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.