Neville Hollands and his wife Jackie come over for a visit to southern Sudan. This showed me their love and support because they were willing to come all the way to see what God has been doing.
Action Partners’ Director Gerard Potifier also came for a one week visit. His time with me was both nerve racking and good. He was able to give me a lot of encouragement and support and he brought a big shadow over me.
Thousands of young people have come to know Christ in schools and we have launched Fly Sports in Yei in southern Sudan for the first time. We are praying this will make a big impact on the youth in Yei and then throughout southern Sudan. Above all, we are looking to be disciplined in our strategy.
Matthew 28: Make disciples of every man baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I will be spending Christmas with my family in Nairobi and looking to rest, eating lots of food and to catch up with a few things that need to be done. Above all praising God for what He has done. I will be returning to the field in January in the New Year after having plenty of rest.
But above all I want to thank God and to thank you all for your prayers and support; it has meant so much to me to know that you care. I would not be doing what I am doing now without your prayers and support.
May you all have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
November 2006
Dear Friends,
Here is an extract of a brief message from Manny received today:
"I am now back in Sudan and straight back in to work. I was suppose to be resting in KENYA but I ended up working so I feel as though there are so many demands and things to achieve. I am excited but my body needs a lot of rest. This is just quick note to say all is going well. A representative from the Action Partners head office is arriving in Yei tomorrow so I am looking forward to seeing him here. Please pray for some football equipment which I bought in Nairobi to be flown over here fast so we can launch Fly Sports".
yours in Christ
Emmanuel
Here is an extract of a brief message from Manny received today:
"I am now back in Sudan and straight back in to work. I was suppose to be resting in KENYA but I ended up working so I feel as though there are so many demands and things to achieve. I am excited but my body needs a lot of rest. This is just quick note to say all is going well. A representative from the Action Partners head office is arriving in Yei tomorrow so I am looking forward to seeing him here. Please pray for some football equipment which I bought in Nairobi to be flown over here fast so we can launch Fly Sports".
yours in Christ
Emmanuel
October 2006
Dear friends,
It is a great joy and blessing to share with you what the Lord God as been doing I my life. It has been just over a year since the CPA peace agreement signed between the Northern Sudan Khartoum Government and the Southern Sudan SPLM. The people of Southern Sudan are still returning to their country from neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Kenya, However it is still early days with lack of proper infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools. There are still also the challenges of sickness and poverty which the majority of the people face.
As you may have gathered I was sick with Malaria and Typhoid this was because of dirty water and an unbalanced diet (usually rice and meat without any vegetables). However, thank God, I went to hospital in Nairobi and after two weeks of medical treatment and rest at home, I recovered.
The work is going tremendously well, we have established as sports ministry called Fly Sports, which is a programme of Across. Fly Sports deals mainly with coaching sports in schools and communities amongst the youth. Currently we have two part-time employed Coaches working in schools. Our other main emphasis is not only to develop skills but also to give a sense of self-esteem. We have developed around 12 football teams; some in schools and within communities. We are also looking to start a football league but currently we are trying to establish a stronghold in Yei and than expand the vision to other parts of Southern Sudan.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation first for the Jewish than for the gentiles.
Although there have been many challenges and opposition from the enemy God is faithful and he will not abandon us to the grave, blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever. Thank you so much again, for your prayers and support I am your hands and feet, without your help I could not be doing what I am doing now.
Prayer Requests:
Yours in Christ
Some extra information:
It is a great joy and blessing to share with you what the Lord God as been doing I my life. It has been just over a year since the CPA peace agreement signed between the Northern Sudan Khartoum Government and the Southern Sudan SPLM. The people of Southern Sudan are still returning to their country from neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Kenya, However it is still early days with lack of proper infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools. There are still also the challenges of sickness and poverty which the majority of the people face.
As you may have gathered I was sick with Malaria and Typhoid this was because of dirty water and an unbalanced diet (usually rice and meat without any vegetables). However, thank God, I went to hospital in Nairobi and after two weeks of medical treatment and rest at home, I recovered.
