Trash and Treasure...

On Monday Joseph and I visited a warehouse used by Rotary to store equipment that has been donated for use in developing countries. We were accompanied by Ros Stafford-Green who is both an endorsed Church of Christ minister and has expertise in obstetrics – just what we needed considering we were looking for equipment to provide the midwives in Aweil with a basic medical kit they can carry as they move into the remote areas.

A few months ago I walked around Aweil Civic Hospital with Joseph. The hospital has almost no equipment, no nurses, no doctors, no medicine. I felt like Ezekial who in his vision of the valley of dry bones was asked “Can these bones live?” (Ezekial 37). I wondered to myself “Can this skeleton of a hospital be brought back to life?”

In stark contrast, Rotary’s Donations in Kind warehouse has more surplus medical equipment than I could imagine. And not only medical equipment! School desks, stationery, electrical equipment, wheel-chairs, library books, sewing machines, type-writers… Joseph said he would like to take it all and put it on a ship to Sudan. The fact is we throw away more equipment than most people in Sudan will ever lay eyes on.

The medical kits are a small start. Deborah and Ang’er (pictured) have asked us to provide fifty kits for the women Deborah has been training as midwives. They were the only people in the hospital that I saw providing any medical care at all. If we can also provide some other medical equipment to help them establish a small maternity ward I believe it could be a small step toward bringing the hospital back to life.

Obviously there is a lot to do. Let me know if you are interested in being involved. You will see I have added an email link on my profile section, so now if you don’t want to post a reply for the whole world to see you can send me an email instead.

Rest in peace...

It might sound an unusual question, but how do you wash your face? Seriously… I would like you to think about how you go about this daily chore. My brother Joseph told me about a tribe in Sudan that has a tradition of washing one side of their face at a time, keeping the eye on the opposite side open and watching in every direction. Why? Because they were taught that if you closed your eyes, even for a second, someone could attack you.

Now I admit I don’t know what it is like to live your whole life literally keeping an eye open for your enemies. I am one of the fortunate people of the world that has never experienced war and it is impossible for me to fully understand those for whom fighting and killing is accepted as a normal part of life. And I don’t know how people who have inherited such a long history of violence can be taught that it is time to stop fighting. But I pray for the day when the people of Sudan – here and in their homeland – will be able to close their eyes without fear.

In memory of Daniel Awak - one amongst countless thousands of young Sudanese who have died a violent death – rest in peace. And to the Sudanese community, may God’s peace, which passes understanding fill your hearts and minds, enabling you to offer the gift of peace to others.

Darfur: There is something we can do...

For the last 5 years we have been confronted with horrific reports of the devastating civil war in Darfur, western Sudan. The UN estimates 300,000 have fled Darfur this year alone, and about 2.5 million since February 2003 when the conflict started. It is hard to estimate the number of deaths, but it is in the hundreds of thousands. There is no end in sight and, although the UN aims to increase the number of peace-keepers, the World Food Program and aid agencies are under increasing risk of attack and struggle to provide services where needed most.

Southern Darfur borders on Aweil North and while Joseph and I were in Aweil earlier this year the tragedy of Darfur became more personal. Every day we saw Darfurians walking past our house – they were easy to notice with their bright clothing, head-dress and jewellery. We met them in the markets, ate their produce, saw their children playing.

Now its hard enough hearing about a genocide at any time… but when I met the victims – saw their faces, met their children – you can imagine how my feelings of helplessness and anger compounded.

Then I met a Christian leader who told us about the way their churches are caring for the Darfurian refugees. They help them settle in huts where they are fed by the World Food Program. They treat their sick and injured and share with them stories about Jesus and the grace of God.

I was overwhelmed. The people of Aweil know about refugees. As one of the hardest hit regions of South Sudan they have seen thousands of their own community flee before the Janjaweed, the “demons on horses”. Now the Christians of Aweil who have been persecuted by Islamic extremists are caring for Moslems from Darfur who face the same enemy. I was told they are also planning ways of channelling help to those remaining in Darfur.

I said we would help – that I would ask our churches in Australia to make a financial gift to help care for the people of Darfur. When he thanked me I said it was a relief to know there was something we could do, that for so long we have heard the news and felt helpless and how reassuring it is to know there are people caring for the victims of this genocide. I asked the team to tell the people of Darfur that they have brothers and sisters in Australia who know about their suffering and pray for them. But now there is something more we can do…

So now I am doing what I promised. I am asking you to make a donation that will be used by the team to care for the people of Darfur. Donations can be sent to Global Mission Partners by credit card (phone 08 8212 4446) or cheque (written to Churches of Christ Global Mission Partners, with a note to identify it for Darfur, and posted to Global Mission Partners, 33 Sturt St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000).

If you would like to know more about the ongoing genocide in Darfur I recommend a hard-hitting documentary made last year featuring Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda) and George Clooney called Darfur Now. I don’t think it has been released yet in Australia, but contact me if you are interested and I will arrange for you to borrow a copy of the DVD. For those who live in South Australia we will be showing it at Magill Church of Christ on Sunday 16th November at 6 PM and Wednesday 3rd December at 7.30 PM. I also have a DVD of an interview I filmed in Awiel. Perhaps you would like to arrange an event where you can show the DVDs.

If, like me, you thought the situation in Darfur is too big, too hard, too far away and there is nothing you can do about it... well now there is!

A Prayer Request...

I introduced Lino Adub earlier (see blog entry on August 19), and his work as Director of Peace for Northern Bahr Al Ghazal (Aweil State). Adub has asked for the church in Australia to pray for a peace conference he is sponsoring between the Dinka and Missiriya tribes.

The Missiriya are Arab graziers from Southern Darfur. I am told they have been armed by the Khartoum Government and function as a militia in the northern regions of Aweil State. While Joseph and I were in Aweil we were told we couldnt travel north without a UN escort because of the regular attacks in the region.

Of course there is always potential for conflict over traditional grazing land and tribal boundaries, but this dispute is much more volatile because of the sponsorship of the government and their call for Jihad against the African tribes. People from Aweil who are now scattered around the world are being invited to this conference - including a representative of the Adelaide Aweil Community - and this demonstrates how important the issue is.

Adub works hard for the peace of his region, and this is one way we can support him. Please pray for him as he seeks to negotiate a peaceful resolution to this conflcit.

From little things big things grow...

Well the second anniversary celebration of the United Sudanese Fellowship was an inspirational occasion. Unfortunately Joseph wasnt well enough to share in the presentation of our trip to Sudan, but people were obviously enthusiastic about the opportunities we have to show our support to the Aweil community. Those from Aweil recognised people and places in my photos and showed a mixture of joy and sadness. But there is a confidence growing that although the need is overwhelming, there are things we can do to help. And even a small amount of assistance can go a long way amongst people who have so little. I reported that we are continuing to explore what we can do to help in a few critical areas:
- Assisting Deborah, the midwife at Aweil Hospital, with basic training and equipment
- Support for Rev Angelo and his team who are caring for Darfurian refugees
- Developing links with Church of Christ leaders, churches and the Bible College
- Supporting the vision of Church of Christ leaders to establish a church and clinic in Aweil Town
- Supporting Adub in his work with the Peace Commission
- Exploring our response to appeals for assistance in a number of other practical areas such as training, agriculture, micro-enterprise, books, wheelchairs, water, books, Bibles etc

At Magill COC, our Sunday School is making their own response. A couple of Sundays ago I showed them some video of a Sunday School in Aweil (at the church in the photo above). Now they are making a banner to send over with their hand-prints and names on it, as well as pictures of kangaroos and koalas, to remind them they have Christian friends in Australia. Our reading that Sunday said that "true worship" involves giving clothes to those in need (Isaiah 58:7), and so they have been invited to donate a t-shirt or pair of shorts to send as a gift to the Sunday School in Aweil.

It's a small start, but we hope this small package sent with love from our children, will be followed by many more expressions of our love and support.

USF Celebration...

