Items by Taylor
Martyns in Africa
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Oh, say, can you see….
Posted: September 1, 2010, 9:00 pm by Taylor
We have been attending Nairobi Chapel on Sunday mornings and recently started a membership like class called, Mizizi. Well, one of the first classes they decided to have some ice breakers for us to get to know each other. As it so happened they wanted those whose name started with an “A” to get up and sing, dance or tell a joke. Silly me, I thought I could blend in but with us being the only Westerners in the class I kind of stood out. With little time to prepare I was up in front of a group of 40+ people being told to sing the American national anthem! Let me just say that I have a voice that is “cute” in the little kid choir stage but not for long after that. What makes it even more humorous is that another lady after me sang a FABULOUS worship song in Swahili and got the others to follow along and start dancing a bit….yea I have a long way to go!
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SIMPact
Posted: August 24, 2010, 11:52 am by Taylor
As some of you know, I have been able to take on a new role since our move to Kenya. I wanted to share a bit more about it. SIM Kenya has a short-term program called SIMPact. It was set up by our country director’s wife Dorothy. She is an amazingly detailed, organized and passion filled lady. It has been such a treat to get to know her a bit more and now try to help out a bit with the program.
While she is on home assignment and the new coordinator, Trish, finishes up raising support, I get to help out.
My main duties are administrative that I try to squeeze in during Avery’s nap times and a morning when we have a wonderful lady watch Avery for us. More about Miss Maria in another post. These tasks include working with SIM sending offices around the world in placement of short-termers, helping spread the word on changes that might be happening in the program, helping a bit with orientation and getting the short-termers settled.
I am very grateful to have the talented Daniel Ondere continuing his hard work as the field officer. This means that he visits our current ministries, helps in setting up new opportunities, visits our SIMpacters on the field and helping us with a million other details.
Part of the SIMpact program and really SIM Kenya in general mentoring plays a big part. Each person that comes to Kenya is assigned a mentor. I have really enjoyed getting to know all our SIMpacters but it is special to dig deep with just a few. The picture above is of my friend and first mentoree, Tabera. She is a great gal from Switzerland who recently returned home.
It has been a joy to be able to have another ministry besides being a mom and language learning during this season. -
Big sister and her little….
Posted: August 18, 2010, 2:59 pm by Taylor
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Fun day!
Posted: August 16, 2010, 3:45 pm by Taylor
This weekend we took a day trip with some other AIM and SIM missionaries up to a private game park. Along the way we got to be tourists and get our pictures at the Equator! It was so neat to see Avery enjoying seeing zebras, an elephant, giraffes, warthogs a plenty and many other types of animal. She has been cracking us up with her stories about the trip. We had breakfast at a small airport and she keeps telling me she wants to go to the airport. Little does she know she doesn’t have to get on a plane for many months, a rare thing so far in her short life. -
A day with Avery…
Posted: August 13, 2010, 3:13 pm by Taylor
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Ramadan begins today
Posted: August 11, 2010, 10:55 pm by Taylor
Ramadan starts today and lasts until September 9. This is a great reminder to pray for Muslims in their search for Truth. A great resource for a daily prayer guide can be found by going to www.30-days.net.
You can find a place to sign up for daily emails, order a prayer guide, or download a pdf version of the prayer guide. -
Peaceful turn out
Posted: August 8, 2010, 3:39 pm by Taylor
Thank you for praying. The recent vote went relatively smoothly. A good percentage, around 70 percent of registered voters, turned out to vote. The results were tallied and show approval for the new constitution.
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Off to the polls
Posted: August 3, 2010, 2:23 pm by Taylor
On Wednesday Kenyans head to the polls to vote in a referendum for a new constitution. This new constitution would put some limits and checks on the Presidents power and many religious issues. Tensions are rising in certain parts of Kenya as the day comes closer but things are relatively quiet for us in Nairobi as of now. Due to the violence of the last elections increased security can be seen around town and we have been told to stock up on food, water and have our go-bags handy just in case. We don’t feel scared but want to be prepared.
I was talking with a friend who said she wasn’t even going to vote because she hates the fighting that takes place at the polling stations. Made me realize again how privileged I am to have grown up in a land where I could just walk right into a calm library, church, or school and place my vote and not be intimidated.
Please be in prayer for Kenya and for this important vote and for reactions of both parties once the outcome is revealed. -
Whew, we are back home!
Posted: July 30, 2010, 9:50 pm by Taylor
We are back after a wonderful trip to the States and getting out of the jet lag fog. It was wonderful to see family and friends on our busy two week trip. Avery had a blast and enjoyed the splash parks! We appreciate all of you and so very glad many were able to make it to the evenings in Tulsa and Dallas to hear updates.
We, as always, would love your continued prayers as we dive back into life and ministry here in Nairobi. -
U.S.A. Bound!
Posted: July 7, 2010, 4:47 pm by Taylor
Taylor has been planning for a quick trip to the States for a friends wedding, to see family, and to visit the SIM U.S. and International offices. Thanks to his parents Avery and I will also be joining him on this visit! Avery and I will stay in Dallas most of the time with a quick trip up to Tulsa to see my side of the family. We are so very excited to see family and friends!!! Oh, and eat some Mexican food!
We will be in the States July 13-26. Tulsa folks can stop by Allison’s parent’s home on Wednesday July 21st around 7pm for some dessert and to hear a ministry update. Dallas folks can stop by the Taylor’s parent’s home Thursday, July 22nd for a tex-mex dinner and ministry update as well.
If you are interested in coming please let us know so we can let our mom’s know how many to plan for!
