Jeremiah 31: 33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God and they will be my people.
Father God, thank You for your loving care and mercy and for your law that is not only in books, but more importantly in the hearts of your people. Thank You for that circumcision of the heart that is the real mark of people belonging to You. We ask that You bless the ministries of Father Shaw and Mother Julie. May their students, and the people that these students minister to, also desire that circumcision of the heart. Thank You for being their God and making them your people.
We pray for a blessed Holy Week for all and a joyful glorious Resurrection Day. Amen.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Prayer Mail
Dear partners in prayer,
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Holy Week!
This week's overview:
1) My Tanzania visa as arrived. A mission visa.
2) Sermon outlines for the diocese of Belize have been finished.
3) Julie is finishing up her current course.
4) Future courses are in the works.
5) We are having a good time in Ogdensburg, but I had an emergency to attend to at the hospital this past week which was major deal.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For our missionary table at the annual Convention in the Diocese of Albany in June.
3) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat next week, Western Tanganyika in late April to mid-May, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June, and parish visits in the North Country after I return from the mission trips.
4) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that, beginning after Easter.
5) For a video that I am hoping to put together that explains our mission work, as part of our presentations.
6) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg.
7) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
8) For Julie, and our daughters, and everyone's plans.
9) That everything be done to the glory of God.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Holy Week!
This week's overview:
1) My Tanzania visa as arrived. A mission visa.
2) Sermon outlines for the diocese of Belize have been finished.
3) Julie is finishing up her current course.
4) Future courses are in the works.
5) We are having a good time in Ogdensburg, but I had an emergency to attend to at the hospital this past week which was major deal.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For our missionary table at the annual Convention in the Diocese of Albany in June.
3) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat next week, Western Tanganyika in late April to mid-May, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June, and parish visits in the North Country after I return from the mission trips.
4) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that, beginning after Easter.
5) For a video that I am hoping to put together that explains our mission work, as part of our presentations.
6) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg.
7) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
8) For Julie, and our daughters, and everyone's plans.
9) That everything be done to the glory of God.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Prayer Mail
Dear partners in prayer,
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent. Holy Week is coming!
This week's overview:
1) Week 2 in Ogdensburg. It has been awesome. Now, if I can just keep the actual work hours down to the amount agreed upon so I don't conflict with the time needed for my mission activity work, that would be great! The balance should be achieved after Easter Day.
2) Development of our courses continues for both Belize and Tanzania, as well as teaching. Julie is finishing up the current course.
3) I continue to prepare the series of 5 sermon outlines, intended for all the clergy in the Diocese of Belize to preach from, during Easter season. I have written the first 3; two more to go.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families as we move into Holy Week. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For the speedy return of my Tanzanian visa.
3) For our missionary table at the annual Convention in the Diocese of Albany in June. That people would visit with us whom the Lord would want us to meet, as well as touching base with our friends and supporters.
4) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April to mid-May, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
5) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that, beginning after Easter.
6) For our visits to parishes, starting in late May, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do.
7) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg, that it be done to the glory of God.
8) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
"We are building the ship, while sailing it."
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent. Holy Week is coming!
This week's overview:
1) Week 2 in Ogdensburg. It has been awesome. Now, if I can just keep the actual work hours down to the amount agreed upon so I don't conflict with the time needed for my mission activity work, that would be great! The balance should be achieved after Easter Day.
2) Development of our courses continues for both Belize and Tanzania, as well as teaching. Julie is finishing up the current course.
3) I continue to prepare the series of 5 sermon outlines, intended for all the clergy in the Diocese of Belize to preach from, during Easter season. I have written the first 3; two more to go.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families as we move into Holy Week. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For the speedy return of my Tanzanian visa.
3) For our missionary table at the annual Convention in the Diocese of Albany in June. That people would visit with us whom the Lord would want us to meet, as well as touching base with our friends and supporters.
4) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April to mid-May, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
5) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that, beginning after Easter.
6) For our visits to parishes, starting in late May, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do.
7) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg, that it be done to the glory of God.
8) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
"We are building the ship, while sailing it."
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Newsletter
“Dr. Mudge, I presume.”
Next month, I travel from Ogdensburg, New York, to Kasulu, Tanzania. Kasulu is located in northwestern Tanzania, just south of Burundi, and nearby the Congo.