The work is going tremendously well, we have established as sports ministry called Fly Sports, which is a programme of Across. Fly Sports deals mainly with coaching sports in schools and communities amongst the youth. Currently we have two part-time employed Coaches working in schools. Our other main emphasis is not only to develop skills but also to give a sense of self-esteem. We have developed around 12 football teams; some in schools and within communities. We are also looking to start a football league but currently we are trying to establish a stronghold in Yei and than expand the vision to other parts of Southern Sudan.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation first for the Jewish than for the gentiles. The power of God is in the Gospel, which is Gods word.
Most of the youth here are very idle with nothing to do, so through sports and preaching the word their lives are being transformed.
Although there have been many challenges and opposition from the enemy God is faithful and he will not abandon us to the grave, blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever. Thank you so much again, for your prayers and support I am your hands and feet, without your help I could not be doing what I am doing now.
Prayer Requests:
• Praise God for the new sports ministry
• Pray for continued good health
• Pray for continued good health
• Praise God for souls that are born again in schools
• Pray for continued spiritual encouragement
• Pray for funding for the sports ministry
• Pray for funding for sports equipment for the teams to use
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
Some extra information: Manny is working in a team with 2 Australian couples and local staff, several other non-governmental organizations are working in the area including the UN – the latter operates aircraft in the region that Manny finds useful for the longer trips as road journeys are too time consuming. All this activity has kept him working a daily routine from 8am to 7pm, including weekends. Communication is a challenge, though cyber cafes do exist, the internet connections are slow, unreliable and expensive; apparently every time it rains the connections cease to work at all.
September 2006
Dear friends,
Warm greetings to you all from Southern Sudan. How are you I hope all is going well for the Name of the Lord is to be praised.
Two months ago I started a sports ministry called Fly Sports, which is a part of Across Programmes. The ministry’s main emphasis is training Coaches so that it enables them to go into communities and schools to coach sport.
Currently we have two coaches working in 12 primary schools and mainly coaching football. We try to provide them with the necessary equipment for sports activities. This is not only a good way of developing sport but also a good way of spreading the Gospel of Christ.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Unless we preach the gospel, nothing will happen.
However, through sports this is what we have been trying to do.
Last month I was very sick with Malaria and Typhoid. But thanks be to God I have now made a recovery after hospital treatment in Nairobi; I am now at full strength again serving the Lord in the frontline Christian ministry.
In September, I am planning to launch Fly Sports in Yei and continue to conduct seminars to the local youth leaders and pastors.
Above all everything is going well, there has been a tremendous amount of opposition from the enemy but God is faithful and He will not abandon me.
Thank YOU so much for your prayers and support. Here are my prayer requests:
• Please pray for the Fly Sports Ministry
• Pray that He will continue to give me wisdom
• Thank God for what He as done so far
• Pray for continual good health
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
Warm greetings to you all from Southern Sudan. How are you I hope all is going well for the Name of the Lord is to be praised.
Two months ago I started a sports ministry called Fly Sports, which is a part of Across Programmes. The ministry’s main emphasis is training Coaches so that it enables them to go into communities and schools to coach sport.
Currently we have two coaches working in 12 primary schools and mainly coaching football. We try to provide them with the necessary equipment for sports activities. This is not only a good way of developing sport but also a good way of spreading the Gospel of Christ.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Unless we preach the gospel, nothing will happen.
However, through sports this is what we have been trying to do.
Last month I was very sick with Malaria and Typhoid. But thanks be to God I have now made a recovery after hospital treatment in Nairobi; I am now at full strength again serving the Lord in the frontline Christian ministry.
In September, I am planning to launch Fly Sports in Yei and continue to conduct seminars to the local youth leaders and pastors.
Above all everything is going well, there has been a tremendous amount of opposition from the enemy but God is faithful and He will not abandon me.
