Rain: A mixed blessing...

Shortly after arriving in Sudan I travelled south from Juba to Kenyi Payam. The three hour drive was spectacular and arduous. It was a relief when we stopped for a break at a road-block as they cleared land-mines close to the road ahead. I smiled at the irony - the potholes are a greater danger to me than the landmines. Despite gripping tightly, my head hit the roof more times than I can remember.
I was exhausted from the drive, but the moment we arrived the schedule began: Children dancing and singing to welcome me, speeches and prayers, then on to the next village where the routine was repeated. In a few hours we visited six churches and an orphanage. As we approached one church storm clouds began to darken. As soon as the speeches began, so did the rain. Soon it was so loud no-one could hear anything. So instead of talking they danced and sang. They said the rain is a sign of blessing. I thought to myself it was a blessing it didn’t happen at the previous church that meets under a mango tree.
The next morning we began early. We walked for two hours to survey the agricultural projects. After drinking tea we walked to church – where I preached (without much warning!) After church we had another meeting. Again there were many speeches and I was so tired I didn’t have much voice to give my reply. The final speech was by an older woman who announced my new name in the community: Lukudu - a son born in the rain.
Here in Aweil the name seems appropriate – though not everyone will consider it a blessing. The locals tell me it hasn’t rained like this since 1974. Even before arriving I heard reports of flooding, displacement, malaria and water-borne diseases. But this latest rain has affected 90% of Aweil residents. Many huts have collapsed and there must be thousands now living in temporary huts and tents. They will be glad when Lukudu goes home.
But this is the nature of the community here. They accept hardship and give a blessing in return.

To Kenyi Payam...

Today I met with representatives of the Kenyi Payam who have a proposal for a community agricultural cooperative project. (Kenyi is a region between Juba and the Congo / Ugandan border. Payam is the name of a local administrative region). Southern Sudanese are very proud of the fertility of their land, but apparently this region is particularly productive. However decades of war have taken their toll, not only on the population, but also on the agricultural output of the region. Now with so many widows, orphans and returning refugees to the region, payam and church leaders are seeking a way to provide for their community.


Over the next two days I will visit Kenyi to see first-hand the state of the community and to listen to their vision for holistic development. The schedule that has been prepared includes visits to churches, orphan schools and agricultural projects.

This is my second meeting with representatives of this community, and has come about through the work of James Abraham, originally from Kenyi and now a member of the leadership team at Ballarat Central Church of Christ in Victoria.

With John Abraham ( Cooperative Chairman), Nixon Benjamin (Cooperatiuve Secretary), Jacob K Lupai (Chairman of Development) and Edward Laila (Kenyi Payam Chairman). Juba

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