Operation Nehemiah - Helping Rebuild the New Sudan

Dear Friends and co-laborers in the Great Commission,

Shalom! In Psalm 103 verse, we read “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast mercy”. What an encouragement these words are to me as we write to share the summer news of Operation Nehemiah with you. Truly, the mercy of the Lord is what keeps each of us alive each day, pressing toward the mark of the high calling we each have received in Christ. I am so grateful for those abounding and steadfast mercies that are ever present as we experience the trials of this life.

This summer was laden with opportunities to behold the deliverance of the Lord in the midst of intense challenges for both the ministry and my family. Our funding level began to decline sharply at the beginning of the season, just as the financial obligations began to climb higher with each passing day. Meeting the urgent needs of our Field Staff in New Sudan became my main focus upon returning to the States in July, in addition to completing final touches on the Nehemiah Radio Tower and the field clinic.

At home, we were busy preparing to move our growing family and the main office to a new Mission House in Lanesboro, MA that will serve as a permanent headquarters. The Biblical command to “Walk by faith and not by sight” became real to us once again as we worked each day to make the most of seemingly little! The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians four verse 11-12 “For I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need.” We have learned that this principle is vital when working in ministry by faith, for without it we will be easily discouraged when the bank accounts are empty and the needs continue to mount!

With each dry season we pass through, the promises of God become more precious to us, and the hands He uses to provide what is needed become more beautiful. Once again, the Lord moved in the hearts of those who care about this ministry and we have received over $40,000 in only four weeks! We are now able to address the pressing needs that were overwhelming just a few short weeks ago. For those of you who may be experiencing similar trials, we hope this testimony is an encouragement to the faithfulness of our Father in Heaven, and the certain futility of striving in our flesh!

Prayer need: Our fiscal vision for 2007- 2008 starting Oct 1st 2007 is to stabilize our monthly mission budget. To remain effective in ministry, Operation Nehemiah requires a minimum of $25,000 monthly. If only 1,000 supporters give an average of $25 monthly, we can meet this goal!

Here is a summary of the monthly budget:

1. On going Project expenses- $10, 000

2. Overseas staff and operating budget- $ 8,000

3. Domestic office budget and staff support - $7000.00

A recent incident in the Field has reminded us of the powerful spiritual warfare still raging in New Sudan, and the need for unceasing prayer. Operation Nehemiah’s logo (above) is a clear proclamation of our Messianic /Christian faith and was installed on a four foot sign near the top of the 300ft Nehemiah Radio Tower just days before this writing. We have received a report from the Field that the logo might be stolen or blown off the tower by wind and has not yet been recovered. It is suspected that the thieves acted out of religious intimidation, as there is a growing Islamic presence in the nearby town of Nimule. Field Director Joseph Levi has requested $4,000 to build a solid fence around the tower and its components. Although our ultimate protection is in God, it is hoped that a strong barrier will deter any further attacks on the tower, as it is a crucial tool for the spread of the Gospel in New Sudan.

Please join us in prayer for the following:

• The salvation of the logo thieves and recovery of the stolen property
• Increased boldness to continue sharing the Word of God among a growing Muslim population
• $4,000 needed for the security fence
• Wisdom and discernment in all areas of ministry
• $35,000 to purchase solar panels for running the radio studio and the clinic

Praise report:

The five ton repatriation truck which left the USA in April has finally arrived at the Operation Nehemiah compound in South Sudan! It is already being put to good use in service to returning families. We thank God for His mighty protection on the vehicle during the shipping process.

Praise report: Our medical department is eagerly awaiting the arrival of over $10 million dollars worth of medicine and health care supplies that were recently donated by a ministry based in Wisconsin. The shipment, expected this October, will enable Operation Nehemiah to provide years of consistent care to our emerging community. Please join us in thanking the Lord for this marvelous gift.

Nehemiah field clinic and Dr. Luka Benson tending to a patient.

Thank you for all you do out of love for our Savior. Your continued prayers and generosity mean everything to so many.

In His grace,
William Levi, CEO and President