It isnt often (in this country at least) that a church will celebrate its second anniversary and at the same time be developing an international missionary partnership. But then, the United Sudanese Fellowship isnt your typical Australian church! And you're invited! The celebration will be on Sunday 28th September, 2 PM at the Salvation Army - 277 Pirie St Adelaide (Their birthday is actually in July, but they wanted to wait until I could be there). Following the service Joseph and I will share some of our experiences and observations (along with a few photos!)from our trip to Sudan, and then present some of the areas of work we have been exploring in partnership with people in Aweil.

If you have an interest in this mission partnership (and if you are reading this I assume you do!) then please make every effort to come.

Awebyawk.

A developing relationship...

In this photo I am using my video camera to bring home a message from Pastor Ronald Ruay on behalf of his church at Malek Alel. I have been home again in Adelaide, South Australia, for just over a week now and I am beginning to share stories, photos and (when I have done some editing) videos from Sudan. We have been using the image of building a bridge to emphasise that we are laying the foundation for what we hope will be a strong connection between our communities. Despite the distance, difficulties in communication and vast social differences, we are developing a relationship with our sisters and brothers in Sudan which we hope will not only grow into a close Christian bond, but will also be the conduit to channel our support to those in great need.

When I spoke with Pastor Philip Akot a few days ago he told me of the impact of the recent flooding. Many homes have been destroyed in Aweil, there have been outbreaks of cholera and the church building at Malual Kon has finally succumbed to the elements. Philip's congregation are now meeting under the same tree where Churches of Christ first began in South Sudan.

After many frustrating attempts I was also able to contact Pastor Ronald Ruay. Ruay has been appointed to a position in the government and is now based in Aweil town. While this may be disappointing to some in the church and Bible College at Malek Alel, we hope that this will open the door to establish the church in Aweil that we have been praying and planning for. Ruay told me that Victor Deng and Yournew Wol (who both held positions in the government that was dismissed) are exploring resuming their leadership within Churches of Christ.

As you can see, the church in Sudan faces many challenges and constant change. Please continue to pray for them, and for us as we seek to find meaningful ways to show our support.

The last blog of my trip...

It has been an amazing trip, but I guess I always knew I would have to come home someday! I left on the first day of what people have told me has been Adelaide's coldest winter, and will be back to enjoy (???) the last two days. I dont expect too much sympathy when I tell people about enduring 37 degree heat, jelly-fish stings, and sunburn. Sigh...

So for my last blog from overseas, here are a few photos...


This day started hot, humid and dusty. Then it rained! The compound flooded, then it soaked away in an hour or so. Then it rained and flooded again, even more then the first time.


Achai, one of the gorgeous Aweil children who won my heart.


Joseph at the Aweil markets


Our farewell from our home in Aweil. Joseph and I with mother Adut and sister Achol


Aweil airport, complete with luggage area, cafe, reception, baggage inspection, customs - and grazing area for goats. Joseph and Adut are seated to the right with our friend Majok.

Aweil Bible College...

I've already mentioned the Aweil Bible College in a few articles, but as it is another area of ministry where there is potentional for partnership with our churches in Australia I though I would write again in a bit more detail.

This might not be one of my best photos, but you can see Pastor Ronald Ruay on the right with one of the Bible college students wearing a T-shirt with the college logo and slogan. The building - made of branches, grass and mud - is vastly different from those of the Churches of Christ Theological College in Melbourne where I did my theological studies, as is the library which is carefully kept in plastic crates to protect against damage from insects and humidity. But the college has been effective in training pastors and evangelists, and as I have previously mentioned, the Government of Northern Bahr Al Ghazel has benefitted greatly by the leadership of people who have been trained through the college. This year the college has 52 new students, including 2 women, and Ruay and Philip tell me of the students' hunger to learn and eagerness to move out into ministry and mission.

Joseph and I discussed the work of the college with Ruay, Philip Akot and Yournew Wol when we visited Malek Alel and there were a number of areas we agreed to explore further. The first is the need for accreditation. The college really needs to be linked with another college which will provide accreditation of the academic awards. Those who are lecturing are looking for opportunities for further study themselves, and ultimately they would like to be able to offer degree level courses in addition to their current certificates and diplomas. Perhaps some of the pastors / lecturers will be able to come to Australia for further study at some stage, and we are also exploring the possibility of using video conferencing allowing us to teach classes from Australia. Some practical resources such as teaching aids and books for their library would also be greatly appreciated.

Awiel Bible College has a strategic role in the development of churches in the region, and those churches in turn have a strategic role in the development and welfare of the communities. Whatever we can do to strengthen and encourage the work of the college will have direct benefit to the people of Southern Sudan.

Please pray about how we might partner in this ministry, and I would love to hear any other ideas you might have.

Adub, the gentle giant...

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

I'm not sure of Adub's exact relationship to Joseph's mother Adut (other than having similar names), but it was quickly obvious to me he is like a son to her. And while Joseph and I were there he showed the same helpfulness to us: dropping around most days to see what he could do for us, allowing me to use his laptop, or just stopping by to tell some stories or jokes.

Adub's previous employment was as a "tree inspector" - at a time when people were cutting down Sudan's teak and mahogany to sell for their personal gain. I told Adub with his height he was an obvious choice to be a tree inspector! He is also naturally gifted in his current work as "State Director for Peace" in the Peace Commission of the Government of South Sudan.

When we sat to discuss his role Adub surprised me by saying the main focus of his work is on peace within and among the people of the region. He asks me how people can have peace with others unless they first have it within themselves - but then he adds that people have been fighting for so long many dont know how to resolve issues without conflict. He told me "It's not as simple as forgive and forget, but people need to make a choice for the sake of peace, not to fight. Whatever the result of the referendum in 2011, whether the south becomes independant or Sudan remains united, still North and South will be neighbours and have to learn to live together." Once he has said it seems so obvious.

At times Adub has been able to be directly involved in resolving conflict, for example between Arab graziers in south Darfur and the communities of Northern Bahr Al Ghazel. Climate change has reduced the grazing land to the North, forcing the graziers to look further for pasture, but in the process encroaching on land in Aweil North and breaching the peace agreement. In some situations Adub will refer the matter to UN peacekeepers, and in some cases he admits his best efforts have failed. But still he tries, and Adub emphasises to me the importance of his work. "Without peace, all development work is wasted. Unless there is peace we cant develop schools, hospitals, agriculture or anything." While seeing the value of other government departments and NGOs, Adub doesnt hesitate to say that striving for peace is the most important work to be done in his country.

Adub goes about his work with little in the way of resources, support or training. He asked if there were universities that offer Peace Studies in Australia, or other organisations similar to his Peace Commission that he might be able to liase with. I admitted I didnt know, but that I would look into it when I get back home.

So here is an opportunity for someone with a computer and some spare time (and most of all an interest in peace): If you are interested in doing some research in this area drop me an email. (My email has been a bit unreliable while travelling, so if I dont respond try the link on the Magill COC website or contact me through the GMP office).

And, as Adub requested, please pray for him and all who work for peace in Sudan.

Partnership...

When this photo was taken Joseph and I had just presented 2 posters to the COC leaders in Malek Alel. At the back of the picture are Pastor Ronald Ruay and Pastor Philip Akot and in front Joseph and I are sitting alongside Yournew Wol. Behind is the mud wall of Aweil Bible College.

Melinda Rawlins, one of our Elders at Magill COC, had taken photos at our commissioning service and then produced these posters as a way of demonstrating the partnership between our communities. The text at the top reads "United Sudanese Fellowship and Australian Churches of Christ - Partners in Mission". And the verse at the bottom is based on Phil 1:3-6 "We thank God every time we remember you. We pray with joy because of our partnership in the gospel, being confident that God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." The poster has a compilation of photos including the joint congregation surrounding Joseph and myself as they prayed for us and sent us on our way to Sudan with their blessing.

Wherever we showed the posters in Sudan people would crowd around enthusiastically. Whenever they recognised someone they knew in the photos there would be shouts of excitement. It was a powerful way of demonstrating the links between Churches of Christ and the Sudanese community in Adelaide, and how we have joined together to reach out to our sisters and brothers in Aweil.

