Exploring new territory...

While in Melbourne last weekend I met with representatives of two communities that have asked us to consider partnering in mission projects in their home communities in South Sudan. So far our work has been within Northern Bahr Al Ghazel State in the north west of Southern Sudan. It is natural that Sudanese refugees from other regions who have found a home in our churches also want to assist the development of their communities at home.

First I visited Andrew Nyak and his family. Andrew attends the Mulgrave Church of Christ and comes from Nasir in the Upper Nile State. This is in the north-east of South Sudan, towards Ethiopia and is a region where there has been ongoing instability. Andrew returned earlier this year and estimates there are five hundred street children living in the town. The Church of Christ in Nasir was established from returnees from Addis Ababa in 1986. Land has been purchased and donated to the Nasir COC and they hope to rebuild their church, provide for the orphans and commence a school.

On the drive home from Melbourne I visited Ballarat Central Church of Christ to meet with James Abraham and members of the church's leadership team. Ballarat Central has adopted quite a large African community from various locations, but James' home is in the Kenji Payam in the very south of Sudan close to the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In January, while in Juba,  Joseph Mawien and I met representatives from Kenji and heard their plans for a community agricultural cooperative. We were impressed with the concept but came away with many questions to explore further. Following the conversation with James and the church leaders in Ballarat I agreed to visit Kenji Payam on my visit to Sudan next month.

These possibilities will be looked at with a balance of faith and caution. As with other areas where we work, we will aim to use our resources to maximum effect by supporting local leaders who have a vision to transform their communities.


Photos: Andrew Nyak with Nyajany, Nyagoa & Nyak

James Abraham with Carl, Keith, Max and Shirley

Reconnecting...

I was in Melbourne for the weekend and took the opportunity to visit a few Sudanese friends and contacts. Suzie and Deng are members of the first family our church sponsored. This whole mission has grown out of that first contact. Suzie married David and moved to Melbourne and has three gorgeous children. While in Marialbai in January I met Suzie and Deng's mother and sisters and brought home photos and video. Words cant describe what it means to Suzie and Deng to see their family and friends speaking to them on the screen. One sister introduced her children and Deng's twin sister wept saying she didnt even have the chance to say goodbye. Afterwards I used my video camera again as Suzie, David and Deng sent greetings back to their family in Sudan. I will take this with me when I visit Marialbai again in a few weeks.

Travelling with me will be Adhel, the youngest of the family. Adhel was eight when she arrived and is now fourteen, but she hasnt seen her mother since she was two. I will escort her to Marialbai where she can reconnect with her family.

In different ways, this family that have been scattered by war, are slowly able to reconnect.

With Suzie, Deng, Julia, Eve & Chris in Melbourne

With Adhel at Magill Church of Christ

Suzie and Deng's mother Amel (2nd from left), sisters and nieces. Adhel's mother Adut (on right). Marialbai, January 2010

Offering Peace...

Although there has been peace in southern Sudan since 2005, there will continue to be high levels of dislocation for some years. Amongst the transient communities in Aweil North County, Christian leaders are bringing a message of hope and peace. Regardless of differences of tribe and religion, new-arrivals in IDP settlements are welcomed, cared for, and told about a God who cares for the widow, orphan and alien. A friend who we support in this mission recently told me that 35 new believers were being nurtured and discipled in their new faith. They are also exploring the establishment of a new church amongst this community.