On Easter Sunday, the Light burst out of the tomb’s darkness, and Jesus returned to the disciples to show them what to do until His final return. We are called to be the light that shines from the empty tomb into a world that needs God’s grace. Across the globe, there is the darkness of war, famine, and sickness. People need Jesus, but they don’t know about Him.
Missionary Joy Phillips is an example of someone who has taken God’s call seriously. For over forty years, she has been shining the Light in Africa and is now helping others to follow the call.
Joy will be with us on the Sunday after Easter (4/24/22) to update us on how God has been using her ministry. Joy is a special friend of PUMC, whom we have prayed for and helped with financial support for many years. This month we are delighted once again to highlight Joy’s work.
From Mullica Hill to Mango Ministries…
Joy grew up in Mullica Hill, the daughter of UMC pastor Rev. Bruce Phillips; she now lives in Woodstown. Forty years ago, Joy followed God’s footsteps to Africa working for World Gospel Missions.
Joy Phillips
At first, Joy worked at Tenwek Hospital where she utilized her nursing and administrative skills to promote positive change through healthcare and community development in the area.
In 2006 Joy went on a “ministry safari” to Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. In each country she met with medical personnel and administrators to strategize, network, and discuss new ministries. While in South Sudan Joy felt God’s call and began ministering to the people of South Sudan. Since they met in the shade of mango trees for worship and Bible study; Joy dubbed her new work “Mango Ministries.” With the help of volunteers and partnering with other ministries in South Sudan they developed hospitals and holistic community-based outreach programs.
Mango Ministry taught local pastors Bible storytelling, often drawing in the dirt with a stick, because that was all they had. While in South Sudan Joy organized medical missions, bringing in surgical teams and equipment. Their cataract clinics restored the sight of hundreds of Sudanese blinded by cataracts. Imagine the joy!!
Another of Joy’s great achievements was organizing the distribution of 250,000 Bibles throughout South Sudan.
From Mangoes to Mentoring…
In 2017 WGM asked Joy to fill a new role. Joy is now the WGM Regional Director of Europe, Asia and Oceania. She works with more than twenty missionary families (Global Workers) in ten countries, mentoring, networking, and supporting their work. Joy meets them at WGM Headquarters when they arrive back in the U.S. or leave for their mission, and she travels extensively internationally to visit these Global Workers wherever they are. While Joy is at home, and during the COVID shutdown, she is able to keep in touch with all of them via Zoom. Recently Joy visited Global Workers in Albania and Kosovo.
Joy loves her job, and frequently writes interesting newsletters. They are available on the case by the Missions bulletin board (located in the Fellowship Hall).
“I now connect with staff and WGM projects in ten countries. Connecting with staff sounds so mundane but believe me Kingdom work is anything but mundane! Seeing and participating in God’s Kingdom building purposes is exhilarating, challenging, exhausting, and life-giving! I am humbled by the great team of individuals and churches who are ministry partners, sacrificially giving of your finances and committing valuable time to pray. I appreciate your partnership more than words can say. I don’t know what 2022 holds, but I do know that Jesus is going ahead of me and that gets me excited.
Thank you for journeying with me in mission. Shalom”
Let’s worship together; either in person or via Live Stream.
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To learn more about Joy’s ministry, click this button: Joy Philllips