As we showed people the posters, and as we presented them to the men pictured, Joseph and I assured people that the two communities we represent are commited to standing with them, supporting them and working with them. Wherever I had the opportunity to speak I assured people how for many years we have heard the news of suffering in Sudan. At first all we could was pray, but after some time we found we could help refugees settle in Australia and support them in providing for their relatives at home. Now however we have the opportunity to be directly involved in supporting people in South Sudan. The posters, we told them, are a way of showing that their Christian family, both Sudanese and Australian, are reaching out to join hands with them across the oceans.

Now our challenge is to work together to make this a reality. In my next few blogs I will introduce you to specific areas of need and opportunity where we can assist Christian leaders in Aweil. Im praying you will be moved to become involved in some of them. In some cases it may be churches supporting churches, or pastors linking with pastors. But there is also work to be done with hospitals, clinics, schools, agriculture and government. There is great potential, and even small contributions can make a great change to the people of Aweil who have so little.

So lets pray together that God, who began a good work in us, will now bring it to completion.

The church at Malek Alel...

Here are some of the congregation of the Malek Alel Church of Christ in Aweil South where Ronald Ruay Deng is the Pastor.

Pastor Ruay and the "Grass Cathedral"...

You've heard of the Crystal Cathedral. Well this is one of many "grass cathedrals" in the south of Sudan. In front is Pastor Ronald Ruay Deng who I wrote about in my last blog.

Soon I will write about the kind of partnerships we hope to develop.

Pastor Ronald Ruay...

I wrote briefy about meeting Ruay and Anger earlier (See blog on 24th June), but before I tell you more, let me share a story from a few years ago. In 2004 some of the Sudanese leaders in Adelaide, including Joseph, were asking for my help to establish a Dinka congregation. Joseph told me about a vibrant young COC pastor from Sudan who was planning to come to Adelaide, and we hoped he would be the one who would lead this new church. His name was Ronald. I remember my disappointment when I heard Ronald wasnt coming to Australia after all, but as it has turned out Joseph has led the church admirably.

A few weeks ago in Aweil I finally met Pastor Ruay, the young pastor who I had been communicating with for several months by email, and had been so helpful with making arrangements for our trip. During our conversation I heard Joseph comment about how Ruay's plans to come to Australia hadnt eventuated. That was when the penny dropped! Pastor Ronald Ruay was the same man I had expected to be working with in Adelaide, and now, four years later we find ourselves working together in Sudan! I am amazed!!!

Ruay, like his sister Anger, is an intelligent, articulate and visionary leader. As Yournew Wol took up responsibilities with the government it was Ruay who was given much of the oversight and coordination of the COC movement in Aweil. He pastors the church at Malek Alel and teaches in the Aweil Bible College. But now his passion is to establish a Church of Christ in Aweil Centre. His sister Anger is making plans to start her clinic (which I will write more about another time) and they will minister together to the spiritual and physical needs of the Aweil community.

I have told Ruay we will support his vision, and one way is to help them purchase land. I was able to speak with various people in the Northern Bahr El Ghazel government, asking for their support of the COC leaders in Aweil and assuring them of our commitment to partner with them in the work. Ruay is currently looking for suitable land for their church and will contact me about how Churches of Christ in South Australia can help them.

The internet connection is too slow to post the photo, but hopefully I can add some more pictures soon.

Yournew Wol...

This is a photo of Joseph with an old friend and ministry colleague, Yournew Wol. Yournew Wol was working in Khartoum in the 1980s as an electrical engineer. When there was flooding in 1988 Yournew was working at the hospital and met an American named Paul Douglas. Although raised a Catholic Yournew had a deeply personal spiritual experience which changed his life, and through the guidance and support of Paul Douglas commenced a journey which would lead to the establishment of Churches of Christ in Kenya and Sudan. Paul left in 1990, but was able to sponsor Yournew in his Bible College studies in Zimbabwe, where he studied with Wol Wek. In 1995 they both moved to Nairobi and started evangelistic work amongst Sudanese refugees. In 1999 Yournew started a new work in Kakuma refugee camp with Victor Deng (who I have mentioned earlier). Some of the members of my church at Magill, and several leaders within the Sudanese community in Adelaide were members of Churches of Christ in Nairobi or Kakuma as a result of the ministry of Yournew Wol and others. In 2001 Yournew Wol and Victor Deng returned to Sudan and commenced a ministry in Aweil East at Malual Kon (which I wrote about in the article featuring Pastor Philip Akot). The following year they began another congregation in the Awiel South county at Malek Alel, and this is where the Aweil Bible College is based.

When I met Yournew a few weeks ago he was the Commissioner of the Aweil South County. As my sister Anger put it "The people love him so much they called him to be their Commisisoner." Certainly Yournew is a highly respected leader, not only within the church community but within the government and the wider community. We had only just left Aweil when we heard the Governor had dismissed the Government, including Yournew Wol, and so I am unsure where that leaves him placed. However I know many within Churches of Christ will be hoping that Yournew will soon be free to focus more energy on church leadership once again.

Next I will tell you more about another young pastor who has taken much of the leadership while Yournew has been involved in the government.

A few photos...

Under the mango tree at Juba on a branch of the River Nile. Here, Sudan seems the most peaceful place on earth.



Joseph and Mother Adut - meeting again after 25 years. Adut didnt know if she would ever see her son again.



The Aweil Hilton. Our home (on the right) for 3 weeks in Adut's compound.

Pastor Philip Akot...

I started writing this earlier today, but got distracted when I discovered my hotel in Addis Ababa has charged my credit card 7 times for our stay. Thats about 20,000 Birr or $2000 - after I already paid in cash! Its probably an honest mistake and is the kind of thing that happens in countries where Visa is a new phenomenon. Hopefully it can be sorted out quickly.

But let me introduce you to Pastor Philip Akot. Joseph and I bumped into Philip while walking through the markets in Juba. Philip is the pastor of the Malual Kon Church of Christ and also lectures at the Aweil Bible College. Malual Kon was the first COC in South Sudan.

When Joseph and I visited Malual Kon I had the feeling of standing on Holy Ground. One reason was that this was the site where Churches of Christ in South Sudan began - just a few years ago in 2001. In fact under the tree in the photo was where the church met before they had a building, and the hut on the left was the first COC building in South Sudan! The other reason is that members of this church lost their lives on this property. One of the first people I met lost her husband in this compound when the Arab militia attacked just a few years ago. The soil I stand on as I walk around this property has soaked up the blood of its church members. I cant describe how I feel.

Churches of Christ have spread from this church to every County in Aweil - except Aweil centre. Joseph's mother, Adut, tells me when she was living in Wanyjok she would walk to the church's clinic to get treatment for her family. Now however, the clinic is closed. The property is badly in need of repairs and the congregation itself needs some "rebuilding". The church wouldnt be here at all without the support of Paul Douglas and COCs in America (More about that another time), but seeing the rapid growth and decline of this congregation is a powerful lesson to me about how "support" can either empower or create dependancy. Their reliance on the American churches has left this young church vulnerable, and unable to maintain its ministry on its own.

Philip is a gracious and gregarious Pastor who radiates enthusiasm. We discuss sustainable and empowering models of partnership - projects that empower the church to sustain, develop and expand the ministries of their church within the Malual Kon community. Philip and I both have some research to do to see how this might eventuate, but suffice to say we are both excited by the possibilities.

Pictures...

Strange... a month a ago Bangkok seemed a dirty, smelly, chaotic city. Today it seems so clean and orderly! Joseph and I arrived yesterday from Addis Ababa. We said goodbye at the airport and Joseph is now back home in Australia. I know how pleased Magdeline and the children will be to see him. Im enjoying being in a more relaxing environment. Our time in Africa has been amazing and very productive - but hard work both physically and emotionally. Its time for a rest.

It has been frustrating not to be able to post photos on here, but I think I will be able to now that I have better internet connections. Until I get organised to do that, here are some "pictures" I would have liked to have photographed...

* Two soldiers, both about 6' 6" and built like buffalos, in combat uniform and with automatic weapons over their shoulders, walking along holding hands.

