by Joshua and Joanna Bogunjoko | “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” ” Daniel 9:18
“Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. The idea of communicating with the Creator of the universe seems almost ludicrous. And certainly presumptuous. Not to mention intimidating.”
This statement by Lori Hatcher on Crosswalk.com is so true as we await being able to travel to Kenya for an SIM Healthcare Conference and Leadership Initiative due to the uncertainties surrounding the Hurricane Florence. The organizers and some of the participants are already there but some of us are still in the US watching the turn of events in the wake of Hurricane Florence. We have had to change our flights a couple of times and are hoping that Joshua can leave on Saturday while Joanna follows on Tuesday. Joel is home from school as the University of South Carolina campus is closed and classes are cancelled through Monday. They anticipate resuming normal operations on Tuesday pending government direction. We are praying and eagerly anticipating God answering the prayers of many to protect lives and properties. Please pray along with us!
Thank you so much for praying for us and especially Joel and Jochebed as you read about them in our last prayer letter. Many of you responded with words of encouragement, prayers and great generosity. Joel started the semester well and with a great outlook for which we are thankful. He is happier and is more positive about his classes. Please continue to pray that God will perfect what He has started. Also remember to continue praying for the appeal that we sent for his scholarship as the decision making/proceedings have now started. We are still waiting for their response.
Jochebed moved to a new 1 bedroom apartment from a studio apartment in a bad part of town and is settling in well. She is as busy as ever and we appreciate prayers for strength, wisdom and success in all her endeavors and give thanks for her safety while she lived at her old place.
We were in International Leadership Team and Board of Governors’ meetings during the last two weeks. The two meetings went well and everyone has returned to their destinations safely. Praise God with us for unity that was evident as they met and deliberated on issues affecting SIM. Pray that God will establish all He has helped them to decide upon.
Pray for the SIM Healthcare Conference and Leadership Initiative starting on September 16 in Kenya and that all will go well.
We will take a week of rest/holiday after the conference and then go on to the Philippines for SIM Philippines Spiritual Life Conference (SLC). Please pray that God will speak through Joshua as he will be speaking both in Kenya and in the Philippines. Pray that God will meet everyone at their point of need.
Thank you for always being there for us in prayers and for your support.
Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, we believe that He has called us to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known.
Dr. Joshua Bogunjoko has been the SIM’s International Director since June 1, 2013. Joshua and his wife, Joanna, began their mission careers as members of the Evangelical Missionary Society (EMS), the mission arm of the ECWA church, which today sends more than 2400 Nigerians cross-culturally. They were commissioned by the national ECWA church in 1993 and their home church in Lagos in 1995, where they were sent out as seconded associates of SIM. They have served at three mission hospitals in West Africa and became full members of SIM in 2001. Joshua served on the SIM International Leadership Team since 2006, dealing with global issues related to mission.
