Non-fiction is not usually one of the types of literature I read; however, a publicist friend of mine gave me the opportunity to interview Lillian Klepp, or Mama Lillie, as they call her in Sudan, at the ICRS last June. Mama Lillie was back from Sudan on a visit to the U. S. when war broke out again in South Sudan, and she had been unable to return as of the time of our interview.

Her/their story is one of amazing faith, God’s healing of their family from several severe medical situations, and listening for and obeying God’s call to them.

In 1999, Lillian heard a speaker talk about the plight of orphans and widows in Sudan. Troubled by the pictures the speaker painted in her mind, Lillian began praying God’s will – she felt with great certainty that she was to “sell everything you have and give to the poor.” In 2001, she and her husband, Dennis, did just that – embarking on a journey to a country they did not know to build an orphanage, and schools, and medical facilities for the poor in South Sudan. Along the way, with the support of many local churches and individuals, including Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse, they’ve been able to do just that. Their mission is Harvesters Reaching the Nations, a 501(C)3 organization. From two people faithfully following God’s call, the mission has grown to an expanding outreach serving more than 190 orphans in two locations in South Sudan. With their successful model in action, they hope to expand to other countries in the future.

Mama Lillie is an energetic, enthusiastic woman, totally sold out to God. You cannot help but feel her excitement about their endeavors – I believe you will be blessed by reading their story – perhaps you’ll even be called to support the mission – in any effect, you’ll see God’s hand in action in the lives of Lillian and Dennis Klepp and in the establishment of His mission.

I was given a copy of Adventures Under the Mango Tree by Creative Enterprises Studio for my unbiased review.