Hope to see as many of you all as possible! -
Safari Sevens Kenyan party wagon (video)
Posted: June 6, 2010, 12:37 pm by Taylor
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A Logo with many translations I’ve been working on
Posted: May 27, 2010, 11:13 pm by Taylor
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“spoken Word” at church (video)
Posted: May 23, 2010, 12:47 pm by Taylor
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Missionary Hero Dr. Bill Taylor turned into ‘Think different.’ Ad
Posted: May 20, 2010, 10:08 pm by Taylor
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Future CAM Int’l Director William Taylor Circa 1942
Posted: May 20, 2010, 10:01 pm by Taylor
William ‘Bill’ Taylor (son of the Taylor above) sent this to me tonight. This is a photo of his father
in Costa Rica. He later served as one of CAM Intl’s directors. Amazing to
see some of the old iconic photography. It’s so raw and full of history. -
Pretty good singer at the mosque
Posted: May 14, 2010, 11:51 am by Taylor
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Satilite view of the school
Posted: May 14, 2010, 9:53 am by Taylor
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Avery’s first day in class (pic)
Posted: May 14, 2010, 9:50 am by Taylor
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In school with young Kenyan children (pic)
Posted: May 14, 2010, 9:36 am by Taylor
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Avery makes a friend (pic)
Posted: May 13, 2010, 6:05 pm by Taylor
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Photo from mission school in Kenya
Posted: May 13, 2010, 5:35 pm by Taylor
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A Sudanese Wedding Story
Posted: May 4, 2010, 2:37 am by Taylor
An SIM missionary from Ethiopia describes the first Christian wedding held in the local church.
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Avery and Liam play with baloons
Posted: April 25, 2010, 11:19 am by Taylor
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New Video “SIM Sudan SLC Volunteer Recruitment”
Posted: April 24, 2010, 10:17 pm by Taylor
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Sneak Peak Video
Posted: April 13, 2010, 7:50 pm by Taylor
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Prayers needed for Sudan.
Posted: April 10, 2010, 10:01 am by Taylor
Please be praying hard for the elections in Sudan tomorrow. There has been people dropping out of the race, talk of boycott, then to not boycott….ect. Aprehension rising as no one knows exactly what to expect from this vote and what it might do to the upcoming referendem vote in the South.
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Travelers
Posted: April 5, 2010, 8:00 pm by Taylor
Saturday we were able to have most of our old teammates from Malakal over for dinner. It was a wonderful time to catch up before everyone goes there different ways again. Avery loved the time seeing all her old buddies! While we were eating Claire was mentioning a devotion she had recently led. She had used the verses from Psalm 84 about how one day in the Lord’s courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. She made the example of how it is better to be in the Lord’s will, be it an airplane for hours to then go and live in a tent in the middle of hot Sudan, than anywhere else. It is better to be moving around constantly, having to pack up and re-create a temporary home, build new relationships, learn new languages and cultures… all because it really isn’t our home down here.
This was really refreshing to hear as we have, in a good way, felt challenged over the last few years of moving and not really being sure of what the next day, week, or month would look like. But, that is really all of what our life here on earth is. I really appreciated the reminder to focus more on eternal matters and not merely temporary discomforts. -
He is RISEN!
Posted: April 3, 2010, 10:20 pm by Taylor
What an honor to serve the risen Lord! We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating our Savior who triumphed over death! Happy Easter!
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April 11
Posted: March 26, 2010, 2:34 pm by Taylor
Please join with us in prayer for Sudan as the country prepares for the first multi-party election in 24 years on April 11. This is a tense time for all of Sudan and your prayers are greatly needed. Please pray for a peaceful voting process. Pray for no fraud to take place. Pray that the complex voting system is made clear to voters who mostly are new to the process.
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Are You A Trader? (video)
Posted: March 16, 2010, 2:49 pm by Taylor
Thanks to @BrianMosley and the crew at RightNow.org -
Avery rocking the headphones (pic)
Posted: March 16, 2010, 12:23 pm by Taylor
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He made it home!
Posted: March 12, 2010, 2:20 pm by Taylor
Taylor arrived safe and sound in Nairobi a few hours ago. He got some lunch, a nap and is enjoying a hot shower. Thanks for all your prayers. Updates about his trip will be up soon!
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Buckled in- praying i make connection
Posted: March 11, 2010, 3:19 pm by Taylor
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Flight update
Posted: March 11, 2010, 2:54 pm by Taylor
No plane yet in Malakal. 3pm. 1hr to Juba. Flight to nbo leaves at 4:45. Likely hood of getting home tonight dwindling. Play jetlink flight to nbo is delayed. -
Plane late from Malakal, Sudan (photo)
Posted: March 11, 2010, 12:18 pm by Taylor
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Singing under tree with pastors in Baliet, Sudan (video)
Posted: March 3, 2010, 10:13 pm by Taylor
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Singing this AM to open pastor church planting (photo)
Posted: March 3, 2010, 10:08 pm by Taylor
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Sunset in baliet Sudan tonight (photo)
Posted: March 3, 2010, 10:06 pm by Taylor
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Off to Sudan for two weeks (photo)
Posted: February 27, 2010, 1:36 pm by Taylor
In the taxi headed to the airport. I will be working with Mike Congrove of e3 Partners, who is from our sending church, for the first week. We will be training pastors in Baliet, just outside of Malakal. It will be pretty bush. Then spending some time in Malakal with my SIM teammates. I look forward to showing you some photos of the trip. -
A Quick Lesson on Calling to Kenya or In Kenya
Posted: February 24, 2010, 10:26 am by Taylor
The way phone calling works here is that you use the country code 254 and
‘+’ before that, then the number. The actual number is 718xxxxxx. But
sometimes you will see it written as 0718xxxxxx because that is how you dial
the number locally. So if you see the zero on a number, drop it and add
+254. Hope that makes sense. Sudan is +249. The number in Kenya always
starts with a ‘7′ and in Sudan they always start with ‘9′. This is only true
for mobile numbers. Land lines get more complicated. They are usually a
number starting with ‘2′ in Kenya. They are a shorter number and instead of
adding a ‘0′ in front, you add ‘020′. I’m not sure how you dial it
internationally, but I assume that instead of 020 you do +254. -
Long Overdue Update