* Two gorgeous young women, immaculately dresed in traditional clothing and hats, smiling and laughing as they talk together. They walk proudly, like models on a cat-walk. Then one spits and the other does the same. Then she blocks one nostril and ejects the contents of her nose onto the road side. They continue walking, looking glamorous.

* Two men on a pushbike on a long, straight stretch of road, miles from anywhere. Just two men amongst thousands - most walking. The man on the parcel carrier has a lap top computer and an automatic rifle slung over one shoulder. A man on the side of the road tries to wave down a 4WD driving east. It doesnt stop. Soon he tries to wave down a car going west. It seems he wants to go somewhere. Anywhere.

* Dozens of big 4WD vehicles roaring around the dirst roads of Aweil - most labelled UN, WFP, Unicef or some other organisation - amidst donkeys pulling carts, locals walking to the market and groups of school children holding hands and singing songs.

* (From the plane) Thousands and thousands of tiny ant colonies, joined together by tracks which look like a mosaic. Until I realise the ant colonies are actually grass huts, joined together in huge communities. In places I can see thousands of them.

Awebyawk...

Its been over a week since my last post - A lot has happened but access to the internet has been difficult.
Our farewell from Aweil was quite moving. Mother Adut literally killed the fattened calf for our send off party and close to 100 people came to say goodbye. Although as their word "awebyawk" expresses, I told people that we will see each other again. Quite a few came to the airport to see us off. When I saw the plane I asked Joseph if had told his mum that he loves her. He laughed, but then got serious and told me our lives are in God's hands. I wasnt sure if he meant "trust God that everything will be ok" or "prepare to die". I decided not to ask. Its hard to describe the airport - The most hi teck equipment I saw was the horn used to clear the runway of donkeys, goats, bicycles and people taking their carts to market. But with a mixture of hugs and traditional greetings we were on our way to Juba.
Juba seemes like a modern city after Aweil. For example, some roads have bitumen (mostly pot-holes but with bits of bitumen around them). We went back to the same hotel by the Nile. Where else in the world will you pay $250 USD for a twin room where the doors dont close properly, the toilet doesnt work, the shower has no water, all fittings are loose on the wall and the hand basin is virtualy falling off? However the air conditioning works perfectly! The friendly staff get the toilet working and turn on the water for the shower. It dosesnt have a shower head so it is like standing under a hose - but after using a bucket for 3 weeks it was still one of the best showers of my life.
Joseph and I are now relaxing in Addis Ababa and enjoying the rich history and friendly people - although many people will ask for money for simply talking to us or showing us something we didnt even want to see. I have grown used to being the only white person, but here people have been more aggressive in their sales pitch. I find explaining that I dont speak American works quite well.
I will write soon about our connections with Church of Christ leaders in Aweil, which has been both insightful and full of potential. Stay tuned...

From Joseph...

Out mission to northern Bahr El Ghazel, Aweil, started on 13 June 2008, in Juba capital of the seat of government of Southern Sudan where we met with government officials as well as in Aweil with community leaders which has been successful.

Next Monday, 7th July we will be flying back to Juba and staying two days and then we leave Juba Wednesday afternoon on our way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We will stay for a few days then I will leave to Australia and Pastor Steve wil spend some few weeks on his holiday until the end of August and he will join us in Adelaide.

Our discussion and deliberation with The Governor, The Deputy Governor and the Minister for Social Development, Culture and Sport have really paid back in fruitful outcome. In the grassroot level we have explored windows of opportunities and also the local community leaders of COC pastors and church workers and we have encountered Episcopal Church of Sudan pastor who is working amongst the refugees from Darfur. A positive relationship. This gave us a clear vision and a link with these groups.

We believe these have given us an opportunity to say we have created partnerships with them. And we have planted a seed which might last for a few years. Our mission has been so good and successful, but not you might think a road of roses - there are thorny issues we have encountered and have overcome them with prayers. These challenges give us a clear vision to coordinate and work with them in the future. Our misison is not a coincident - we believe God's hand is with us. We have faced so many challenges - some which broke our hearts and some we laugh over. But the demand is so huge and so great.

We feel these are the areas which are important now to oversee and think over them: Primary health care; Education in general, especially training of teachers, nurses and agriculture for full sustainability which demands a new technology for farming more than traditional farming in Sudan.

Lonely planet guide to Aweil…

Like many travelers I consulted the Lonely Planet guide before heading off on my trip. It didnt give much information about Sudan, and basically all it said about Southern Sudan is that you shouldnt go there. The Australian Government web site "Smart Traveler", another excellent source for travel advice, went further by giving the reasons you shouldn’t go - you might be shot, abducted or tread on a land mine; you might contract AIDS, cholera or typhoid; Your plane might crash or you might get eaten by a lion. All of which should be taken quite seriously. However if you have the good fortune to travel to this special place some time here is some advice to assist your journey...

Money...
Cheques, travelers cheques and credit cards are useless here. There are no ATMs and you cant withdraw money from a bank. The only thing to do is carry cash. Cattle can also work well but it is hard to carry them on the plane. A Sudanese Pound note which looks like a piece of paper picked out of the garbage will work fine. But a crisp, spotless US note will be scrutinised carefully. It seems a US$100 note dated 2006 is worth about 200 Sudanese pounds. If it is dated 2003 it may be worth half that. I had one dated 1999 - still in perfect condition - and they refused it altogether!

Toilets...
Going to the toilet in Sudan takes some preparation and shouldnt be left till the last minute. First you need to apply repellant, locate your toilet paper and find a jug of water for you to flush the latrine. No matter how much of a hurry you are in, take care to duck your head (as I found out on my first day!) and lift your feet at the same time. If you are not sure how to squat, dont worry. Take a short walk around town and you will see many children willing to demonstrate - without even being asked! They will even smile, wave and call "Kawaja" at the same time. In the corner of the latrine you will find a stick placed for your convenience. This is to assist "flushing" the latrine - which is not designed for toilet paper. Please take care to pick up the stick by the correct end. No matter how much of a hurry you are in to leave, take care to duck your head and lift your feet at the same time. And no matter what you suspect the neighbours are saying as you leave, give them a smile and return the water jug to its place.

Meeting with the Deputy Governor…

H.E. Victor Deng Ngor was one of the first Church of Christ pastors to be trained in Aweil and has been instrumental in establishing churches here and in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Now he is Deputy Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazel State. Joseph and Victor have known each other and worked closely together for many years. Today we met and shared our thoughts on faith, government, friendship and much more.

Victor told me he has many visitors from western countries (though I am the first from Australia) and they all raise the same concerns: the need for education, health, agriculture and churches. Few ever return. He admits there are vast challenges they face, but also points to signs of hope in their community - the Aweil Rice Scheme produces enough rice to feed the state, new crops are being developed, curriculum is available for schools (despite the shortage of teachers), trade is increasing, the wind up radios provided by USAID are educating people about health issues, nutrition and politics. Victor seems optimistic.

When we discuss their health needs and agricultural and industrial development Victor is clear that the best way other nations can provide support is through training their young people to provide the needs of their community. Already we have seen the evidence for this. He tells us that if training can be provided for medical officers, the Government will employ the staff. This would provide a gradual but immediate improvement to the provision of health care here.

Victor is also concerned for the hundreds of orphans who roam the streets of Aweil. He has arranged a programme of screening and where they are found to have parents in the state they have been contacted and asked to take responsiblity for their children. For the others he hopes to establish a residential school which will provide basic schooling for those aged 5 to 12 and then vocational training (eg building, engineering, agriculture) for those aged 12 to 15.

We assure Victor of our support and prayers and tell him we will explore some of the options he has put before us. Finally I promise we wont be like the others who never make a second visit. He will see our faces again.

Some good news...

We have met several times with Father Angelo, the Catholic Priest and he has provided us with 15 Dinka Riek New Testaments to bring home. Those who donated money at last year's annual COC State Convention will be pleased to know we have finally been able to secure these. They were only published last year. He has also given Joseph church calendars in Dinka which will be very useful to the United Sudanese Fellowship.

