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.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Saturday, 28 June 2008
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!
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 27 June 2008
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
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.
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.
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)
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)
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
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.
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.
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."
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."
Friday, 20 June 2008
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
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...
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...
Friday, 13 June 2008
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
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
Thursday, 12 June 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 9 June 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 6 June 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
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.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
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.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
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.
Monday, 2 June 2008
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!
Whoops!
Sunday, 1 June 2008
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"?
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"?
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