Posted: February 23, 2010, 9:20 pm by Taylor
The whole fam had the chance to take a real vacation in Thailand a few weeks
ago and visit with some very good friends we had not seen for quite a long
time. They got to meet Avery for the first time and we spent some good
quality time together. Next week Taylor heads into Sudan to do some work for our sending church,
Fellowship Bible Church in Dallas. Following that short trip into the bush,
he will spend a few extra days in Malakal, our old home in Sudan, spending
time with our fellow SIM teammates there. We officially became a part of the SIM Kenya team on Monday as Taylor takes
on his new role as the Regional Communications Coordinator. We are still
formulating how this new role will look and we look forward to it’s full
implementation. Avery is growing up fast. She is starting to build her own phrases and
occasionally really catches us off guard. She likes to think everything is
hers. We wished she slept better at night, but other than that, all is well. We have had some small bits of support drop off recently, but God has held
our finances fairly steady and taken care of us. We hope to move out of our
flat in July and onto SIM’s compound. This will help save us some funding,
move us closer into the SIM community, and provide a green space and other
kids for Avery to play with. We thank you all for your prayers and support in our journey to seek God’s
will & to worship Him in all that we do. -
Laying our hands on Sudan. Praying for the Sudanese. (photo)
Posted: February 22, 2010, 12:40 pm by Taylor
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Brent: Our Guest Bassist at SLC 2010 (photo)
Posted: February 5, 2010, 11:26 pm by Taylor
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Designing Prayer Card for Fellow Missionary (Photo)
Posted: February 1, 2010, 10:02 pm by Taylor
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Brackenhurst: Location of SLC 2010 (Photo)
Posted: January 26, 2010, 8:02 pm by Taylor
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Taking Communion as a Team (Photo)
Posted: January 25, 2010, 10:01 pm by Taylor
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Praying Over Our Atar Base Missionaries (Photo)
Posted: January 25, 2010, 9:58 pm by Taylor
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Our 2010 SIM Sudan SLC Speaker (Photo)
Posted: January 25, 2010, 9:50 pm by Taylor
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SIM Sudan Nairobi Teammates (Photo)
Posted: January 25, 2010, 12:45 pm by Taylor
Top Row: Chris Crowder (with son *****), Peter Wambua, Nate Killoren (with
son Liam), Tohru Inoue, Claire Inoue, Leah Starline, Terry Murugi, Caleb
Klay, Rob Congdon
Bottom Row: Gina Killoren, Nancy Congdon, Beverly Crowder (and son Thomas),
Ruth Odanga, Allison Martyn (with daughter Avery), Taylor Martyn -
2009 SIM Sudan Photo Recap (video)
Posted: January 12, 2010, 8:31 am by Taylor
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Avery Turns 2 (Video)
Posted: January 10, 2010, 9:54 am by Taylor
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My First Wedding (photo)
Posted: January 5, 2010, 10:19 pm by Taylor
Okay, so maybe I’ve been in/to a few weddings, but this was my first wedding
photo shoot. I learned a lot and I have a LONG ways to go. -
PreChristmas Video Memories
Posted: December 25, 2009, 7:11 am by Taylor
This first video is a classic. Every year this guy sets up his house lights to sync with a well known Christmas song, or a few songs. I just found a video of this years’.
Next up: A reminder of my Christmas day drive in 2002 from Dallas to Tulsa in the middle of the worst ice storm in many decades, perhaps the last century. </object> -
New Support Needs
Posted: December 15, 2009, 6:51 am by Taylor
We PRAISE GOD that our personal support has stayed level over the last year through the financial hard times. However, two unexpected increases have occurred that we will need to find new sources of support to cover. Our health insurance has increased $200/month for our family and now that I live in Kenya, I will have to pay income taxes in Kenya, which we expect to be $3900 annually or $300/month. We will also purchase one car in Nairobi which we expect to cost around $10,000.
Would you consider increasing your current support or becoming a new supporter to help us cover these expenses? If so, you can start giving right now via SIM’s online support giving options. Just follow the ‘Give Now’ link to the right.
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Photo of the Day (11/29/09)
Posted: November 29, 2009, 2:37 pm by Taylor
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Photo of the Day (11/28/09)
Posted: November 28, 2009, 12:38 pm by Taylor
Our lady Claire. Claire worked in Ethiopia before coming to Sudan and has
quite the long missions career. Here she stands with an elder of the piam
called Rom (sounds like Rome) at and event held for the opening of a health
clinic run by SIC (Sudan Interior Church). -
Photo of the Day (11/27/09)
Posted: November 27, 2009, 12:08 pm by Taylor
Another great photo from Yabus. All the ladies who were attending sat around
this tree a few hundred meters from the men, who were attending the bridge
opening events. Some of the women were also busy making the meal that would
be served after the opening. -
HELP: Is This A Photo Inside that Small Glass Church in NW Arkansas?
Posted: November 26, 2009, 6:25 pm by Taylor
I’m watching some behind the scenes video from the recent Star Trek movie
and I came across this. It seems like this is the small chapel set in the
woods that’s all glass close to Bentonville Arkansas. Can anyone confirm? -
Photo of the Day (11/26/09)
Posted: November 26, 2009, 8:03 am by Taylor
I took this photo in Yabus, South Sudan during the opening of a new bridge.
I’m not a morning person, but pushed myself to get up early to grab some
photos in the morning light. This old building that sat overlooking the
river really caught my attention. -
Photo of the Day (11/25/09)
Posted: November 25, 2009, 8:22 am by Taylor
I was shopping in Malakal one day for a lorry (large commercial truck) to move some supplies around town. They congregate in an ‘alley’ in the main part of town. While walking around I saw the town’s main mosque peeking out over the buildings and found it captivating with the sky.
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A Little Known Fact About Sudan
Posted: November 24, 2009, 6:33 pm by Taylor
Many, many years ago Sudan was the first country that infamously had child
The SPLA has just signed an agreement with the UN for it’s agencies to
soldiers in it’s wars. The media covered it widely and the ‘western’ public
was outraged. What most people are not aware of is that ‘child’ soldiers can
still be found in Sudan’s armies.
verify that they are demobilizing these child soldiers. Read about the agreement at Sudan Tribune. -
Photo of the Day
Posted: November 24, 2009, 9:35 am by Taylor
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Last Day on Vacation (Photo)
Posted: November 22, 2009, 8:15 am by Taylor
Tomorrow morning we’re off to Nairobi. Taylor’s sister, Allison, will be with us a few more days before she heads off to South Africa. We’ll begin our permanent move to Kenya and all that entails. But first, planning for SIM Sudan’s SLC (Spiritual Life Conference).