For those from Magill COC, you will be so pleased to hear the wonderful news that Juer's mother and younger sister are alive and are living in Khartoum. I met two of Juer's sisters in Aweil and they have only recently heard news from their mother since the attack in 2000. I know many in our church have prayed for the older sister to Yeiu (Ambrose), Aguil and Atak, who went missing last year as we were planning to bring her to Australia. I dont have much news about her, except to say she is safe and living in Khartoum. Needless to say, Juer was very excited when I rang with the news. Thank God!

The Minister for Social Development...

I think it was Woody Allen who said "Life is what happens while you are making other plans". We find that to be true in Sudan. Joseph and I laugh about how often we make plans that dont work out, only to be surprised by something we hadnt expected.

Yesterday afternoon we walked to the home of the Minister for Social Development to ask if she might help us with transport to Wanyjok on Sunday. H.E. Abour Gordon Nhial is a strong woman, compassionate, well informed and wise. She is also Joseph's sister in law. We discuss micro-enterprise, agricultural development, grass-root community empowerment, economic sustainability, health, education and much more. She confirms the vision Joseph and I have shared about social transformation through empowerment of the poor, and we feel encouraged, better informed and more focussed on the next steps for our work here. Abour also stresses the importance of second hand books, clothing, educational equipment, toys etc and asked if we are able to send these from Australia. She specifically asks, if we are able to, to send a few wheel-chairs.

It has become late and Abour needs to see to other things so we say goodbye. As we step through the gate of her compound I laugh as I realise we havent mentioned our need for transport. I tell Joseph and we laugh so much I am almost hit by a man on a pushbike!

PS - Joseph rang Abour in the morning and she is happy to assist with transportation to Wanyjok tomorrow. I am excited to be going to worship with our churches in South Sudan.

Coming home...

Isaiah 49:18 "Look around! You will see your people coming home".

From the mid 1980s people started moving from South Sudan to Khartoum to escape the bombing and militia attacks. It seems ironic that people would find safety in the enemy's capital. The South Sudanese built shelters there until the government bulldozed them, forcing them into the desert. Christian NGOs from Sweden and Norway have supported a population of about 1,000,000 ever since. Now the Government of South Sudan is bringing them home. A few weeks ago over 4000 travelled in a convoy and another 4000 a month or so before that. Next week a huge convoy with hundreds of busses and trucks and a UN escort will bring about 15,000 refugees to their homeland. They will be provided housing and food in new villages which are being established around Aweil. In time they may move to other places where they have family or can find employment. It is such a huge task for this young government - imagine relocating the population of Adelaide! And that is not to mention the millions more in Kenya, Uganda and other neighbouring countries. But they are making a start.

Food security...

Joseph Writes...

The authorities in Northern Bahr El Ghazel are doing their level best to provide food for their citizens. The Government of the state has provided 500 hectares for agricultural farming for returnees in western county as a short and long term solution. Also they bought a good quantity of durah to be sold with a lower price for the local community. This period of the year is the most important time whereby people are busy with farming until the harvest at the end of October. These four months are difficult months and H. E. Governor Paul Malong has put his own staff and ability to serve his people during this time of the year and also he has a vision that in 2010 the state will not be provided food from other states - it will be well sufficient for its own needs and selling extra for other states. We hope his dream will come true in this period of time.

Southern Sudan needs more help from the international community for this period of signing of agreement between North and South in order to stand on its feet after the last 2 decades of civil war in which about 1,000,000 have been displaced internally and others in the neighbouring countries - especially East Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Central Africa and Ethiopia in the horn of Africa.

The returnees need more food, medicine, shelter and schools whereby WFP is trying its best to address shortages of food for the returnees. But the need is still great which needs involvement of international NGOs in this period of the year.

Links with our partners...

Yesterday was a tough day. I was emotionally exhausted from the previous day. Mother Adut cooked fried fish for our dinner – Joseph’s favourite – but soon my stomach was churning and by morning I vomited. The day was hot and humid and dusty and I was feeling physically and emotionally very weak. Joseph asked if I would eat lunch and I tell him I think I can eat some rice. I really would like an orange, and within minutes Adut brings me an orange. I tell her she can read my thoughts. Her English is only a little better than my Dinka, but the way she takes my hand, and the care in her eyes communicate her deep care and concern.

In the afternoon we walked to the markets where I spotted Angier and called out “My Sister!”. People stared at this strange greeting: A young Dinka woman with long straight hair, Canadian accent and stylish western clothes hugging a tall, bald Kawaja. I tell her we have heard the police have been arresting women wearing pants and that I told Joseph if they tried to arrest her I would like to be there to see it. She laughs in agreement. “Oh yeah, let them come. I will read to them the constitution!” She tells me about taking a very sick man to the hospital and telling the officials “I don’t care what title you have, this man needs to be treated”. She will make a difference in this town.

With Angier is Yournew Wol. Yournew is now the Commissioner of Awiel South County but previously has been instrumental in establishing and coordinating the development of Churches of Christ in Northern Bahr El Ghazel and the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. While working in Khartoum in about 1980 Yournew met Paul Douglas, an American who was working in the hospital and together they worked to establish Churches of Christ in Sudan. Through the work of Yournew and others they established a church in Kakuma, a Bible College in Aweil South and have planted churches and established clinics in various parts of the Aweil region. The work continues to be supported financially by the American churches through the coordination of Paul Douglas. I want to talk more but Yournew and Angier need to leave so we say “Awk bi-eawk”.

This morning we visit Philip Akot, the COC Pastor I met briefly in Juba, and I learn more about the ministry of our churches here. We discuss the way we might work together and he is enthusiastic about building relationship with churches in Australia. We hope to be able to visit soon and see “with our own eyes”. But already I sense a partnership developing.

The Hospital

On Friday 20th Joseph and I visited the Aweil hospital. The Hospital was built by the British in the 1950s and stands as a relic of a previous era. I expected we would report to the office to ask to look around – but there was no office, no reception. I didn’t see any nurses. There is a sign over one building “X-Ray, CT Scan, UltraSound” – but the room is empty. There were a few patients either in bed or sitting under the shade of trees outside, but I didn’t see any sign that people were being treated.

The following morning I meet Marko Mayol, the Executive Director of Local Government. He asks “What is the point of a hospital that has no medicine and no doctors?”. I have heard there are three doctors here, but Marko explains they are Arabs and two of them refuse to treat Africans. Then he tells me that a few days before we arrived the son of the Governor was involved in a car accident and taken to the hospital. He wasn’t provided any treatment and when he died his parents came to take his body away. I am shocked and outraged. Joseph comments “If the son of the Governor cant get treatment, what hope is there for the poor people outside of town?”

Two of the Governor’s daughters are in my Sunday School at Magill COC, and I am devastated to think their brother in Aweil has been denied medical care. When Joseph and I meet the Governor later that morning I tell him how sorry I am to hear of his son’s death, and that I will ask people in Australia to help make the hospital operational again. His Excellency Paul Malong is a strong and disciplined man, and very conscientious about providing for the needs of his community. But he is a quietly spoken man and his words are almost too faint for me to hear: “Too sweet for my ears to hear. We do not cry in public, but in our hearts we weep.”

We will have further discussion with my sister Anger, the local nurse who I met at Rev Angelo’s church on Sunday, and the Minister for Health to see what assistance we can give to provide at least basic medical care for the people of Aweil. Please pray as we see what can be done in this area of great need.

Uncle Athiang...

Recently I met Joseph’s distant uncle Athiang Dut Akot. He is the Chief of Wanyjok in Awiel East and Chief of the Pachier clan – which apparently I am belong to. Athiang asks how I am and I tell him “Achincrutch” I have no problems. Adut is looking after me like her own son! He tells me (with Joseph translating) that is how it is done here. As chief of Adut’s family it is his responsibility to help resolve any problems I might have. He adds if I do something good here it will bring honour to the whole clan, but if I act badly they will all share my shame.

Then we start joking. He asks about the white cream I am putting on my legs (insect repellant) and I tell him it is what I use to make my skin white. I offer him some and as he rubs it on his legs I tell him he will soon be as white as me. We laugh. As Joseph puts some on his Uncle asks “Mawien, what are you doing? Do you want to be like him?”