Thank YOU so much for your prayers and support. Here are my prayer requests:
• Please pray for the Fly Sports Ministry
• Pray that He will continue to give me wisdom
• Thank God for what He as done so far
• Pray for continual good health
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
August 2006
Dear friends,
Warm greetings to you from Sudan.
You may have heard that I was sick last month with Malaria and Typhoid. I was rushed to Nairobi for hospital treatment but I am strong now.
I have started a new sports ministry by the name of 'Fly Sports'. This ministry is part of Across however I am still working for Action Partners. It is going well but there is a lot of opposition and complications within the ministy. This is causing me a lot of stress, please pray for me.
Apart from that all is going well. Please pray for the ministry of Fly Sports that God's hand will be upon it.
lots of love
Emmanuel
Warm greetings to you from Sudan.
You may have heard that I was sick last month with Malaria and Typhoid. I was rushed to Nairobi for hospital treatment but I am strong now.
I have started a new sports ministry by the name of 'Fly Sports'. This ministry is part of Across however I am still working for Action Partners. It is going well but there is a lot of opposition and complications within the ministy. This is causing me a lot of stress, please pray for me.
Apart from that all is going well. Please pray for the ministry of Fly Sports that God's hand will be upon it.
lots of love
Emmanuel
June 2006
Dear friends, 
Warm greetings to you from southern Sudan, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These few months have been tough with many challenges on the field. Two weeks ago, sadly my aunty passed away in Mundri. Further afield in southern Sudan, the Ugandan based insurgents of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have posed a serious threat to the comprehensive Peace Agreement. In recent times, LRA attacks inside southern Sudan have become more frequent and daring. For example on 9th March, they attacked and burned a truck of an indigenous organization based in Mundri. The truck was traveling from Yei to Mundri. One person was killed on the spot and several others were injured. Shortly afterward on 18th March, the LRA infiltrated Yambio town at midnight, killing two people and abducting several others. They attacked and looted the compound of the Roman Catholic Bishop and got away with the VHF radio and other valuables.
Ephesians 4:23-24 "be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness".
It has been over ten years since I lived in southern Sudan my own country and a lot has changed. I feel like I am still in the learning stages with the local people and the ministry. However, thanks be to God that he gives us more grace and always leads us into victory. My main ministry has been broken into two areas: teaching preaching and the sports ministry. Last month I started teaching and preaching in the Yei Vocational Training centre that has around 98 students and as a result, 18 became born again. We are currently going into schools daily and teaching. In addition, we have lead many to Christ. There are eight churches Across work with now and we have been conducting seminars to the youth leaders in these churches and it truly as been a blessing.
In the area of sports, there is a great need in Yei. Most of the youth are idle – they are not going to
school or working because the war has finished. In the local churches, 90 percent of the congregations are youth so I feel as though I am at the right place at the right time. In just one month; we have managed to start four football teams; for ages 6 to 30. I am very excited about the football team because this is just one of the great tools for building bridges for the Gospel of Christ to spread, and I am sure many will come to know Christ this way. However, this can only be achieved through the ‘new man’ on the inside of us with the resurrection power of Christ.
Prayer Requests:
• Thank God for safety and good health
• Pray for continual spiritual encourager and support
• Pray for the sports ministry to be established and to grow
• Pray for financial support for the ministry itself so we can buy the necessary equipment
• Give thanks to God for what he as done so far.
• Pray for the nation of Southern Sudan
Emmanuel Sharland
Warm greetings to you from southern Sudan, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Firstly, I want to thank God for his goodness and mercy towards me, how He has kept my feet from falling and for his hand of grace upon my life. Secondly I want to start by saying thank you very much to you all for your prayers and your support, this truly as been a great blessing to me.
These few months have been tough with many challenges on the field. Two weeks ago, sadly my aunty passed away in Mundri. Further afield in southern Sudan, the Ugandan based insurgents of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have posed a serious threat to the comprehensive Peace Agreement. In recent times, LRA attacks inside southern Sudan have become more frequent and daring. For example on 9th March, they attacked and burned a truck of an indigenous organization based in Mundri. The truck was traveling from Yei to Mundri. One person was killed on the spot and several others were injured. Shortly afterward on 18th March, the LRA infiltrated Yambio town at midnight, killing two people and abducting several others. They attacked and looted the compound of the Roman Catholic Bishop and got away with the VHF radio and other valuables.
