06 Nov Whispered Prayer book launch honors Susan Tabia’s ministry

Fall  Travel Update 3 – From Kampala, Uganda

The Sudanese IWASSRU vehicle loaded up and ready to travel

Our Fall Travel Team to Uganda had one main purpose – to launch Lyla Peterson’s book about our partner Susan Tabia.

After navigating over 16 hours of the Ugandan and Sudanese roads, we made it safely across the border into Sudan. For most of the trip we used the IWASSRU vehicle to carry our team and luggage.

Kids, staff, and community members at St. Bartholomew's gathered under a tree for the book release

On November 1st, we had the official release of the book about the life and ministry of Susan Tabia. Whispered Prayer has been over a year in the making and it’s a fairly short read. But it seems to already be making a huge impact in the new nation of South Sudan. People have been encouraged and united around the collection of stories.

Community members in Kajo Keji receive their own copies of Lyla's new book

On the day of the party, Susan brought together some community members and the children and staff of St. Bartholomew’s. We gathered under a tree and shared a meal before various individuals gave speeches.

Susan and Golda had baked a beautiful cake (with extremely basic cooking equipment in rural Sudan) thanking Lahash for the book.

Susan and Golda's handmade thank-you cake

Village elders, committee members, and friends of the organization all received a personal copy of the book.

Some of the local kids had arranged a local Acholi drum and dance performance that was shared with the crowd.

A local Acholi dance was performed by some of the kids

Finally, I got to take this fun photo of Susan surrounded by many of the kids at St. Bartholomew Children’s Home. It’s amazing to think of the impact that this one woman has had on so many precious kids’ lives.

Susan Tabia with dozens of the children she cares for

We are so grateful to all of the many friends who have helped with Lyla’s book project and for enabling these books to impact the the new and vulnerable nation of South Sudan. And we are even more grateful for the generosity and partnership of hundreds of you with Susan and her ministry.

You’ve put action to the words in Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Thank you!

Whispered Prayer books displayed for the crowd