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Last Day on Vacation (Photo)
Posted: November 22, 2009, 8:10 am by Taylor
Tomorrow morning we’re off to Nairobi. Taylor’s sister, Allison, will be with us a few more days before she heads off to South Africa. We’ll begin our permanent move to Kenya and all that entails. But first, planning for SIM Sudan’s SLC (Spiritual Life Conference).
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Taking Some Time Off (Photos)
Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:43 pm by Taylor
We’re taking a few days off on the Eastern coast of Kenya, just North of Mombasa.
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Help Me Pick Photos for Church Display
Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:21 pm by Taylor
The theme of the church service is ’surrender’, however I don’t really have
Let me know what you like best! I plan on having a few of these printed
to pick photos that fit the theme, but it doesn’t hurt….
large and framed, the rest will be displayed digitally on a screen during
the service. -
Interesting Blog Observation
Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:41 pm by Taylor
Here’s a list of the top searches that bring people to my blog…
muslim inviting into your home
is nairobi safe 2009
shuluk women
missionaries more bad than good
sudanese names -
Our Home in Sudan (Video)
Posted: November 16, 2009, 12:30 pm by Taylor
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Back in Nairobi
Posted: November 15, 2009, 8:49 pm by Taylor
Photo of Taylor’s first Arabic teacher & friend, Mubarak.So God worked some amazing miracles on Friday night and Saturday. Some SIM
Thank you to those of you who were aware and praying for our situation.
and AIM logisticians did some serious overtime work and got our documents
from Nairobi (reason we were stuck in Sudan) and got them on a plane to Juba
(our layover point) so that we could make our way home to Nairobi. It was
truly amazing. We owe these logisticians a HUGE thank you and some gifts to
show for it. Some candy and flowers will make their rounds tomorrow. -
PRAYER! Travel Problem
Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:05 pm by Taylor
We just found out that we have a problem with traveling out of the country
tomorrow. We are scrambling to secure everything we need to take care of.
Please pray that God can make something miraculous happen tomorrow. -
(Blog Post) Bittersweet Times
Posted: November 13, 2009, 4:26 pm by Taylor
Today, our last day in Malakal and our home for the last eight months, has been a bittersweet one. This week we have made the rounds and said our goodbyes. I, Taylor, have two friends I have made over last few months whom I will be especially sad to leave. On, my friend Mubarak, an Arab (born and grew up in Malakal) was one of my first tutors. He hopes to go to college in Khartoum very soon. My other friend, Andrew (a Shulluk), has been our language tutor for the last few months. He is VERY well educated and hopes to be a lawyer one day. I have spent a lot of time with Andrew lately, encouraging him and loving on him. He really does have a lot of potential and I pray that our friendship will continue.
Since Fellowship (our sending church) would like me to return to Malakal a few times a year to build relationships with pastors, on their behalf, I look forward to seeing my friends again on these return trips. After getting back to Nairobi, with a better internet connection, we plan to get up a lot of photos before we left. My sister has also been with us this last week and we have lots to show and tell. -
Sudanese Names Are Easy to Remember
Posted: November 5, 2009, 10:40 am by Taylor
It is common for a Sudanese to have a story behind his name. It speaks to their relational nature in all that they do. This is quite helpful for remembering people’s names. Unlike our normal American culture, it takes some time to learn people’s stories as they usually do not openly share things like this right off the bat.
I met a man recently who was a refugee to Australia for a number of years but has returned and is working with the Presbyterian church. During the last civil war, his mother and family had been running in the bush to escape the fighting. During one of these nights, her body became to stressed to carry him in her womb any longer and she gave birth under the stars. Her brothers were with her and named him ‘mtr’ (Mtr is word that his tribe used to describe the automatic machine (motor) guns. So he is essentially named after a machine gun.) His brothers felt that she had given birth right then because the unborn baby was scared out of the womb by the machine gun fire. And so, we have a friend named Mtr. -
Taking a New Direction
Posted: November 2, 2009, 5:52 pm by Taylor
Little did we know that God had some changes in store for us so soon. A
Would you please pray for the leadership at the church as they discuss,
regional communications position has been created and I’ve been asked to
fill the position. Over the past two months my current boss and a collection
of other SIM leadership have all given their ‘okay’ for the move. All that
is left is the official go ahead from our home church, Fellowship Bible
Church in Dallas.
deliberate and make their decisions? We hope we can hear from them this
week, but it might be later. We are headed back to Nairobi in two weeks and it would be a great thing for
us to be able to end well, close up things, say good-byes to our Sudanese
friends and such before we go. As things are finalized, we will share more very soon! -
Taylor Preaches at Church
Posted: November 1, 2009, 3:43 pm by Taylor
For having little to no formal training for preaching, it went pretty well.
I taught on ‘Having a Firm Foundation: Strengthening Our Faith in Christ’.
Today we also had communion. This is done pretty rarely, so it was enjoyable
to break bread with our church. Enjoy the photos from the day…. -
Taylor Preaches at Church
Posted: November 1, 2009, 3:43 pm by Taylor
For having little to no formal training for preaching, it went pretty well.
I taught on ‘Having a Firm Foundation: Strengthening Our Faith in Christ’.
Today we also had communion. This is done pretty rarely, so it was enjoyable
to break bread with our church. Enjoy the photos from the day…. -
Prepping for Sermon – Recording Bible
Posted: October 31, 2009, 10:29 am by Taylor
So I pulled a little double duty yesterday. As I was preparing for my sermon, I took a few old school cassette tapes and started recording them onto my laptop. They combine to make up the whole Bible in Sudanese Arabic. Many folks around here listen to audio on their cell phones or have dedicated media players, but only in town, so it’s still a very small portion of the population doing this.