As we leave I greet him with “Achincrutch Wellan”. He laughs. I can see he is honoured. Despite being a highly respected chief he has never been addressed as “Uncle” by a Kawaja before.

A greeting for my church family

(Hint, you will need to work together to translate this)

Chewibuk.

Wayk archa morth rihn Nhialich

Ekedah?

Achin-crutch. Anapol

Awk-abee-awk

Salaam Alakoun

Stiv Majok Dit

(If you are able to translate, maybe you would like to post an interpretation of my greeting)

Meeting our partners...

Joseph and I were having a more quiet day. We planned to visit the hospital when it cooled down a bit and after Adut had brought us coffee we decided it was time to go. We entertain this city just by walking the streets. Children follow yelling “Kawaja. I think they are saying “How are ya?” but Joseph explains it is their word for “white man”.

I have felt a bit frustrated that we have been unable to meet Pastor Ruay, the young COC minister who had been so helpful with our arrangements. Suddenly we are approaching a crossroad and I notice a well dressed and bright eyed young woman on the back of a motor bike. In a moment she is running towards us yelling (in a Canadian accent) “Uncle Joseph, Uncle Joseph!” Her name is Anger (pronounced something like Ahngnyourrr) and her brother, who is riding the bike is Ruay! I cant believe it. Anger has just returned from studying in Canada and has arrived that day. We greet each other and arrange to meet in the evening. The timing leaves me shaking my head!

Ruay and Anger are impressive young people. They are mature, passionate, well educated and well resourced. So many people I have spoken with are vague about what needs to be done but Anger is direct: “Start clinics!” In a culture that uses many words she uses the minimum. Her brother is equally clear in his vision. Churches of Christ have established churches in every county in Awiel except the city itself. Ruay says they are ready to plant a church but have difficulty getting land. Anger is ready to start a clinic alongside the church. They have found a piece of land but it is too expensive for them. I tell them I will help. Ruay says “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”. I agree, but remind him of the story of the boy with the loaves and fish. I tell them “We are here with our loaves and fish. It seems so small when the need is so great. But we offer it up and pray that God might do something with it.”

As we pray and say farewell it is like we have known each other for years. Already I know this brother and sister are the ones I will work with in the years ahead.

Darfurian Refugees in Northern Bahr El Ghazel

From Joseph...

Darfur conflict has caused about million refugees to flee their homes and their houses which have been destroyed by the Arab militia who are accused by the international community as ethnic cleansing.

Some 200,000 have also sought refuge in neighboring countries like Chad.
These people have seek refuge in northern Bahr Al Ghazel in places like Awiel East county towns like Waynjok. Others camp along the border about 600 km stretch of the border between Chad and Sudan.

It is a wide area which cannot be helped by international NGOs. These Darfurian refugees need more help in terms of food, for short and long period. This period of the year is a period of farming which is started towards the end of May up to the harvest time in the end of October. (And there is a shortage of food at this time)

They also need, shelter, medication as well as the local community in Awiel. These people which took refuge during the civil war in Northern Bahr El Ghazel now are the ones who are helping their brothers from the Darfur region. They settle among themselves, they receive them as brothers and sisters.

These settlements need help from the government, need help from local communities, the conditions which they have experienced are the same as the Darfurians themselves.

Many Darfurians during the conflict have died of war, diseases, as well as hunger in the last 3 years. Many international humanitarian organizations are trying to solve some of their problems but unfortunately they are denied access to the region by the Sudanese government.

Imagine the situation the Darfurians are experiencing – it is like the southern Sudanese themselves in the last two decades.

Christian leaders are working hand in hand with these refugees inside northern Bahr El Ghazel with his limited resources they have decided to give some medication to these refugees, as well as food. After Steve John Blacket hear this he realized this mission needs help and he put his hand and heart that people in Australia should also put some assistance to the mission among the Darfurian refugees.

The situation needs a long term solution. But the resources are so limited. We need support from our friends in Australia. We have been hearing problems and crisis in Darfur. This is the time we should put our hands together to help these brothers reach our Moslim brothers in Darfur.

The Dinka Mosquito...

I watched Joseph trying to kill a mosquito in our hut the first night we were in Awiel. I was struck by the futility of it. A million more can fly straight in. Later I told him this story…

Joseph, do you see this mosquito? Do you hear what it is saying to you? It is saying “Mawien, I have many brothers and I have many, many relatives. I have 10 brothers who are sons of my mother and I have 100 brothers who are sons of different mothers. My sisters too are very strong. I have 1000 close relatives and 1,000,000 distant relatives. My uncles, they are old. Now they fly so slow. But they are wise and they will bite you. My mother, she says she is weak, but she is strong. And she is a leader. Many mosquitos listen to her words. Mawien, you may kill me. Perhaps you will kill some of my brothers and many of my relatives. But we mosquitos are like the Dinka - you can never beat us."

Contact...

Our phones are quite unreliable and at the moment I cant access emails or voice messages. Joseph's number in Awiel (which may or may not work) is +256477188945. We are about 7 hours behind Adelaide time.

A new name...

From the moment I arrived I have felt like one of the family in the home of Joseph’s family. They have even given me a Dinka nick-name – Steve Majok Dit which means a great bull with a white head!

Joseph’s mum Adut is a very hospitable and caring woman and is also a strong leader for her people. She is a member of the Government and has chosen to stay throughout the 24 years of war and has cared for her community throughout the strife. Her brother Tol Dit who I call Zechariah has also seen the suffering of his community. He shared dinner with us and shared many stories with Joseph. As he was about to leave he motioned us to sit down again and with Joseph as interpreter told me “Our meeting is not by accident. God has brought you here with the son of my sister to be a witness to the suffering of our people. All people are one family, descended from one mother and one father.”

Later at night I sat with the young men chatting by the light of a single candle. One of the young men, Majok, said to me “We are in darkness”. I thought he was stating the obvious, but he went on to say “Our people are in darkness because we have no education, no medical help and our people suffer starvation.” The others wanted to know if I had a plan to help. I told them we would talk together and work out what my friends in Australia can do to support their community in Awiel.

Their hopes and expectations are overwhelming, as is their need. But we have a strong feeling of God joining our hearts to work together to empower the community here.

And on a different subject… we are so well looked after here. The food is great, our room is comfortable, we have everything we need and are being treated like kings. I hope to be able to post some photos soon to give you an idea of life in Awiel.

From Joseph...

We arrived in Awiel on Wednesday 18th. We flyed out from Juba on a small twin engine aircraft which took us two hours to arrive at Awiel. Surprisingly we met the Vice Governor Victor Deng, a trained COC pastor at the airport as he was traveling to Juba. I introduced him to Steve at the airport and he said he will be coming back within 4 days. He offered us transport to my mothers house (which I couldn’t locate even) where we will be staying for the next few weeks. We came to the house and met my sister Achol who gave us a warm welcome, sprinkling water around as a sign of peace and welcome. In the evening we met my mother Adut who received us with a highly welcome kissing me on the cheeks, also receiving Steve kissing him on the cheek like a lost son coming back home. We do stay in our mums house. The services are not that bad. We are not complaining. We pray that God will keep us in good health for these weeks.

We managed to share our vision with the Governor Paul Malong who was supportive and encouraging and we expect everything to go smoothly when we visit the areas surrounding Awiel, but we realize the area is so huge. But after the visitation of those areas we will visit with him again to share the findings from the grassroot and we hope he will bless what we really find and work together hand in hand. As he mentioned we are in need and need the help of friends who will help to push ahead the wheel of development for the community of Awiel. And we expect to share our work together with him.

But we had second meeting with the minister of Education after we departed from his office. We engaged with him in the issues of education and realized that the formal education is not adequate because lack of finance and trained teachers. His Excellency Kuach Wol indicated that the work of Church of Christ in Maliek Alel is excellent – they have established Bible training to train church workers and pastors which need the support. He offered himself to assist our transport to Malek Alel and back to Awiel.

A message from Joseph...

