SOMA adventures are great faith-builders. Team members often say ‘I got more out of it than I put in,’ and that is in big part as we have to learn to rely on God for provision we cannot sort ourselves.

As a team head to South Sudan two seemingly impossible issues have just been resolved.

The first was the insurance needed for SOMA UK to continue to work in conflict zones.

Clerk to the Trustees, Sarah Taylor, began the process of renewal on 4th April, after a comprehensive review of our policies and cover. Since then she has learnt more about insurance companies and waiting in phone queues than she ever imagined. After 4 companies said that our work in South Sudan would invalidate all other insurance we had, we were running out of time and we reached out to friends in other charities for advice. The SOMA Intercessors were praying, and Archbishop Justin Badi Arama (South Sudan) wrote to say “We uphold you in prayers for God’s miraculous intervention in this situation. Be encouraged with Isaiah 41:10. Praying for all the teams.”

After a couple of false dawns FLAME INTERNATIONAL were able to give us a lead that led to a broker who has been able to arrange all the cover we need. Helen Taylor and Jan Ransom were able to link us to Matthews Comfort and the very helpful broker Adam Hopes. Getting the right cover for teams and the charity is essential and although the £12500 annual premium means SOMA UK has some fundraising to do, this premium will cover team members insurance going forward, and if we can build up to 100 team members a year we will begin to see an economy of scale, making it both safer and more affordable than each team member attempting to get their separate travel insurance.

With the insurance in place at the very last minute, Sarah has written to the Chair of Trustees and team to say:

“Praise God. Look what has arrived! This is great news.”

Meanwhile, team member Tibz, heading on the Liwolo team packed her bags and set out to London Heathrow in faith that her multiple entry visa to Uganda would come through. Team Leader, Paul Harcourt had posted in our Community of Prayer yesterday that, “The team for Liwolo heads out tomorrow but one team member is still without her Uganda multi entry visa. Please pray that it comes through today. She is going to try to visit the embassy but I suspect that’s a forlorn hope.” As we discussed it off line the plan remained to give God til the very last minute to come through:

“We are still praying that Tibz’s visa will come through – there was a problem with her first submission when they required proof of having booked a hotel (which none of the rest of us were asked to provide). This was uploaded and resubmitted. Tomorrow is the 8th working day, which they say is their turnaround. At the moment, the plan is that she will come to the airport to maximise the possible time for the letter to arrive! Clearly though, if she doesn’t receive the approval, she will come back home.”

Then on the day of travel Paul posted this message: “Praise God - Tibz’ visa came though at 5.22am (about 75 mins before we leave for the airport)! Thank you all for your prayers - we know the Lord wants this mission to go ahead.”

Our God comes through… although sometimes you really do have to wait to 5:22am.

When God says YES! (Last Minute)

Trustees agree strategy to 2030