Ephesians 4:23-24 "be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness".
God has been showing me that although there are oppositions and times of challenges we are not to forget what He as done in us. He created us to be a new creature and He has put his power and his spirit in us and when we renew our minds to his word than we can truly be transformed and change our society.
It has been over ten years since I lived in southern Sudan my own country and a lot has changed. I feel like I am still in the learning stages with the local people and the ministry. However, thanks be to God that he gives us more grace and always leads us into victory. My main ministry has been broken into two areas: teaching preaching and the sports ministry. Last month I started teaching and preaching in the Yei Vocational Training centre that has around 98 students and as a result, 18 became born again. We are currently going into schools daily and teaching. In addition, we have lead many to Christ. There are eight churches Across work with now and we have been conducting seminars to the youth leaders in these churches and it truly as been a blessing.
In the area of sports, there is a great need in Yei. Most of the youth are idle – they are not going to
school or working because the war has finished. In the local churches, 90 percent of the congregations are youth so I feel as though I am at the right place at the right time. In just one month; we have managed to start four football teams; for ages 6 to 30. I am very excited about the football team because this is just one of the great tools for building bridges for the Gospel of Christ to spread, and I am sure many will come to know Christ this way. However, this can only be achieved through the ‘new man’ on the inside of us with the resurrection power of Christ. In conclusion, I feel as though everything is going well but I am still in learning stages both spiritually, physically and culturally. However, I thank God for what He has done so far.
Prayer Requests:
• Thank God for safety and good health
• Pray for continual spiritual encourager and support
• Pray for the sports ministry to be established and to grow
• Pray for financial support for the ministry itself so we can buy the necessary equipment
• Give thanks to God for what he as done so far.
• Pray for the nation of Southern Sudan
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
May 2006
A number of you have been asking me for an update on Manny.
Thank you for expressing your continuing interest, I know that he greatly values your support. He is actually deep inside Sudan where contact with the outside world is very difficult, especially using the methods we take for granted such as telephone and email. Therefore, it will be a while before we hear further news from him and is also why you won't have received a reply if you have tried to contact him direct.
So your prayers are even more important in the absence of any news, as it would be easy for him to become isolated from the people he relies upon - which of course means you!
A reminder of ongoing requests is given below:
Prayer requests
Give thanks for God’s goodness
Give thanks for the opportunity he has always wanted to reach the people of Sudan
Pray for a Spiritual encourager
Pray for adjustment to the culture and the weather
Pray for good health and protection from infections
Pray for stamina where he may encounter conditions of hardship
Pray for opportunities to use and develop his sports outreach ministry
Pray for good friendships that will sustain him
You may have seen recent coverage in the news about one of Sudan's regions, Darfur. This link gives more details along with other information on Sudan http://www.helpdarfur.org/
Thank you again for your continuing support.
Richard Mallett on behalf of Manny Sharland
Thank you for expressing your continuing interest, I know that he greatly values your support. He is actually deep inside Sudan where contact with the outside world is very difficult, especially using the methods we take for granted such as telephone and email. Therefore, it will be a while before we hear further news from him and is also why you won't have received a reply if you have tried to contact him direct.
So your prayers are even more important in the absence of any news, as it would be easy for him to become isolated from the people he relies upon - which of course means you!
A reminder of ongoing requests is given below:
Prayer requests
Give thanks for God’s goodness
Give thanks for the opportunity he has always wanted to reach the people of Sudan
Pray for a Spiritual encourager
Pray for adjustment to the culture and the weather
Pray for good health and protection from infections
Pray for stamina where he may encounter conditions of hardship
Pray for opportunities to use and develop his sports outreach ministry
Pray for good friendships that will sustain him
You may have seen recent coverage in the news about one of Sudan's regions, Darfur. This link gives more details along with other information on Sudan http://www.helpdarfur.org/
Thank you again for your continuing support.
