Every Village

The 2013 gala was our biggest yet.

Over 500 people joined us as we celebrated what God is doing in South Sudan.

God moved powerfully as we enjoyed incredible food, a photo booth made out of our hand-held radios, deep times of prayer, and a rich community full of people passionate about the South Sudanese.

Below you'll find a few of our favorite photos from the event. If you'd like to see all the pictures from the photo booth, head over to our Facebook page.

Before the night began, we prayed God would move powerfully in the room and ignite a deep passion for the South Sudanese in the hearts of attendees.

Reception at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

The photo booth made from the solar-powered, hand-held radios we distribute in South Sudan so people can hear the gospel and community development teaching in their own languages. The yellow cans are used by people in South Sudan to collect water.

These three had fun! See more photos from the photo booth here.

Operations Director Andrew Brown shares about our four-step process: trips, water, missionaries, and radio.

To date, Every Village has distributed 18,000 hand-held radios. 

Executive Director Peter Swann celebrates how transformation is happening in South Sudan. Our theme this year---The New Has Come!

At the end of the evening, we commissioned our long-term team headed to live in Nasir in the coming months. Everyone in the room stood and prayed together.

Again, we are thankful for your support and prayers. Hope to see you at this event in 2014!

Our long-term missionary team started training, and we want to give you the opportunity to virtually meet each of the six adults moving to Nasir, South Sudan later this year. This is the final installment in our series intended to introduce you to new members of the Every Village family!

Blaise Ginter

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

My wife brought home a book about the Lost Boys, and then I went on a short-term trip.

How did you know God was calling you to live in South Sudan?

I felt a burden after hearing about the war and the things the South Sudanese endured, but after I took the trip to Nasir--I knew without a doubt.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

My first trip was in 2011 and I went to Nasir, South Sudan.

What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

The people, the relationships we will build, and knowing I get to be a part of God's kingdom advancing.

What has God been teaching you recently?

To rely completely on Him instead of myself.

Biggest thing you'll miss when you're in South Sudan?

The people here, my family, and friends.

Have any special talents? What are they?

Sure. I can draw pretty well.

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training for life in South Sudan?

Movies or music.

What's one fun thing you have to do before you move to South Sudan?

I want to Go Kart again. 

If you'd like to support the Ginters financially, go here.

Our long-term missionary team started training, and we want to give you the opportunity to virtually meet each of the six adults moving to Nasir, South Sudan later this year. This is the fifth installment in our series intended to introduce you to new members of the Every Village family!

Jared Pierce

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

The first time I remember hearing about Sudan (before there was South Sudan) I was sitting in a Sunday school class for the first time where Executive Director Peter Swann was teaching. At the time, the only remarkable thing I remember was how passionate Peter was about this country I had never heard of before and wondering, "what is that about?"

How did you know God was calling you to live in South Sudan?

I was minding my business at the Every Village Annual Gala in 2012 and, as I sat there, God put the people of of South Sudan heavy on my heart. I knew I was in trouble as soon as I felt that weight, but then He used James 4:14 to hammer home for me that this was His story and South Sudan was written into my part of His story. Since then, God has confirmed that call many times in many ways.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

My first trip abroad was in October 2011. I went to Mvolo, South Sudan.

What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

The potential. The potential for the country to thrive and grow. The potential for the millions of smiling hopeful faces. Above all, the potential for what God can do to change South Sudan for His glory.

What has God been teaching you recently?

Freedom. He continues to show me that it is impossible to sacrifice for Jesus. Each time He calls us to lay down something that has made us comfortable or feel secure, it only affirms the reality that Jesus is better. Every time I think I can't, He does, and so the confidence that He is building, is for me, great freedom. Freedom from things that hold us back from more of Him.

Biggest thing you'll miss when you're in South Sudan?

I will miss most my friends, family, and our church.

Have any special talents? What are they?

Not sure if it is a talent or not, but I think what has served me well so far has been that I am just not scared to try anything. If it is trying to repair something or do something for the first time, I just go for it. I learn best by experience and to my surprise, I get a pretty good number of things done "right enough." 

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training for life in South Sudan?

There are lots, but my top one is a date alone with my wife, a close second is tickling my kids and listening to them laugh, and third is learning something new. 

What's one fun thing you have to do before you move to South Sudan?

Maybe a trip to Lego Land or Disney World.

If you'd like to support the Pierces financially, go here.

Our long-term missionary team started training, and we want to give you the opportunity to virtually meet each of the six adults moving to Nasir, South Sudan later this year. This is the fourth installment in our series intended to introduce you to new members of the Every Village family!

Cassandra Ginter

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

I learned about South Sudan by reading Dave Eggers' book, What is the What, a fictionalized account of the real-life Lost Boy, Valentino Achak Deng. It was a book I picked up in the bookstore because the cover looked interesting. I had no idea what had been happening in Sudan, but the book painted a vivid picture of South Sudan's culture, the brutal civil war, and life in refugee camps. That book was a gateway for me to additional reading and research on South Sudan, which turned into a burden and passion to go.