That is the area of the world, particularly the town of Ujiji, where Mr. Stanley, a reporter for a New York newspaper, met Dr. Livingstone, and uttered the famous words: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” That was in 1871.
Things have changed since Dr. Livingstone was involved with the abolition of the slave trade in that part of Africa, but that is the part of Africa where I will be going in April, to visit Kasulu Bible College in Kasulu.
At Kasulu Bible College I plan to get to know the area and the people, including Principal Daudi, and reacquaint myself with Bp. Makaya of the Diocese of Western Tanganyika. I hope to learn some Swahili, as well.
Our online program currently includes Belize, and with this upcoming trip, we are about to embark on an extension with Kasulu Bible College (a regional seminary). We plan to offer courses to students at Kasulu Bible College. As in Belize, this will be something visionary.
Where does our support come from? Most of our annual income comes from contributions to SAMS. Every contribution is important. We raise the rest of our support in other ways, as we can.
We are a fully involved missionary activity wherever we are because of the way the Internet works. We would like to schedule a visit to your parish later in the year, to talk about what we are doing and as an update.
Contributions to SAMS for our missionary support goes for both our living and missionary expenses in the US and mission expenses in other countries, just as if we were full-time living in another country.
Ways to support us.
Your prayers and financial support make the online educational ministry happen. Thank you.
Please make checks out to: "SAMS", and put "Mudge" in the memo space. The mailing address is: SAMS, P. O. Box 399, Ambridge, PA 15003-0399.
God bless you,
Shaw+ and Julie+
The Rev. Dr. Shaw Mudge
The Rev. Julia Mudge
Missionaries of SAMS and Albany.
Scripture Prayer
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Lord, we often do not understand your ways, but we have faith that You have a greater purpose in mind and that as we follow the path that You lead us in, all things will work together for good. Thank You for the ministries of Father Shaw and Mother Julie. Thank You that they are being conformed into the image of your Son, Jesus. Thank You for calling them into the mission field and may all their work be for your glory.
Be with Father Shaw this week in Ogdensburg. Help him to get acclimated to parish life again and to find the right balance between his parish duties and his teaching mission. We ask that the evaluators for the fellowship grant look favorably upon his application. Let all things come together for all the traveling that He will do in the next few months. Be with Mother Julie in her teaching and her CPE studies. And be with their daughters as they continue their walks with You: for Lydia as she develops her plans for the future; for Hannah and her Oaks of Righteousness Ministry in Troy; and for Ruth as she looks for a new place to live. Bless them all, Lord, these servants of yours who love You so much. Amen.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Lord, we often do not understand your ways, but we have faith that You have a greater purpose in mind and that as we follow the path that You lead us in, all things will work together for good. Thank You for the ministries of Father Shaw and Mother Julie. Thank You that they are being conformed into the image of your Son, Jesus. Thank You for calling them into the mission field and may all their work be for your glory.
Be with Father Shaw this week in Ogdensburg. Help him to get acclimated to parish life again and to find the right balance between his parish duties and his teaching mission. We ask that the evaluators for the fellowship grant look favorably upon his application. Let all things come together for all the traveling that He will do in the next few months. Be with Mother Julie in her teaching and her CPE studies. And be with their daughters as they continue their walks with You: for Lydia as she develops her plans for the future; for Hannah and her Oaks of Righteousness Ministry in Troy; and for Ruth as she looks for a new place to live. Bless them all, Lord, these servants of yours who love You so much. Amen.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Prayer Mail
Dear partners in prayer,
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent.
This week's overview:
1) Our missionary friend is on the mend in Florida, though full recovery may take a bit more time.
2) The move to Ogdensburg went well for me, and I have enjoyed the activity and the people in the North Country. However, I do miss everyone I left in the Albany area, especially my family. Holy Week is coming, and your prayers for this time would be appreciated, that the Holy Spirit would touch the lives of everyone by what we do.
3) My Tanzanian visa application has been mailed.
4) The fellowship nomination letters are arriving on time.
5) Development of our courses continues, and now the next phase includes ongoing courses, as well as teaching during the upcoming trips. I enjoy teaching.
6) I am also preparing a series of 5 sermon outlines, intended for all the clergy in the Diocese of Belize to preach from (in preparation for my teaching there in May). They would each receive a set of 5 different sermon outlines, one to be delivered each week during the five Sundays immediately after Easter. That was the original plan. As it happens, may they be used to the glory of God.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For the fellowship application which gets mailed this week.