Richard Mallett on behalf of Manny Sharland
March 2006
Dear friends,
Warm greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. First, I want to thank God for my safe arrival on the mission field.
Christmas was spent in Nairobi Kenya with my family. It was a great time of love and sharing and remembering the death of the prince of peace. However, most of my time was spent with Across in preparation and orientation with the policy and meeting new people.
On the 13th January I flew out to my base at Yei in southern Sudan. I was both excited and nervous to return to my homeland after living in England for over ten years. I was overwhelmed by the poverty and devastation of the civil war. There was a vastness of dirt roads, dust and very hot.
After twenty-one years of war peace has finally come. However, one of the challenges of peace has been growing tension between different groups in the south. My own tribe and clan live in the Mundri area that has seen particularly strong conflict between the local population and cattle people who were displaced from their homes in the fighting more than ten years ago. The Moru community originally welcomed them but now they have outstayed their welcome and their cows have become a pest to the local farmers. As a result this as caused some bloodshed but we thank God the cows have now been moved.
My work mainly has been with the youth and sports ministries. It has been mainly an introductory period to get to know nine different denominations and churches. In the south of Sudan 70 per cent of people are believers but there is tremendous need for the teaching in Gods word so that the body of Christ can grow in maturity. We held a three day seminar mainly empowering the youth leaders with Gods word and as a result 14 became born again praise God.
From February 17th to 23rd, I attended some conferences in Ethiopia on sports ministries. The conferences organized by S.I.M mission have established a sports ministry in Ethiopia known has ‘Sports Friends’. They used sports as a bridge to reach the lost mainly in an Islamic area and as a result they planted 40 churches and many have come to know Christ. The conference was very inspirational and so we are looking to start sports ministry under the umbrella of Across in Sudan. I am very excited about the prospects of seeing many come to Christ.
Above all the first two months has been mainly a taster. I see myself like prophet Nehemiah watching and seeking God before rebuilding the walls in Sudan, although there are many challenges such as different types of food and adjustment to the heat and the culture.
Prayer requests
• Pray for wisdom as we look to start a sports ministry
• Prayer for a Spiritual encourager
• Prayer for adjustment to the culture and the weather
• Give thanks for God’s goodness
Thank you again for your prayers and support without I would not be able to do what I am doing now.
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
Warm greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. First, I want to thank God for my safe arrival on the mission field.
Christmas was spent in Nairobi Kenya with my family. It was a great time of love and sharing and remembering the death of the prince of peace. However, most of my time was spent with Across in preparation and orientation with the policy and meeting new people.
On the 13th January I flew out to my base at Yei in southern Sudan. I was both excited and nervous to return to my homeland after living in England for over ten years. I was overwhelmed by the poverty and devastation of the civil war. There was a vastness of dirt roads, dust and very hot.
After twenty-one years of war peace has finally come. However, one of the challenges of peace has been growing tension between different groups in the south. My own tribe and clan live in the Mundri area that has seen particularly strong conflict between the local population and cattle people who were displaced from their homes in the fighting more than ten years ago. The Moru community originally welcomed them but now they have outstayed their welcome and their cows have become a pest to the local farmers. As a result this as caused some bloodshed but we thank God the cows have now been moved.
My work mainly has been with the youth and sports ministries. It has been mainly an introductory period to get to know nine different denominations and churches. In the south of Sudan 70 per cent of people are believers but there is tremendous need for the teaching in Gods word so that the body of Christ can grow in maturity. We held a three day seminar mainly empowering the youth leaders with Gods word and as a result 14 became born again praise God.
From February 17th to 23rd, I attended some conferences in Ethiopia on sports ministries. The conferences organized by S.I.M mission have established a sports ministry in Ethiopia known has ‘Sports Friends’. They used sports as a bridge to reach the lost mainly in an Islamic area and as a result they planted 40 churches and many have come to know Christ. The conference was very inspirational and so we are looking to start sports ministry under the umbrella of Across in Sudan. I am very excited about the prospects of seeing many come to Christ.
