Massie Update - Meet Romano, our Director in Torit

Shalene and I recently returned from a trip to North Carolina where we

shared Thanksgiving with her family. We also made a Sunday visit to

Blacksburg. Thank you for the warm reception at Dwelling Place.

In our last update we shared about our plans to work in the village of

Torit, starting a new orphanage there to protect children from the

Lord's Resistance Army. Today I want to introduce you to Romano, the director of this work. Having a local director truly leading the work is a critical part of Make Way Partners ministry model. Romano was born in Torit, and in Sudanese culture this gives his work there an immediate legitimacy that is necessary for a successful ministry.

As a teenager Romano was conscripted to fight in the military. After

leaving the army, he had the opportunity to pursue education. He has

completed Bible training programs and has served as a pastor with the

local church. While there Romano started a children's ministry at the

church in Torit, and secured the land for an orphanage on the faith that one day he would be able to open one. In addition to his work with the church in Torit, Romano has trained many pastors throughout Sudan with another mission called African Leadership.

Romano is married to Susan and they have two small children.

Romano is a passionate evangelist and pastor. Pray that he might boldly proclaim the gospel as he ministers in and around Torit. Pray also for wisdom in his interaction with the community, as he is on the

front line in all of our work with government and the community.

Massie Update- November 13, 2009

Dear family and friends,

It’s been so long since we have sent out any news about our family.  We’re long overdue for an update.

Since Abigail’s birth, we have been focused on preparing for a new orphanage in the village of Torit, Sudan.  Torit is nearly 500 miles south of the village in which we have been working.  As a part of this, Shalene and I will be moving to Torit indefinitely.  We face this transition with mixed emotions.  On the positive side we’re very confident that this is an important part in fulfilling the call that God has issued us, and we’re eager to embrace a new lifestyle.  However we’re nervous because we know that we will be engaging evil in new ways as we make our home in the territory of traffickers and militia groups like the LRA.  We’re also sad to be leaving family and friends.

We’re making plans to leave in the first week of January and we expect to be there for three years before returning to the United States.  Thank you for your gifts and prayers recently.  The best way to pray for us as we proceed is. .  .

• For strength as we engage in the battle
• That we may be good stewards of our time and resources as we prepare to move
• That the logistics of our move would be smooth
• For the upcoming Presidential election in April 2011 in Sudan
• For wisdom as we break ground on this new orphanage