A shout out to Tony Evens for a few tips on some old sermon notes. -
Taylor Preps to Preach This Weekend
Posted: October 29, 2009, 4:45 pm by Taylor
The church is empty right now. The children are playing, without a care in
Last Sunday the area pastor for the SIC church requested that I, Taylor,
the world. The podium is set among other things like a toy. The cold, stone
walls stare at me. The soft dirt floor greets me with a warmth not found in
the western churches.
would preach the coming week. It was very kind for him to ask a week ahead
of time. In the past, I’ve had about a 5 minute warning. It’s taking me
quite a bit of time just to come up with a topic. I want to stay away from
potentially awkward cultural missteps on my parts. I really wanted to talk
on family, but as I studied more I finally came to the conclusion that
Building a Firm Foundation would be my topic. I’ve got a pretty dense
outline and I’ll be continuing to work on my filler over the next two days. -
Allison Does Some Spring Cleaning
Posted: October 29, 2009, 12:47 pm by Taylor
When we first moved to Malakal I suggested we install some rain catchment
Six months later, we have a lot of sludge at the bottom of our water barrel.
systems to try and take advantage of the rain. The town water supply is
erratic and we were going without water occasionally.
It just so happened we haven’t had rain in a few weeks and town water had
not been on either so our barrel was nearly empty. So we took advantage of
the ‘low tide’ and Allison was the willing guinea pig to shimmy down inside
to clean things up. Thanks Allison! -
Fellow Missionary Updates from the Sudan Bush
Posted: October 26, 2009, 8:30 am by Taylor
A fellow SIM missionary, Henrick, sent me a text message via Sat Phone. He
is doing well in his outreach ministry. He says ‘God is doing great
Salvation work among these people.’ Will you say a pray for him and his
ministry today? -
A Taste of a Sudanese Choir
Posted: October 25, 2009, 12:07 am by Taylor
Download now or listen on posterousR09_0008_32Kbit_32kHz_mono.mp3 (196 KB)
A sample of the children’s choir in Sudan last week…
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A Taste of a Sudanese Choir
Posted: October 25, 2009, 9:12 pm by Taylor
Download now or listen on posterousR09_0008_32Kbit_32kHz_mono.mp3 (196 KB)
A sample of the children’s choir in Sudan last week…
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Sunday Missionary Service
Posted: October 25, 2009, 7:39 pm by Taylor
A time for the team to come together and worship…
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Pray for the Dollar
Posted: October 23, 2009, 2:09 pm by Taylor
Living in Africa, moving between a few countries, we deal in a lot of different currencies. Unfortunately for those of us who are American missionaries and expats, since we start with US Dollars for all transactions and currency conversions, we are hit hard by the weakening of the US Dollar. I’m sure everyone living at home in the States feels this as well in a less direct way.
As the dollar weakens, it becomes more expensive to live and work around the world, not just for us in Africa.
On the bright side, our missionaries from other countries are stronger financially because of the weak dollar. However, SIM’s financial system is in Dollars. When someone raises their money and moved to the ‘field’, their funds are held in dollars, and as the dollar weakens, their funds shrink just like ours.
At the end of the day, stability is the key. Whether the dollar goes up or down, we need stability so that our support is stable. No doubt God has provided well for us, via all of you, and He will continue to do so even in the hard times.
We thank you for your continued support!
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Feed Update
Posted: October 18, 2009, 6:39 pm by Taylor
It was brought to my attention that our RSS feed (a slimmed down way to view our blog) was truncated instead of the full blog posts. This serves as a test for now. If you click the feed link above, can you see the photo in this post?
So it seems my feed is pretty lame. It doesn’t even use links on text. Does anyone know or advise a format that should be used for RSS? I’m using UTF-8 right now.
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Photo of the Day (10/16/09)
Posted: October 16, 2009, 10:16 am by Taylor
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Photos of the Day (10/15/09)
Posted: October 15, 2009, 3:51 pm by Taylor
The young taxi drivers are a blast to talk to (with my very limited Arabic). I asked this guy if I could take his photo from the back seat. When we arrived at my home, he requested that I take more photos. It’s very common for the guys to pose in front of their vehicles. Someday I’ll make a post with all the guys ‘chillin’ on their cars and vans.
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Photo of the Day (10/14/09)
Posted: October 14, 2009, 9:00 am by Taylor
The Malakal port is very busy. There are often many soldiers around checking travel papers and making sure things are not being smuggled and just keeping general order. These guys were hanging around while we loaded up a small boat to send food to SIM’s Nutrition Village where malnourished kids go to regain their strength. -
Photos of the Day (10/13/09)
Posted: October 13, 2009, 1:58 pm by Taylor
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Photos of the Day (10/12/09)
Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:32 am by Taylor
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Photo of the Day (10/11/09)
Posted: October 11, 2009, 1:26 pm by Taylor
Pioneer missionaries Judi and Steve Cochran visited Malakal on their way back home to Kenya after having spent some time in Atar with our new TTI (Teacher Training Institute). They are considering an agreement with SIM that would bring them back to Sudan for a few months a year to mentor teachers. 10 years ago they set up Christ Gift Acadmeny, a Christian school in Western Kenya on Lake Victoria, and the school is now mature enough to run on it’s own. -
It’s Official
Posted: October 11, 2009, 1:26 pm by Taylor
I have to find a new web site host. I am using GoDaddy at the moment and have quite a few domains and hosting plans with them. I’m looking for an easy way to transition all these domains and hosting to a new service.
The reason for the change has been spurred by the fact that GoDaddy blocks it’s servers from being accessed from a number of countries, one of which is Sudan. The rumor is that they do this because of US & UN Sanctions on Sudan, but everything I read says they don’t really have to be doing this. Either they are being very cautious legally, or have a financial incentive that makes blocking the countries a lucrative decision.
So, all of that to say I need a new hosting service. I have shopped this in the recent past to folks on twitter. Ideally I’m looking for a service that has servers in the US and Kenya (or Europe, Middle East, S. Asia).
To date, I have not found a single service that has servers in both of these locations. I need this so that access from the US is fast and access from E Africa is quick. It’s not to slow as is (only hosted in US) but would be nice to have mirrored servers closer to us.
If you know of any good options or advice on an easy way to migrate all my domains and hosting, please let me know! Make a comment on this post or shoot me an email.