Above all the first two months has been mainly a taster. I see myself like prophet Nehemiah watching and seeking God before rebuilding the walls in Sudan, although there are many challenges such as different types of food and adjustment to the heat and the culture.
Prayer requests
• Pray for wisdom as we look to start a sports ministry
• Prayer for a Spiritual encourager
• Prayer for adjustment to the culture and the weather
• Give thanks for God’s goodness
Thank you again for your prayers and support without I would not be able to do what I am doing now.
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
February 2006
Dear friends,
You are probably wondering how Manny is getting on. He arrived in Sudan in the second week of January and is currently at the city of Yei in the province of Central Equatoria (link on this link to see some maps): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yei
This region is in a remote part of southern Sudan that has experienced 30 years of civil war (between the Muslim north and Christian south) and has only recently returned to peace and stability. For this reason communication with the outside world is difficult, he is not able therefore to keep in direct contact with us at the moment, but he is in contact with his parents in Kenya who have been able to provide an update on his behalf.
He is working with Across and is heavily involved in evangelistic preaching and has found this encouraging - though no there isn't any mention at all of sport which as you know, is very dear to his heart. It is possible that he will be going to a consultation on sports evangelism in Ethiopia later this month, which will enable him to talk with others with overlapping visions. SIM is sponsoring it and is paying for him to go.
He is beginning to settle in though he is still getting used to seeing the severe poverty around him that is a feature of daily life for most people. An outbreak of Cholera has recently broken out in the area in and around Yei, so please pray for protection for him and everyone he knows.
Across is currently in the process of sorting out what he is doing and will be able to clarify his work plan when he returns to Kenya for a break sometime in March.
Prayer pointers:
Give thanks for his safe arrival
Give thanks for the opportunity he has always wanted to reach the people of Sudan
Pray for good health and protection from infections
Pray for stamina where he may encounter conditions of hardship
Pray for opportunities to use and develop his sports outreach ministry
Pray for good friendships that will sustain him
Yours in Him
Richard Mallett
You are probably wondering how Manny is getting on. He arrived in Sudan in the second week of January and is currently at the city of Yei in the province of Central Equatoria (link on this link to see some maps): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yei
This region is in a remote part of southern Sudan that has experienced 30 years of civil war (between the Muslim north and Christian south) and has only recently returned to peace and stability. For this reason communication with the outside world is difficult, he is not able therefore to keep in direct contact with us at the moment, but he is in contact with his parents in Kenya who have been able to provide an update on his behalf.
He is working with Across and is heavily involved in evangelistic preaching and has found this encouraging - though no there isn't any mention at all of sport which as you know, is very dear to his heart. It is possible that he will be going to a consultation on sports evangelism in Ethiopia later this month, which will enable him to talk with others with overlapping visions. SIM is sponsoring it and is paying for him to go.
He is beginning to settle in though he is still getting used to seeing the severe poverty around him that is a feature of daily life for most people. An outbreak of Cholera has recently broken out in the area in and around Yei, so please pray for protection for him and everyone he knows.
Across is currently in the process of sorting out what he is doing and will be able to clarify his work plan when he returns to Kenya for a break sometime in March.
Prayer pointers:
Give thanks for his safe arrival
Give thanks for the opportunity he has always wanted to reach the people of Sudan
Pray for good health and protection from infections
Pray for stamina where he may encounter conditions of hardship
Pray for opportunities to use and develop his sports outreach ministry
Pray for good friendships that will sustain him
Yours in Him
Richard Mallett
December 2005
Dear friendsFirst of all I want to give thanks to God for his grace and mercy - indeed he has done awesome things.
You may well have gathered from my last news letter I finished Redcliffe College successfully and in November returned to Reading. In Reading the Greyfriars Church and Lifespring commissioning services were a success with many emotional experiences for me. The packing of my belongings for shipping out to Kenya also went well.
