The Beginning and the Goal

Vernon and Amber Burger have partnered with an incredible church in Southern Sudan called Evangelical Presbyterian Church (no affiliation with EPC in America). EPC is an indigenous church start led by Bishop Elias Taban, who is assisted by his wife Anngrace.

Our goal is to strengthen the local church by promoting the reality of God's holistic vision to reach people. When Vernon went to Sudan and listened to Bishop Taban's vision for orphans, it was captivating. So we partnered with EPC in their vision to carry out the orphanage ministry with a 100% indigenous staff. It has been very important to us that the Sudanese would recognize the power of the local indigenous church. One of the failures of the West has been to go over and run things in such a way that the local people become dependent on the West for vision, constant financial assistance, etc. Many Sudanese have been hurt by this approach. We have looked to see how we could cast vision with Bishop Taban and Anngrace in such a way that we would all benefit from mutual discipleship. One of our prayers is that this ministry will be a testimony to all that when we take time to go and listen to the local people's vision for their own churches and communities, many more goals can be accomplished in more effective ways.

A goal from the beginning was that a local church in the States would partner with the local church in Sudan (Evangelical Presbyterian Church). At the time, Vernon was on staff at Stonegate Fellowship (SGF) in Midland, Texas. His desire was to begin the process of facilitating a partnership between SGF and EPC. He started by accepting donations from many generous individuals, churches, and companies. After the funds were raised independently, SGF graciously decided to take on the daily operations cost of the Morobo orphanage (see below) and to help provide training and other supplies.  When Vernon stepped down from his position at SGF in 2006 to return to school, the money he had raised was transferred to SGF in order to help with ongoing costs. It has been incredible to see a local church step up and take on such a task. Stonegate is continuing their partnership with EPC far beyond the Morobo orphanage. We pray that many more churches will be encouraged by the example of Stonegate.

Vernon and Amber served under the umbrella of Basic Ministries for two years.  Basic Ministries has been working in Sudan and partnered with EPC since 2001.  This ministry has the like-minded goal of strengthening the local church.   In order to work towards this, we are training the Sudanese people in farming, business and in the Bible.  This will allow them to learn trades, grow produce and earn money so they can someday support themselves.

Currently, His Voice for Sudan has become incorporated and they work under a 501c3 (non-profit) status. 

The Orphanages

The first orphanage was built in a village called Morobo, Sudan. It began with 48 orphans, 12 widows (to care for the children), 1 pastor, 1 guard, and 1 farmer. It has grown to 72 orphans, 14 widows, 3 cooks, 1 pastor, 1 guard, and 1 farmer. This is the first time in the lives of these children that they are able to eat 3 meals a day on a consistent basis.  It has now grown to 95 orphans and 14 widows, 4 cooks. On the Orphanage grounds there is a school. Education is a large part of the orphanage. The school is for the orphans and also the local children. This has been such a great outreach. There are currently over 200 children in the school.

Along with the school, there is a Church. The children attend the Church and are overseen throughout the week by a pastor. This has also been a great outreach to the community. During the week the church is a place where people can come from Congo, Uganda and from all over Sudan to be trained in the Bible. This facility also has a medical clinic to meet the needs of the children and a water well.

The land for the second orphanage was purchased in December 2006 in Lura, Sudan. It was built and children moved in shortly there after. It is now the home of 95 orphans, 14 widows, 4 cooks, 1pastor, 1 guard and 1 farmer.  This facility also has a school for the orphans and the local children. Lura Orphanage also has a church, a medical clinic and a water well.