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