How did you know God was calling you to live in South Sudan?

The initial calling to go to South Sudan came in the midst of me reading What is the What. I felt an urgent calling to go on a short-term trip then, but it was on that first trip I really fell in love with the South Sudanese and began to seriously pursue missions. The calling to live in South Sudan long-term was something I felt on that first trip, but God revealed it to me in greater detail over time as I walked in increasing surrender to Him. It was through specific Scriptures and a lot of prayer that the calling was repeatedly affirmed and has continued to be affirmed since we first committed to go.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

My first trip abroad was to Nasir, South Sudan in July 2010 with Every Village (then called Aid Sudan).  

What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

There are so many things about South Sudan that I love, but the most exciting part of being there is doing life alongside the South Sudanese. Getting to live with and love our friends there in the name of Jesus Christ is what it's all about for me. I cannot wait to see lives transformed, captives set free, and believers encouraged! The other very exciting part of living there is getting to train teachers. I am a teacher in the US, and I cannot wait to begin working with the teachers in Nasir to improve instructional strategies. I am also really excited to learn so many new things: the Nuer language, the Nuer culture, how to live simply, and even how to play soccer!  

What has God been teaching you recently?

Surrender has been the biggest lesson in my life over the last several months. It's a recurring theme God continues to press upon me, and it's one with which I still struggle; however, I have really sensed His patience with me and His desire for me to live fully and live free in Him.    

Biggest thing you'll miss when you're in South Sudan?

I will miss my family and friends terribly. Until I moved to Houston for training with Every Village, I had never lived more than two hours away from my family, so it will be hard not to see them for so long. Right behind family is American food. Food is so cultural, and it will be one of the most difficult pieces of my home culture to surrender when living in Nasir.  

Have any special talents? What are they?

God has gifted me with an eye for photography. I absolutely LOVE using pictures to tell stories! I also really enjoy writing, and while I'm not sure if it's a special talent, it does bring me great joy. I love to use the written word to encourage others.

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training for life in South Sudan?

I absolutely LOVE to read, so whenever I have any free time I can usually be found with my nose in a book.

What's one fun thing you have to do before you move to South Sudan?

Before moving to South Sudan, I would like to celebrate every holiday and birthday that we'll miss with our families while we live there. What's more fun than Christmas in July?

If you'd like to support the Ginters financially, go here.

Our long-term missionary team started training, and we want to give you the opportunity to virtually meet each of the six adults moving to Nasir, South Sudan later this year. This is the third installment in our series intended to introduce you to new members of the Every Village family!

Keisha Pierce

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

As the Lord was stirring us to more missional living, we stumbled upon a class at Houston's First Baptist Church led by Peter Swann called the "Big Time." When he first said Sudan, I had no clue where to find it on a map.

How did you know God was calling you to live in South Sudan?

My husband felt the Lord calling us initially. When he shared this with me, I wasn't exactly sweet and loving. I did tell him I would pray about, and within 24 hours the Lord confirmed this call. He had me on my knees in tears as he told me this was "His story," not mine.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

I hope this doesn't disqualify me, but I've never been abroad. My first trip to Nasir, South Sudan is this week! I have been blessed to be immersed in many different cultures here in the states.

What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

The Lord has given me a promise for South Sudan--joy-filled children overflowing in the churches there. I can see the promise so vividly and, although there's no promise I'll get to see it for myself, I'm anxiously praying for it and am so thankful I have the confirmation that this is where I'm supposed to be for the next two years!

What has God been teaching you recently?

Can I have a few hours of your time? If I had to limit it to a few sentences, I would say God calls us all to be "missionaries." Yes, I get the privilege of doing it full time, but we're all called to be missionaries. Whether it's at work or at home with your kids, you have a mission field and it's not any less important than mine. My prayer is that all of us live intentional lives, asking ourselves daily, "Who are we discipling?"

Biggest thing you'll miss when you're in South Sudan?

Of course my friends and family, but absolutely the amazing restaurants here. Ask me again when I've been there 6 months because it might change to something really boring like electricity!

Have any special talents? What are they?

I have a knack for losing things. I'm a pretty good cook, and I love to sing and worship the Lord!

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training for life in South Sudan?

If I didn't have a deadline for something, I would just play with my kids. I don't get to do that enough. I love the outdoors--camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.

What's one fun thing you have to do before you move to South Sudan?

I would love to take a family trip to Sea World or another similar amusement park.

If you'd like to support the Pierces financially, go here.

Laura Krone

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

In the fall of 2011, my church offered a short-term mission trip with Every Village for the following summer. I had been praying about how I might serve in East Africa, and I started researching more about South Sudan.

How did you know God was calling you to live in South Sudan?