3) For the speedy return of the Tanzanian visa.
4) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
5) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that. Additionally, I would like to learn a few words down in the language of "Ha" which is spoken by the "Ha" tribe, in the area of Tanzania that I am going to. Kasulu is about two towns over from where Mr. Stanley met Dr. Livingstone in 1871 ("Dr. Livingstone, I presume"). I may visit their meeting place.
6) For our visits to parishes, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do.
7) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg, that it be done to the glory of God. There is a bit more to do than I had anticipated, and please pray that everything that needs to be done here, as well as everything that needs to be done on the mission field would be balanced appropriately to the glory of God. It all should settle down over time, but now, everything seems to need to be done all at once on the mission field and in the parish, simultaneously, especially as Easter approaches.
8) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
9) For Lydia as she develops her plans for the future. For Hannah and her ministry in Troy. For Ruth as she looks for a new place to live. For Julie as she finishes up both the current class and her CPE work over the next few weeks.
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent.
This week's overview:
1) Our missionary friend is on the mend in Florida, though full recovery may take a bit more time.
2) The move to Ogdensburg went well for me, and I have enjoyed the activity and the people in the North Country. However, I do miss everyone I left in the Albany area, especially my family. Holy Week is coming, and your prayers for this time would be appreciated, that the Holy Spirit would touch the lives of everyone by what we do.
3) My Tanzanian visa application has been mailed.
4) The fellowship nomination letters are arriving on time.
5) Development of our courses continues, and now the next phase includes ongoing courses, as well as teaching during the upcoming trips. I enjoy teaching.
6) I am also preparing a series of 5 sermon outlines, intended for all the clergy in the Diocese of Belize to preach from (in preparation for my teaching there in May). They would each receive a set of 5 different sermon outlines, one to be delivered each week during the five Sundays immediately after Easter. That was the original plan. As it happens, may they be used to the glory of God.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For the fellowship application which gets mailed this week.
3) For the speedy return of the Tanzanian visa.
4) For our North Country time, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
5) For time to focus on Swahili and Latin American Spanish as God needs me to focus on that. Additionally, I would like to learn a few words down in the language of "Ha" which is spoken by the "Ha" tribe, in the area of Tanzania that I am going to. Kasulu is about two towns over from where Mr. Stanley met Dr. Livingstone in 1871 ("Dr. Livingstone, I presume"). I may visit their meeting place.
6) For our visits to parishes, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do.
7) For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg, that it be done to the glory of God. There is a bit more to do than I had anticipated, and please pray that everything that needs to be done here, as well as everything that needs to be done on the mission field would be balanced appropriately to the glory of God. It all should settle down over time, but now, everything seems to need to be done all at once on the mission field and in the parish, simultaneously, especially as Easter approaches.
8) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
9) For Lydia as she develops her plans for the future. For Hannah and her ministry in Troy. For Ruth as she looks for a new place to live. For Julie as she finishes up both the current class and her CPE work over the next few weeks.
Scripture Prayer
Romans 6: 10-11
For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice for us, your dying on the cross on that Good Friday. But we are even more thankful that You rose from the dead to eternal life, and that we who believe in You, we who are alive to God in You, can share this eternal life with You.
Jesus we pray for Father Shaw and Mother Julie and all their students in Belize. May they be empowered to share your message throughout the world. Be especially with Father Shaw this week as he begins ministry in Ogdensburg and as he continues to plan for his worldly travels to Tanzania and Belize and North Carolina. Be with Mother Julie as she continues her CPE studies. Help them to not be lonely as they are separated from each other a lot in the next 3 months. We also pray for financial provision and for a good solution to the insurance problem. We pray for your favor on the grant application that needs to be submitted this week. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice for us, your dying on the cross on that Good Friday. But we are even more thankful that You rose from the dead to eternal life, and that we who believe in You, we who are alive to God in You, can share this eternal life with You.
Jesus we pray for Father Shaw and Mother Julie and all their students in Belize. May they be empowered to share your message throughout the world. Be especially with Father Shaw this week as he begins ministry in Ogdensburg and as he continues to plan for his worldly travels to Tanzania and Belize and North Carolina. Be with Mother Julie as she continues her CPE studies. Help them to not be lonely as they are separated from each other a lot in the next 3 months. We also pray for financial provision and for a good solution to the insurance problem. We pray for your favor on the grant application that needs to be submitted this week. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Prayer Mail
Dear partners in prayer,
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent.