When we first arrived in Juba on 13 June I was totally surprised as far as the infrastructure had gone in terms of development and the government institutions. The peace that brought in town since I visited Juba in 1981, which is 27 years now, it is a short period of 3 years the government of the South managed to put the basic infrastructure for the new government under the difficulties and pressure for the demands of these people.

We are highly received as people coming back home with a hope we have something to contribute as little as they could expect. We are given comfortable acommodation, well looked after, good food, good sleep, no fear of mosquitos.

We met many young Sudanese coming from overseas countries with a higher education, which is a sign of hope for a better future, because the new nation needs this kind of experience - well trained people.

We tried to visit the Vice President the following day but we missed meeting him. We waited at reception for a few minutes and then brother Steve saw on the table books with the title "Nation in the making". Those books gave us inspiration that there is a movement of development. One day, one time we hope Southern Sudan will be inspiring nation in Africa for the generation to come.

Things have started well for our mission despite the routine of our poeple here in Sudan which is easy to put things off for tomorrow.

On Wednesday 18 (tomorrow) we will be travelling to Awiel where our real mission will start visiting the areas we have located in our plan to visit in Northern Bahr El Ghazel. Steve met one of the COC ministers in Juba town and they shared about the ministry in Awiel and Steve had that feeling of rushing to meet people in Awiel concerning the COC ministry.

The Awiel community in Juba gave us a hand and I hope that things will go well concerning travelling all over. They will help us with transport to visit those areas. You people in Australia, keep praying for Steve to keep him healthy without any health hazzard until we see ourselvs again.

Peace...

Sitting under a mango tree reading a book, enjoying the cool breeze off the river after a hot, humid day, listening to the boys upstream laughing and splashing, and watching vivid yellow birds flock around the banana palms... it is hard to imagine anything but peace in these surroundings.

When I met Joseph at dinner he was less relaxed. His attempts to meet various friends and members of government had been unproductive and he was feeling frustrated. But we have spent time with his sister and her family who he hasnt seen for many years and I tell him that has been important enough for today.

In the morning we had breakfast and enquired about a church to visit. Then Deng arrived. Deng Deng Akon is secretary to the Vice President and a strong supporter of the Awiel community both here and in Adelaide. Immediately we had a strong rapport and shared understanding and vision. I was taken by his comment that Australia doesnt seem so far away because his heart is there with his family and friends. He will contact various people here in Juba and also Awiel to help us with our work. Tomorrow he hopes to take us to meet with the Vice President. Deng believes the greatest need in Awiel is for schools and a clinic, but suggested the way to achieve this is to develop a Church of Christ congregation and leadership and support them in further development. His suggestion is exactly what Joseph and I had previously discussed. It has been an important meeting and an encouraging conversation. We feel we are working together with shared goals and mutual concerns.

We also met a man who has been working with Wycliffe Bible Traslators who gave us information about the Dinka Riek New Testament. Members of the United Sudanese Fellowship will be encouraged to hear we expect to be able to bring home some Bibles for them.

The worship service was quite overwhelming for me. I didnt understand a word of the Arabic service, but the singing was almost enough to make even me dance! The preaching (apparently) was about the need for unity rather than divisions and competative rivalry.

Tonight we will have dinner with Joseph's sister Ajok and her husband Tong. We are still not sure if we are flying to Awiel tomorrow, but so far our time in Juba has achieved much of what we hoped for.

Greetings from Sudan...

Joseph and I travelled yesterday to Ethiopia, through Uganda to Juba, Sudan. A lifetime of news-reports from these countries flooded back and I cant begin to imagine how many million lives have been lost here in my lifetime.

When we arrived the people intended to meet us were not there and so we had no visas. No problem... Joseph quickly identified a friend, made a phone call and in no time we were ushered through (unlike the other passengers whose luggage was thoroughly searched). We went to the government centre and held discussions with the person responsible for organisations providing development and relief and in a short time our visas and accommodation were taken care of. When I asked how much will the visa cost they smiled and replied they would take care of it. I was also nervous how much the accommodation might cost. Some of my research before leaving revealed that a tent with a bed and a mozzie net will cost $100 per night. We were taken to a hotel, given separate rooms with toilets, showers, airconditioning (and mozzie nets!) and where the form requested information about mode of payment, our host wrote "Presidential". I had been told we would be shown great hospitality, but this is more generous than I expected. Oh, and the receptionist was playing worship songs that we sing in my home church. I felt right at home.

The hotel restaurant is right on the Nile. As we ate dinner Joseph mentioned that just four years ago the Arab militia could come at any time and shoot anyone they found. Now our only enemies are much smaller - the mosquito! And should I mention... I am developing a great appreciation for African food! Yum!

There is much development in Juba. It has been the seat of government for South Sudan for many years, but it is only since the peace treaty of 2005 that the local Sudanese people have had the opportunity for self-determination. Government departments are springing up everywhere and there are other businesses, hospitals etc that are being built.

Tomorrow we hope to meet with a few members of the government who have Church of Christ connections, one of whom is from Awiel - the Minister for Finance. Then it will be on to Awiel...

Greetings from Addis Ababa

Joseph and I have safely arrived in Ethiopia and will soon be on our way to Juba, Sudan. Joseph has arranged with Deng Deng Akon, Secretary to the Vice President, to meet us at the airport.
It was great to meet again in Bangkok with a mixture of greetings in Arabic, Dinka, Thai and of course Aussie. Joseph is tired of course after two long flights but all is well and it is exciting to have arried on African soil. Internet conection is a bit unreliable, but we will do our best to keep you updated.
Blessings to you,
Steve and Joseph

From our commissioning service...

The following quote is taken from John Gilmore, Director of Global Mission Partners, at our recent commissioning service...

There are many journeys described in the Bible. Noah, Abram, Isaac, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Nehemiah, Jonah, Joseph of Nazareth, Phillip, Paul, and many others are God’s travellers. God’s purposes are dependant on people who trust and travel. In each some one has to leave a known, safe place where they felt secure. They head off to a new unknown place. Each of the journeys is a journey of faith.

We believe and understand that God is calling Steve and Joseph to journey to Sudan. We have confidence in God’s blessing and in your decision to travel. We think that this part of God’s purpose for you.

Luke 10:1-12 gives advice to travellers…

· You will be travelling together.
· Where you go Jesus intends to go.
· Do not take baggage that will hinder you.
· It is risky.
· Give and receive peace
· Offer and receive hospitality
· The food will be an experience
· Speak good news and heal.
· You are trusted to do this.
· We know you go with Jesus.

This journey to the Sudan is an important one – we are confident that this is a Gospel journey and we pray for you as you say farewell. We commission you to go to Sudan.

Cocooning...

It has taken me a few days to appreciate the appropriateness of the name of my little hotel in Koh Samui. "Cocooning" isnt an adjective Ive ever used before (and please, no comments about emerging as a dainty butterfly!), but as its name suggests, this beautiful hotel is the perfect place to escape the world for a few days.

However my "cocoon" was invaded yesterday by the BBC's shocking images of children dying due to the famine in Ethiopia. It was all the more confronting because I will be there in a couple of days (for a few hours, then for 5 days after Sudan). While I am enjoying my moment in paradise, children are dying because they dont have even a handful of food!

At times we construct theological or religious cocoons, hiding away from the overwhelming and often frightening realities of life in the world. Ashley Barker (in "Following Fire", UNOH) challenges us to develop a spirituality that engages the world - especially those suffering poverty and injustice. He writes "We can only have real compassion for those neighbours who are poorer than us when we acknowledge them as actual people - made in God's image - and we only receive the anointing of the Spirit when we risk ourselves in faith to know and love them." This is not just a nice theory for Ashley. I visited Ashley and Anji's home in Klong Toey slum in Bangkok last week. They have built their "cocoon" amongst the most poor and powerless in Bangkok. The neighbourhood is a stark contrast to Koh Samui, but I witnessed a different experience of Paradise there.

If the words expressed at our recent commissioning service are true then we as a Christian community are choosing not to construct the kind of religious cocoon that isolates ourselves from the world. Rather, we need the conviction and Spirit's empowering to embrace those in need.

Travelling plans...

