A Message from our Global Partners, Phil and Carol Short:
Dear Friends at NewHope Baptist Church,
In August it will be 50 years since we left Australia for the first time, with all the idealism of youth, a trust in God who had called us, and our eyes on Him to lead us.
Many people have prayed and given financially over these years and together we can look back to see some of how God has worked and brought many Fulani people into His kingdom. You have an important part in this as you partner with us and we are deeply grateful to you. Thank you for every gift you have given, for the sacrifice you make because you care about the eternal destiny of people you have never met, whose lives are so different to ours. They thank you too.
We deeply appreciate your prayer and support of us from the very beginning as we have been in partnership.
In His love,
Phil & Carol Short
A Celebration Event
Phil and Carol Short have been serving on the mission field through SIM for 50 years. Come and join us as we celebrate God’s faithfulness and provision, say thank you to supportive partnerships and rejoice in all that God has done over this time.
Saturday 31 August 2024
2-5pm at NewHope Community Centre, Events Room 6
3 Springfield Road, Blackburn North
Onsite parking available
Afternoon tea served
Cost: $15 per person
Recent updates and Prayer Points from Phil & Carol:
“It is 9 months since the military coup which toppled Niger’s democratically elected President. tI would seem that the majority of people backed the move to expel French forces and have supported the turn to Russia with an invitation to their African Corp (known before as the Wagner Group) who for a brief time have shared the same military base as the US forces. Niger cancelled an agreement made in 2012 with the USA, offended by what they saw as a condescending attitude.
A spokesman said. “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.” We wonder how long the “honeymoon” will last.
The Americans have had about 1,000 military personnel stationed in the country and built a $1 Million Airbase about 900 kms NE of the Capital, using it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations in the Sahel. Niger has been the centre of US operations in West and North Africa.
According to one report, Russia is seeking to secure concessions for uranium mines thereby threatening France’s access to supplies for its 56 nuclear reactors which produce most of the country’s energy.
Niger’s Prime Minister visited Iran earlier this year amid reports of Iran seeking raw materials in the country, including uranium. We can only pray and trust that God sees and knows what is taking place and He will not forsake His own.”
“While Phil sat with a group of Fulani men on a mat under the shade of a thorn tree, I was sitting cramped inside a grass hut with about twenty women and girls. Phil was in discussion about the community’s desire for a new well. He was also given an opportunity to tell them about God’s love and plan of forgiveness which includes them.
Every day they have to walk about ten kms to get the water they need for their households. Their animals are also watered there along with the herds of other people groups.
The women were impressing on me how hard it is to have to go so far for their daily water, how much time it takes up every day, and how uncomfortable it is in the heat of the day. Don’t we take our supply of water for granted?
We pray that this community, along with many others, will come to know the One who gives Living Water.”