This week's overview:
1) Sometimes there is unexpected drama on the mission field, such as happened this past week when the week began with the news that a key person (for us, on the ground in the Belize) had been successfully airlifted to the US. He had suddenly and unexpectedly come down with a disease that could have left him completely paralyzed and even dead. But due to prayer and medical intervention, he did not die. Rather, he is on the mend.
2) Julie and I had a delightful visit with Bp. Makaya of the Diocese of Western Tanganyika, this morning. There is great interest in my upcoming mission trip to Tanzania.
3) We are moving forward with the logistics for the various matters and trips in front of us over the next few months.
4) I am awaiting a few more of the reference letters for the fellowship that I have mentioned. Your prayers would be appreciated for that application. Several people have been helpful in supporting me in this, already. Thank you.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families, may the Holy Spirit transform, heal them, and empower them for ministry by what they learn and by what we teach. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For North Country plans, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
3) For our parish visitation schedule, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do. For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg that it be done to the glory of God.
4) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
This is our weekly public prayer mail.
We hope you are having a blessed Lent.
This week's overview:
1) Sometimes there is unexpected drama on the mission field, such as happened this past week when the week began with the news that a key person (for us, on the ground in the Belize) had been successfully airlifted to the US. He had suddenly and unexpectedly come down with a disease that could have left him completely paralyzed and even dead. But due to prayer and medical intervention, he did not die. Rather, he is on the mend.
2) Julie and I had a delightful visit with Bp. Makaya of the Diocese of Western Tanganyika, this morning. There is great interest in my upcoming mission trip to Tanzania.
3) We are moving forward with the logistics for the various matters and trips in front of us over the next few months.
4) I am awaiting a few more of the reference letters for the fellowship that I have mentioned. Your prayers would be appreciated for that application. Several people have been helpful in supporting me in this, already. Thank you.
Prayer requests:
1) For the students and their families, may the Holy Spirit transform, heal them, and empower them for ministry by what they learn and by what we teach. Pray that they make time in their busy schedules for what God wants them to do.
2) For North Country plans, as well as travel plans for the SAMS missionary retreat in early April, Western Tanganyika in late April, Belize in mid-May, and Albany Diocesan Convention in June.
3) For our parish visitation schedule, that we be in the right place at the right time, and that people may be inspired by what we do. For all that we need to do in Ogdensburg that it be done to the glory of God.
4) For a resolution to the persistent health insurance issue, God's way.
God bless you, and thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.
In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Scripture Prayer
Psalm 27: 13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Isaiah 40:31
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Lord, You have such wonderful promises for you faithful servants who wait upon You. We thank You for all the blessings that You send, especially the gift of renewal in your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the way that You work alongside those who are doing your will. Instead of tough toil, the experience is like the soaring of an eagle. And your goodness is seen throughout the land of the living. When we wait for You, we can be strong. When we wait for You, we can let our hearts take courage. When we wait for You, our yoke is easy.
We pray for all these blessings for Fr. Shaw and Mother Julie. Be with Fr. Shaw as he moves his “mission office” to the North Country. Be with him as he makes final plans for his trips to Tanzania and Belize. Be with him as he continues to teach and develop courses. Be with Julie as she teaches. Be with Julie as she continues in her clinical pastoral education. Thank You Lord for your merciful grace to them and to all who wait upon You. Amen.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Isaiah 40:31
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Lord, You have such wonderful promises for you faithful servants who wait upon You. We thank You for all the blessings that You send, especially the gift of renewal in your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the way that You work alongside those who are doing your will. Instead of tough toil, the experience is like the soaring of an eagle. And your goodness is seen throughout the land of the living. When we wait for You, we can be strong. When we wait for You, we can let our hearts take courage. When we wait for You, our yoke is easy.
We pray for all these blessings for Fr. Shaw and Mother Julie. Be with Fr. Shaw as he moves his “mission office” to the North Country. Be with him as he makes final plans for his trips to Tanzania and Belize. Be with him as he continues to teach and develop courses. Be with Julie as she teaches. Be with Julie as she continues in her clinical pastoral education. Thank You Lord for your merciful grace to them and to all who wait upon You. Amen.
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