On the 12th Joseph will meet me in Bangkok and we will travel via Addis Ababa and Entebbe to Juba, arriving (hopefully) mid afternoon. It will be a long trip for Joseph who will leave Adelaide in the morning and arrive in Juba the afternoon of the next day.

We plan to spend two or three days in Juba where we will be hosted by representatives of the interim government and having discussions about what we might do in partnership with the Awiel community.

Since the peace treaty in 2005 South Sudan has established an interim government in Juba which is the capital of the south. They hope to gain independance from the north and the fundamentalist Islamic regime which has decimated their communities.

Several members of the embryonic government are trained Church of Christ pastors and evangelists and these are the people we will spend most time with. In particular, Deng Deng Akon is secretary to the Vice President (and his wife Atong and children attend our Salisbury East COC in Adelaide) and is keen to support a mission partnership between our communities.

While the focus of our partnership will be in Awiel, it is important that we establish a good relationship with the government in Juba. Please pray that we establish trust, understanding and a common vision for our mission together.

A new song...

I learned a new song in a church service a year or so ago. As you might expect it took me a while to pick it up. It had a strong rythym and the melody was quite simple, but it was the lyrics I was having most trouble with. After a while I picked it up and soon my voice was resonating with the others in the room as we expressed our faith in song. To be honest Im not quite sure what we were singing about. We were singing in Dinka at one of the early meetings of the United Sudanese Fellowship.

After the song Pamela came and sat on my knee. She spent ten minutes or so playing with my hands, intrigued by my white skin, then fell asleep.

In the Psalms we are encouraged to sing a new song to the Lord. And researchers have brought attention to the number of new movements of God's Spirit that have birthed a new wave of songs. New spiritual experiences being expressed in new music.

Lets sing a new song.

Its very personal...

Let me introduce to you three young Sudanese new arrivals who are part of my congregation at Magill COC. This is Yiew (Ambrose), Aguil and Atak. Their older sister Juer and her two gorgeous daughters Grace and Margaret were amongst the first to join our church family.

In 2001 the family were in their home town of Awiel when the Arab militia attacked. Their parents were shot and the family scattered in the chaos. For many years Juer didnt know where her younger siblings were and finally paid someone to find them, eventually locating them in a Catholic orphanage in Awiel. Our church supported Juer's application to bring her family to Australia and after many hurdles we finally welcomed them at Adealide airport in November last year.

This photo was taken at the airport after about 30 hours travelling, which is why they look less smiley than usual! In just a few months they seem as much at home in our church community as anyone else. When the other children in Aguil's Sunday School class made gifts for their mums at mothers day, Aguil presented hers to me.

I tell this story to demonstrate the personal connection we have with Awiel. This mission partnership has grown out of the relationship we have with the people of Awiel. They are part of our family and have asked for our help.

Another interesting fact... Juer's husband was this year appointed Governor of the Awiel region - which I am told has a population of two to three million. Soon we will meet and explore how we might take this relationship further.

Boring!

Some people have asked a few practical questions about money and time and stuff like that. I can hear you yawning already, but here goes...

• GMP are covering all of Joseph's expenses and COC SA / NT have chipped in $2500 (about half) towards it.
• I am travellng at my own cost and in my own time - it is part of my long service leave.
• Quite a few people have made donations and these are being held by GMP and we hope will be used to finance development in the Awiel region.
• There is potential for large unexpected expenses, but so far we are under budget.
• Someone told me they had never heard of anyone working during their LSL before, but Im not complaining. Its a privelidge and I feel excited about the faith adventure that lies ahead.

Introducing Joseph Mawien...

Many times someone from the Sudanese community has introduced me to one of their family saying "This is my brother / sister. We have different mothers but the same father." Well I want to introduce you to my brother, Rev Joseph Mawien. We have different mothers. We also have different fathers. But Joseph has become a brother, a friend and very soon my travelling companion and guide in Sudan.

This photo was taken at our commisisoning service with his wife Magdalene and children Godfrey, Pamela, John and Robert.

Joseph is an ordained Anglican Priest, is the minister of the United Sudanese Fellowship, and has lived in Australia for about 4 years now. Joseph is a humble and wise man and a dedicated leader for his community. He is highly respected across the Sudanese community, both in Australia and in South Sudan and this has been demonstrated in the support they are showing Joseph in preparation for our visit. Joseph has strong connections with both church, government and community leaders in Juba and Awiel and it is through Joseph's relationship with these people that we hope to develop a strong ministry relationship between our respective communities.

Please pray for Joseph and his family as we embark on this joint venture.

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Cross cultural connections...

Well... I had my first cross cultural encounter of the trip as I was leaving Adelaide airport. As we were boarding an olive skinned man with a turban nodded in a friendly manner toward me and so I smiled back and greeted him "Salaam Alakoum". He looked blank and one of his friends came up and told me he doesnt speak English. When I explained that I had used Arabic he looked at me and replied "But we are from India."
Whoops!

Fair Dinkum...

Ive just touched down in Melbourne on the first leg of my trip and while flying read the introduction to Darren Cronshaw's book "Credible Witness". Now the title for the blog "Fair Dinka Mate" was mainly to emphasize our relationship with the Dinka people of Awiel (although there are many other tribes as well), as well as something of the friendship which has brought this partnership about. And yes, once upon a time I did have fair hair! But a quote Cronshaw takes from one of my old lecturers Frank Rees (perhaps "former lecturer" would be more accurate) added another insight.

He writes: "The word (fair dinkum) carries a strong sense of genuineness. If someone asks are we fair dinkum when we tell them something, they are asking about our sincerity. To be fair dinkum is a quality of a person and of their way of relating to other people. A fair dinkum person is one who can be relied on, is genuine in all their commitments, and completely trustworthy. They are genuine, open to others and not deceitful or duplicitous. Most of all it means a person with no pretenses. A fair dinkum person does not pretend to be better than others, does not condemn others and is not judgemental. They accept others and themselves, seeking always a mutuality of relationships." (Frank Rees, Fair Dinkum Ministry)

So there is a challenge! Can we be "Fair Dinka Mates"?

Commissioning Service...

In a couple of weeks Joseph and I will travel to Sudan to explore how we might develop a working ministry partnership with the community in Aweil. The partnership will involve the United Sudanese Fellowship and Churches of Christ. It is endorsed by COC State Board and Global Mission Partners. So on Sunday Joseph and I were commissioned in a service hosted by USF and GMP and involving both Sudanese and COC representatives. As John Gilmore (Director, GMP) led the commissioning segment we had the sense of being surrounded and supported by the various communities we would be representing on our travels. I felt overwhelmed by the way our churches have joined with the Sudanese - not just in welcoming them to Australia, but now in working together for the benefit of their friends and relatives in a region totally devastated by decades of civil war. Equally overwhelming was the singing and hospitality of the Sudanese. I am told this was a sample of the welcome we will receive in Aweil.

United Sudanese Fellowship - July 2007

From the beginning...

In mid 2004 I was approached by some of the leaders of the Sudanese Community in Adelaide asking if Magill Church of Christ would sponsor a refugee family and help them to settle in Adelaide. The church Elders and Board quickly agreed and the congregation got right behind us. In just ten weeks we raised the money, arranged air-fares, rental, schooling etc and welcomed Thiik, Amath (Suzie), Deng, Amath (Nikki) and Adhel Lual into our church family. It was a day I will never forget and marked the beginninng of our relationship with the Sudanese community. In a short time we had several Sudanese families attending as well as linking other families with supportive churches around Adelaide.

A couple of years later Rev Joseph Mawien asked if I would help them establish a Sudanese church. The Salvation Army in Pirie Street were overwhelmingly supportive and generously offered a hall for their use and we met for the first time in July 2006. The United Sudanese Fellowship is an ecumencial congregation - people come from Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventist and Church of Christ backgrounds, Joseph is an ordained Anglican Priest, they meet in a Salvation Army hall, and are supported by Churches of Christ.

Before long Joseph and his Elders came to me with another request: "Will Churches of Christ help us support the development of our communities back home in Awiel?" I said yes -and then started the journey of discovering what that would mean.