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Photo of the Day (10/10/09)
Posted: October 10, 2009, 1:40 pm by Taylor
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Photo of the Day (10/9/09)
Posted: October 9, 2009, 11:10 am by Taylor
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Good Intentions Go Bad (UN version)
Posted: October 7, 2009, 9:08 pm by Taylor
Often times churches and small groups get together a box of clothes, and other random things to ship overseas as a donation. This are very well intended and show the generous hearts of all those involved.
The problem is that more often than not, even a small financial donation would have gone much further and been far more appropriate (the biggie). A ski bib, mask, or gloves from a group in Colorado is a kind donation, though will never find a use in Sudan.
As you’ll read from the story below, even the color of something can have very unintended side effects and not only be unusable, but be hurtful. I continue to learn little things like this in my local community.
‘when a bucket is not a bucket’ http://bit.ly/G7WeK
For further reading on giving without hurting, read When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor. . .and Ourselves’ by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corbett. Or the cheap and more direct route, hook up with someone local (who lives there on the groud) and ask for their advice (preferably long-term missionaries). More often than not, they will have a lot of insight as to the best way to help a community and what not to do.
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Photo of the Day
Posted: October 7, 2009, 9:08 pm by Taylor
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Happy Birthday Taylor!
Posted: October 7, 2009, 8:39 pm by Taylor
Last Sunday we celebrated Taylor’s birthday! We had a fabulous tex-mex dinner and even his favorite yellow cake with chocolate icing! Our creative teammate Claire made the festive “29″ tortilla and salsa seen in the pic! -
Life in pictures
Posted: October 7, 2009, 8:36 pm by Taylor
Here is a first of many pictures that will give a glance into our life here in Malakal. Avery loves to help out with most chores. Here she is helping Taylor cut the grass. Washing diapers gives Allison a chance to have some un-interrupted time with her thoughts. Strange how no one once to hang [...] -
After One Year (Random Thoughts)
Posted: October 4, 2009, 8:42 pm by Taylor
By Taylor: - Ethiopian food has replaced Mexican food - Popcorn is a nice cheap treat - I drink a lot of tea the British way (though my craving changes depending on time of day and country) - Board games have replaced all other game play (mainly Settlers) though we do use our Wii during SIM Sudan functions - [...] -
Happy B’day Nana
Posted: October 4, 2009, 4:24 pm by Taylor
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Possible Transition: Need Your Prayers
Posted: October 4, 2009, 4:08 pm by Taylor
It’s a bit early to talk about details, but there is a good chance we might be changing our assignment a little. Moving from doing media and communications for the Sudan field to a more regional role for E. Africa acting for the International and USA offices of SIM. If we move forward, it would [...] -
New SIM USA Director Meets Bill Taylor
Posted: October 2, 2009, 10:43 am by Taylor
At a recent event in Orlando, Bruce Johnson, SIM’s new US Director got together with my name sake, Bill Taylor. Dr. Taylor just put out a new book, Global Missions Handbook, which uses some of my photography and a story about my journey to missions. -
Allāhu Akbar, الله أكبر
Posted: September 20, 2009, 8:38 am by Taylor
Today marks عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr or ‘the festival to break fast.’ For the last month Muslims have been fasting during the day to celebrate Ramadan. On this first day of breaking fast, they are to constantly recite Allāhu Akbar (God is great). From our home in Malakal we occasionally hear a faint call to prayer [...] -
Sudan’s Spiritual Life Conference
Posted: September 19, 2009, 12:40 pm by Taylor
Allison and I are serving on a small committee of SIM Sudan missionaries who are planning Sudan’s 2010 Spiritual Life Conference to be held this coming January. SIM Sudan is sending out a flyer soon with all the details that I thought I’d share below… Every January, SIM Sudan holds a Spiritual Life Conference where the [...] -
Health Update – Prayer Need
Posted: September 14, 2009, 12:07 pm by Taylor
Avery is already having significant diarrhea. We ask that you pray for her health. Her samples in Nairobi showed that she still had giardia, and we had begun a 3wk cycle of drugs. We pray that this will clean out her body. Please pray for her strength. Through all of this she always keeps very [...] -
Simple Things
Posted: September 14, 2009, 9:16 am by Taylor
So we took care of one mouse in our first minutes home yesterday. Last night we captured one more mouse and 1 large rat. These guys are getting into all our food, making for a daily cleanup and making a mess in my media cabinet. We think there are still more. Please pray we can [...] -
Back Home in Malakal
Posted: September 12, 2009, 8:15 pm by Taylor
After of month of recovering from illness in Nairobi, we are back home in Malakal. In the first hour I’d already killed a mouse who had made his home in my media cupboard. So far no wires or electronics damaged, but let’s just say it’s dirty. That’s tomorrow’s project. We are happy to be back with [...] -
New Missions Book
Posted: September 3, 2009, 12:33 pm by Taylor
A new book in missions is soon to be released. Written by my name sake and missions mentor, Dr. William ‘Bill’ Taylor, the original edition was the standard manual for new missionaries. The new version titled “Global Mission Handbook: A Guide for Crosscultural Service” is just that, a guide for those entering the mission field. [...] -
Invite a Muslim to Dinner
Posted: August 31, 2009, 9:17 am by Taylor
Ramadan رمضان is upon us. It is the month when Muslims fast from food, drink, sex and other pleasures. Some Christians even fast for periods of time as a symbol of their devotion to their faith in Christ. This year Dallas churches have invited Muslim congregations to share in fast-breaking dinners called iftars. The moderate Muslim [...] -
Shaking Things Up – MSF Video
Posted: August 28, 2009, 10:07 pm by Taylor
Once in a while media/communications/marketing does something really good. Problem is that ‘good’ is completely relative. MSF has come under some heat on a recent video they did. MSF, better known in the US as Doctors Without Borders, does some amazing awareness campaigns. To say the least I am very impressed with the quality of their [...] -
Nairobi is Good
Posted: August 25, 2009, 8:47 pm by Taylor
After two weeks in Nairobi the family is almost back to 100%. Avery is doing well but Allison continues to deal with a weird bug that only effects her every few days. We hope to get a little more relax time now that we’re better and mix in some business as we plan for SIM’s [...] -
Back in Nairobi Safe
Posted: August 10, 2009, 9:34 am by Taylor
As many of you know the family has been dealing with some illness for the last few weeks. The girls were not able to shake it and after a run to the UN’s ER for Taylor (chest pains) it was decided that we should take an early R&R. We had been planning to go just [...] -
Inspiration…
Posted: July 29, 2009, 9:39 pm by Taylor
Today I was inspired… This morning I went to a friend’s shop where he’s set up his Sony Playstation 2 to rent on a per game basis. Others have set up ’shop’ and are charging cell phones, renting hookas, and making chai & boon (tea & coffee). I was elated this time because the music wasn’t [...] -
Yabus Bridge Photos
Posted: July 22, 2009, 10:51 pm by Taylor
Some images from the Yabus Bridge Opening. Bridge from the air. Ganza girl. Likely the best meal she’s had all year. Everyone is invited to cross the bridge. Morning Light Steven (SIM missionary from Nigeria) leading the Yabus Choir. Event MC & student of SIM’s Secondary School. Lori sharing the joy of the celebration in Sudanese picnic style. SIM Nigerian missionary family. Bridging the [...] -
celebrating 6 years!