After returning from a short-term trip with Every Village, the Lord gave me a desire to be a part of the gospel going to the ends of the earth. A couple months later, God led me to begin praying about joining the Nasir team. He made the calling clear through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and answered prayer.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

In the summer after my junior year of high school, I spent 5 weeks in Berlin, Germany improving my language skills, learning about German culture, and exploring the city.
 
What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

Seeing lives changed and God glorified through the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What has God been teaching you recently?

God has been demonstrating his sovereignty over every area of my life, teaching me to trust in his perfect plans, to believe in the truth of his promises, and to surrender my desire for control.
 
Biggest thing you'll miss when you're in South Sudan?

I’ll miss my family, friends, Grace Bible Church, coworkers, being an engineer--even the hard hat and steel-toed boots.

Have any special talents? What are they?

I enjoy playing music, particularly the piano and violin.

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training for life in South Sudan?

I love being outside on a beautiful day--playing sports, hiking, and going to the beach.

If you'd like to support Laura financially, go here.

Christina Roberts

When did you first learn about South Sudan?

I first learned about South Sudan when I went to Hope Church and saw how passionate everybody there was about the South Sudanese.

How did you know God was calling you to live there?

Long story short… He began to give me a strange feeling inside every time South Sudan was mentioned. He gave me many different scriptures to help confirm the calling and a peace about it that I can’t explain.

When was your first trip abroad? Where did you go?

My first trip “abroad” was to the Bahamas in 2008.

What excites you most about being in South Sudan?

The spread of God’s glory. I know God deeply loves the South Sudanese, and I am so excited to see all that He will do there.

What has God been teaching you recently?

He has been teaching me that I must completely surrender everything in my life and trust Him 100%, even though I may not understand His timing or His ways.

Biggest thing you'll miss?

The biggest thing I will miss in South Sudan will be my close friends and family.

Have any special talents? What are they?

I am learning to play the Ukulele.

Favorite thing to do when you're not fundraising or training?

I like to spend time doing outdoor activities and being with friends.

What's one fun thing you have to do before you move?

I really want to go to the beach and wakeboard at least once.

If you'd like to support Christina financially, go here.

On April 27, lace up your shoes and grab your kids for our annual 5K. This year, we're running for transformation in South Sudan. We'll have food, fun, and competition--all for the glory of God in South Sudan. You can use your strides to support God's work in the country we love so much.

Learn more and register here. We're excited to see you!

Want to listen to what people in South Sudan listen to when they tune in to our broadcasts? Now you can. Head over to our radio page to hear a stream of our programming. With a dismal literacy rate, radio is the only way many people access the Bible, health & hygeine training, and news. As you listen to the radio, pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit to flood South Sudan. We hope you'll join us in praying God uses the radio to grow churches and spread Good News.

We're incredibly grateful for your support.

This week, three kids came into our office with jars they'd decorated to collect money for Radio10. They all raised money throughout the month of October, gathering change and cash together so people in South Sudan can hear the gospel and community development teaching in their own language.

"We did anything to raise money," one kid said. "We went to our grandma's house and did chores."

Kids were an integral part of our Radio10 campaign this year. They inspire us to continue seeking transformation in South Sudan.

Thank you for joining with us. Learn more about radio here.

Melinda Parrish joins the Every Village team this week as our new Administration Director. After gaining experience as an international accountant for an oil and gas company and also as an external auditor, she joined the team in Houston. Melinda brings a unique skillset and passion for God's work in South Sudan, and we're thrilled to have her on board. Below, she answers a few questions about getting started with us.

What led you to Every Village? 

I met Executive Director Peter Swann at Hope Church in February of this year. He called me at the end of September and asked if I’d be interested in interviewing for this position. He was fully expecting a quick no, but little did he know--I had a desire and calling to work in ministry. I am so thankful and beyond ecstatic to be here!

What are you excited about as you transition into this position?

I’m excited to work for an organization that is passionate about reaching the nations with the gospel.

Describe how you felt the first day on the job.

Like a kid on the first day of school: excited to be among peers, yet nervous as to who I would sit with at lunch. Joking aside, I felt very welcomed by the entire team and can tell this is going to be an awesome adventure!

What's one thing in South Sudan you'd like to experience?

A deep connection to the people AND to learn a tribal dance.

When you're not on the clock, what are you doing? 

My time outside of work consists of spending quality time with my family and friends, reading, playing tennis whenever I can find an opponent, volunteering time to my church, and planning my next adventures in travel.

Radio10, our annual campaign for hand-held radios, is underway. We're just over a week in, and we're well on our way to funding 4,000 radios. The month started with a launch event featuring Robbie Seay Band. The cost of each ticket funded a radio, and participants prayed over radios that are headed to South Sudan.

People gave generously to send radios to South Sudan. Below you can see Allison and Timothy as they count their money and give it away so our friends in South Sudan can hear Good News.

Are you interested in helping fund radios this month? Visit the Radio10 page to watch a new video and start another radio's journey.