With your help and prayers I arrived in Kenya last week on 8th December. The flight was long but enjoyable. I will be in Nairobi over the Christmas period and looking to spend Christmas with my family here.
However, I have spent the last three days at the Across office going through the orientation program in preparation for my work in Sudan which will start in January. Above all I am excited to be here and to be involved in what God wants to do. The weather is nice and hot so am learning to adjust to the African way of doing things again.
This is just a quick note to say thank you very much again for your help and support you have all been a blessing to me, may God bless you richly. It would have not been possible for me to be out here if it was not for your love and support.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, may God bless you in this special season and fill you with his Love as you remember what Jesus did for us at the Cross.
· Give thanks for Gods provisions financially and physically
· Give thanks for safe arrival
· Pray for the continued hand of grace and guidance to be upon my life
Yours in Christ
Emmanuel Sharland
October 2005
Dear FriendsI want to start by giving thanks to the Lord for what he has done for me so far in my life, and for his faithfulness and grace. I also want to thank those of you who have been praying for me. It is a great encouragement.
I am currently at Redcliffe Bible College in Gloucester in preparation for mission work in southern Sudan. The first few days were very difficult but after having been here a few weeks now I am finally settling in and enjoying myself. Most of the lectures have been very inspiring and challenging but above all very good. I have also been involved in leading praise and worship playing football and some Basketball. Life is very exciting meeting people from different nations and from different walks of life, just to see how God has brought them all together to accomplish his purposes for His name and glory.
However I am writing with an urgent request to those of you who have said that you would support me financially. Before Action Partners will be willing to arrange for me to go out to Sudan they need to know that I have been pledged support for this year. In order to speed up the process please can you ensure that you complete the forms and return them to Action partners as soon as possible, otherwise I shall not be able to leave. Term finishes on 4th November and I hope to fly out before the end of the year. Thank you so much.
Other requests:
· Please thank God for what he has done so far.
· Pray for finances to come through so Action Partners can begin to book the flights and make arrangements.
· Pray that I will find the finances to pay all my College fees, and that I will make friends and that not be lonely.
Thank you and God bless you all
Yours in Christ,
Emmanuel Sharland
May 2005
Destination: Redcliffe Bible College, GloucesterStart date: Mid-September
Goal of trip: To study Islamic & Cross-cultural issues
Dear friends,
I just thought that it would be good to bring you up to date with what I have been doing and what God is calling me to do.
As you will probably know I spent five years in Coventry working for Coventry Crusaders, a professional basketball team. Part of my job was working in schools doing youth evangelism as well as teaching basketball. Since coming back to Reading I have been working for Reading Rockets, another professional basketball team, providing coaching in schools. I have used every opportunity to share my faith and to tell these children about the good news of Jesus. I have also done some work for an International Language School helping foreign students who are visiting this country to improve their English and as a supply worker for a Care agency. At the moment I am living with some friends who are like parents to me, having known me since I first came to England and made friends with their son, Adrian, at Greyfriars Church in Reading over 17 years ago.
Whilst in Coventry I attended a course at Charis Bible College and whilst there felt that the Lord was calling me to go back to Africa as a youth pastor and evangelist. In January of this year I was accepted as a missionary by Action Partners, previously known as the Sudan United Mission. The plan is for me to go to southern Sudan to work as a youth pastor, using my gifting as a basketball player. This will be at the end of the year. Before then Action Partners would like me to go to Redcliffe Bible College in Gloucester for a term to study Islam, cross-cultural issues, biblical studies etc. This will be from mid-September to late November/ early December. Before doing either I need to raise £10,000 a year for Sudan and £750 for the Bible College. I have already gained the support of Lifespring and Greyfriars churches but still need several thousand pounds. If you feel that you would like to support me, either financially or prayerfully, or both, please let me know. Many thanks.
Yours in Christ,
Emmanuel Sharland
(To learn more about ActionPartners please visit their website at http://www.actionpartners.org.uk)
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