Posted: July 2, 2009, 8:23 pm by Taylor
We celebrated our 6th anniversary in style here in Malakal. Thanks to our great team mates and their creativity we celebrated in the style of the main tribe in the area. We also had the chance to hop on the motorbike and head into town for a lunch date while another team mate watched Avery [...] -
Whew, we are back to healthy!
Posted: July 2, 2009, 8:13 pm by Taylor
Apologies are in order for our silence. More updates will be coming soon. Avery had round 2 of some sort of stomach bug. She is getting better and we are grateful for not having to clean up any more messes, for now. Thank you all for your prayers, we sure do need them! -
Pray for John Patrick
Posted: June 13, 2009, 1:17 pm by Taylor
I find myself making friends easily in Kenya. I hope that as we learn the language and culture of Sudan, the friendships will flow just as easily. Yesterday I was downtown to help a fellow missionary purchase a digital dictaphone to record her language helper. She had left for a moment to run an errand and [...] -
Prayer for School
Posted: June 7, 2009, 10:02 am by Taylor
SIM maintains a secondary school in South Sudan that serves over 1 Million people. Up until recently it was the only one, but in the last year some muslim secondary schools have opened in the area. Historically the students have been uncompromising in various demands they have. Many if not all of these demands are directed [...] -
We Must Sound Like This
Posted: May 26, 2009, 9:09 pm by Taylor
Allison and I always joke about a Saturday Night Live sketch that has a couple visiting another couple who live a very odd lifestye and either come from a different planet or strange country. Invariably, there is always a moment when they exchange names. It must be the same when we are learning new languages…. -
Scaring in Sudan
Posted: May 20, 2009, 9:38 pm by Taylor
I haven’t taken any photos specifically to ’showcase’ scarification in Sudan, but I found a few good examples that I thought I’d show you. Click any image to see a large version. The first is an old Nuer man. He used to be the village chief. This was taken in a small village on the Sobat river [...] -
A Few Sand Photos & Stories
Posted: May 16, 2009, 10:34 pm by Taylor
A tree begins to blossom, but the brilliant red is muted by the sand in the air. A girl in a flowing pink dress (attending church) fills a bottle of water from the church’s tap. Kids crowd around to get in front of the lens. Obama makes an appearance at church. Photo opp with the camera man! Kids’ favorite [...] -
Sand Storm Invades
Posted: May 11, 2009, 8:57 pm by Taylor
We didn’t experience so much a storm as a dump of sand on us. Sunday we didn’t even see the sun it was so thick and flights were canceled from Juba. Click on the two images below for two different image galleries. One more commercial in nature and one more personal. Enjoy… -
Meeting New Friends
Posted: May 8, 2009, 8:50 pm by Taylor
A fellow SIMer took us to visit some of her friends this week. Click HERE to see some of the better photos. Click HERE to view photos of Avery, group photos and our other new friends. -
Sudan Comes to Your Door Step
Posted: May 5, 2009, 9:01 pm by Taylor
The migration of Darfuri Sudanese continues to grow. Most of you are likely aware of the conflict that has been on going in Darfur (West Sudan), ever since peace was made in the South of Sudan. The Dallas Morning News posted an article recently about a small but growing number of official Darfuri refugees in Dallas. [...] -
Just a Cool Pic
Posted: May 4, 2009, 9:39 pm by Taylor
This picture was taken by Austin Mann when I was in Aweil, just South of Darfur in April. -
New Giving Site
Posted: May 4, 2009, 9:36 pm by Taylor
Wow, I have been waiting for this for so long. While the guts of the online giving system haven’t really changed, a huge change has happened in terms of usability for YOU, the giver. It’s much more straight forward and easy to understand. It’s also much more appealing to the eyes. If you’ve been holding off [...] -
Perils of Do-It-Yourself Electrical Jobs
Posted: April 21, 2009, 9:22 pm by Taylor
Rusty wouldn’t be to happy with me So I started with my inverter on my desk wiring up everything I could do before taking it to the special built box I made to house the inverter and batteries (and the voltage stabilizer, but it crashed). Then I went outside to hook things up. And that’s when [...] -
Our First Sudanese Church Service as a Family
Posted: April 19, 2009, 11:46 pm by Taylor
Actually, it’s hard to say we actually went as a family. Taylor sat up front with the other elders of the church while Allison got crammed in with the women with children in the back… Claire is a nurse on our Malakal team who has also come to learn Sudanese Arabic before her long-term assignment in [...] -
Moving to Sudan Part Deux
Posted: April 18, 2009, 4:04 pm by Taylor
So we left off with the plane stopping for a refueling (one of two fuel stops, the first at Loki). Here’s one more pic of our girl under the plane… (view all the photos in HUGE glory HERE.) A better photo of Avery giving her tour before take-off at Wilson Airport (Nairobi)… Taylor’s Co-Pilot, Travis Flying over Malakal [...] -
Moving to Sudan
Posted: April 17, 2009, 11:52 pm by Taylor
Well, after months of waiting for God’s timing, we got the green light to go into South Sudan. We had been hoping to enter Khartoum for language study, but the doors just didn’t open and the timing isn’t right. Maybe in the future for extended Arabic studies. For now, enjoy the photo journey as we [...] -
Happy Easter!
Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:26 pm by Taylor
It was a delight to have our first Sunday be Easter Sunday! Avery was quite the distraction to the kids though. Our base manager, Andrew, gave our welcome for us in Arabic to the congregation which spared us from having to give it a go ourselves. We hope you all have a very blessed [...] -
Arrived safe and sound!
Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:22 pm by Taylor
We arrived safely last Tuesday afternoon and have spent the last few days settling in. The heat has not been too terribly and we are very blessed to have been given one of the two houses on the property. Our team here has given us a warm welcome and has shown us the ropes of [...] -
Arrived safe and sound!
Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:22 pm by Taylor
We arrived safely last Tuesday afternoon and have spent the last few days settling in. The heat has not been too terribly and we are very blessed to have been given one of the two houses on the property. Our team here has given us a warm welcome and has shown us the ropes of [...] -
Arrived safe and sound!
Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:22 pm by Taylor
We arrived safely last Tuesday afternoon and have spent the last few days settling in. The heat has not been too terribly and we are very blessed to have been given one of the two houses on the property. Our team here has given us a warm welcome and has shown us the ropes of [...] -
Arrived safe and sound!
Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:22 pm by Taylor
We arrived safely last Tuesday afternoon and have spent the last few days settling in. The heat has not been too terribly and we are very blessed to have been given one of the two houses on the property. Our team here has given us a warm welcome and has shown us the ropes of [...] -
All most ready!
Posted: April 6, 2009, 10:16 pm by Taylor
We are almost done packing up things to stay in Nairobi, and a few more things to go to Malakal with us. In less than 10 hours we will be lifting off! Please keep us in your prayers, especially our little Avery who is sick, as we travel and adjust to life in Sudan! Look for [...] -
Random thoughts…
Posted: April 3, 2009, 8:56 pm by Taylor
In just a few days we will be officially living in Sudan. It is amazing to sit back and think about how the Lord has brought us to this point. For me, Allison, it has been a few months shy of 13 years since I first felt the Lord leading me to cross-cultural ministry. I [...] -
Ready to go!
Posted: April 3, 2009, 8:55 pm by Taylor
We are a bit less stressed tonight since we dropped off our luggage at the airport due to a new requirement. It is actually quite nice to have that out of the way and can focus on wrapping up other details before we leave in 4 days! Just wanted to say thank you for all [...] -
April 7th is the big day!
Posted: March 26, 2009, 11:43 pm by Taylor
Taylor and the SIM Sudan logistics team have been hard at work finding us a plane to take us and all of our stuff to set up house into Sudan. Praise the Lord that we were able to get a flight so soon! April 7th we will be moving into Malakal. We will be busy [...] -
Exciting News!
Posted: March 25, 2009, 9:22 pm by Taylor
After many months and many prayers our director has gone ahead and given the okay for us to plan on moving into Malakal. Praise be to God that the UN also lowered the security rating so flights have been picked back up going into Malakal. We went yesterday to pick up household goods that we [...] -
Why I read aljazeera.net
Posted: March 21, 2009, 11:58 am by Taylor
Other than Aljazeera being a great news source for all things Middle East and Arab related, it gives a profound insight into the thought process and worldview of that people group. Working in Sudan and almost anywhere in the world these days (as the whole world has become the melting pot American was once so well [...] -
Recent Trip to Aweil & Nasir
Posted: March 18, 2009, 9:36 pm by Taylor
I (Taylor) really enjoyed my trip with Aid Sudan to a few of their locations. I went to soak up as much photography knowledge from Austin Mann as I could. He’s available for large projects (mostly international) if you need a good photographer. We first went to Aweil where they were installing a radio tower. It’s [...] -
Recent Park Visit
Posted: March 15, 2009, 7:15 pm by Taylor
Click the pic to view all the photos… -
BELC - Sudan Teachers Needed (Long Version)
Posted: March 15, 2009, 8:48 am by Taylor
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He is home!!!
Posted: March 10, 2009, 8:28 pm by Taylor
Thank you for all your prayers! Taylor was able to get on an earlier flight and came home last night! He had a wonderful trip, even in the 140 degree weather. Keep a look out for some pics to be posted soon. -
Keep praying
Posted: March 1, 2009, 7:50 pm by Taylor
We received word that visas were granted for us to go to Khartoum for language study! This is a huge miracle, especially in light of the upcoming possible arrest warrant being given for Sudan’s Presidents involvement with Darfur. Please keep praying for us and our leadership as they decide if it is wise for us [...] -
Taylor arrived safely
Posted: February 28, 2009, 10:39 am by Taylor
I received an SMS from Taylor letting me know he arrived safe and sound! Thanks for your continued prayers for his travels! -
T minus 15 hours….
Posted: February 25, 2009, 9:16 pm by Taylor
In less than 15 hours Taylor will be flying back into Sudan! He is currently busy finishing up a video and putting it on dvd’s to help promote BELCs….anyone interested in teaching in Southern Sudan? We are so excited that Taylor will be able to help out Aid Sudan with some filming as well as being [...] -
SIM Sudan BELC Video
Posted: February 19, 2009, 1:22 am by Taylor
BELC stands for Basic Education Learning Center. In short, these are schools which mainly provide primary eduction for adults who never got any education during the war. Sometimes these are village elders, church leaders, soldiers and many more from all walks of life. The purpose of this video was to inspire new missionaries to come [...] -
An Update (just for you sis)
Posted: February 18, 2009, 9:03 pm by Taylor
Taylor is officially going to be going to Sudan for about two weeks to work with a group called Aid Sudan. They are installing a radio tower at the southern edge of the same state where SIM does all of their work in Sudan. A friend of mine, Austin Mann, will be coming along on [...] -
Memories of Home
Posted: February 8, 2009, 9:13 pm by Taylor
Taylor here: One of my favorite things to do when I was home was to go on a solo mini sabbatical (3 days) every 4-6 months. Usually, I’d just pick up and go when my freelance business would allow it and leave my electronics at home and take my Bible, bikes and camping gear. Sometimes [...]
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
