Answers Lent Course - 2016 by Wau Diocese

A Lent study course for 2013

From various sources, we are constantly reminded that much of what lies ahead for South Sudan depends on the work of the faith community. This daunting realization prompts one to ask a series of questions about the readiness of the churches to assume tasks associated with bringing peace and stability to this war weary nation. Those within the church, both clergy and lay, are the best responders to these questions and may, in fact, add some of their own concerns. It does behoove partners, however, to be attentive to the needs of their South Sudanese friends in various faith communities as they decide how to be major players in helping to recover from the travesty that has afflicted their country. Professor Richard Parkins - AFRECS.

Let us pray for our sisters and brothers whose lives as church leaders and apostles of Christ's love and compassion are tested in the coming months. Professor Richard Parkins

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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A Forward by the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol Last year Professor Richard Parkins the Director of American Friends of the ECS asked six important questions about the ability of the whole church in South Sudan to participate in sustaining peace in South Sudan. I was very glad to respond to his questions and they are the foundation of this course, included in each weekly session. It gives me great pleasure to be able to offer this course of learning. This is an easy course to use and will work as well in North America as it can in South Africa or South Sudan. The course focuses on questions faced by everyone in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan at this present time and the way that the story of Jesus helps us answer them. Much of the learning is done through discussion, enabling the sharing of fellowship as well as knowledge. I really hope that this course is fun to attend as well as instructive. People must look to see how we will answer the questions created by violent conflict. For us in South Sudan finding answers is only one thing, it is bringing these answers to life that that truly expresses our faith. Jesus brought to us many teachings and we must learn the answers he gave us so we can all share in the peace of Jesus Christ. The internet also allows us to make this course something we can all share together and I really hope that you will make time to connect with us in Wau during lent. Share with us it’s an exciting idea. Whatever you decide to do it is my prayer that this course will help you to grow in the knowledge and love of God and bring you closer to Jesus as the events of Easter approach. I would like to thank my staff for all the hard work that they put in to preparing this course and I would like to wish you every blessing in your time of study this lent. Every Blessing

+Moses

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Page Index A Forward by the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol Notes for Course Leaders The Session Authors

Week 1 – Are You Ready? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Week 2 – Are We Together? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Week 3 – Can We Outreach? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Week 4 – Do We Believe? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Week 5 – Should We Speak Out? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Week 6 – What Happens Now? Worksheet Leaders Notes

Connect with Wau Diocese

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Notes for Course Leaders This course is intended to be used anywhere by anyone so there is a lot of scope in our notes for using this course in your own culture and location. There is no real need for anything else than one copy of the course. The Gospel verse is provided and everything can be done verbally. If you want them worksheets can be printed for each week to give to those who attend. We hope that keeping things simple will help those with few resources and focus the minds of those that do. The important part of the course is the discussion of the Gospel. We hope that the following notes will help give you the confidence to provide a good learning environment and run a successful course.

Prayer for Your Lent Course We feel that it is important to pray for the work of this Lent Study course. Encourage your church family to pray for the Lent course, the people attending and leading it. If you have regular prayers said in services or in vigils include the Lent Study course during Lent so that all of your work is offered to God and may be blessed at the same time. If several people are leading the Lent Study course they may find strength in a short time of prayer before and after the sessions.

Be Welcoming Ensure that all the people coming to the course are made welcome. Pick a location to hold the course that is comfortable and suitable to all those that may come. Help to make people feel at ease by offering hospitality if you can. If you can offer a drink or something to eat this helps a lot. It may be that all you can offer is a hug and a smile, this can work really well. Most people are nervous at the beginning of a meeting like this, especially if they are people that do not know one another and are new to church. ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Greet one another and share names When everyone has gathered and been made welcome take the time to introduce yourself and any helpers that are with you. Then suggest that everyone should introduce themselves in the same way so that there are no strangers and everyone is known. If someone refuses that’s OK they will probably change their mind later. Always introduce new people if they join in the following weeks. Helping people to feel relaxed and part of a group will make them much more open to sharing in the group which is important for the course to succeed. Ask people at this point every week if they have any prayer needs so that at the start of the course they can be prayed for. This also helps people to feel included in a group of friends.

A Safe Space Before you begin each course session agree with everyone that this is a safe space because nothing that is said will be repeated away from the group. There is a strong element of trust to this but making people understand that the group is a safe space to talk is important to allowing people to be truly honest when sharing with the group.

Presenting the Course sessions Plan ahead and be organised so that you can take your time. Have a way of beginning such as lighting a candle, ringing a bell or singing a song. Ensure everyone knows that from this point on they are in session. Say prayers for the group remembering any needs that were given earlier. Discussions often take more time than you think. Discussing the questions asked for each Gospel passage are important to the course. As the leader you will know the answers and it may be that you need to © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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guide the discussions if people are straying too far from the point. Use this time to add knowledge that people may not have seen from the passage themselves. Be careful to prevent differences of opinion becoming arguments. It is OK to have different views and disagree but people should have respect for one another. Also remember that it is possible that people will learn other valuable things from each session so try to be open to this possibility. It may be best to select a reader to read the Gospel aloud for each session and if you cannot provide worksheets listen to it read several times. The version given is the Message Bible version. There is no harm in using other versions of the Bible if they are more familiar or people bring their own Bibles. This may help discussion which is a good thing. Take care to allow plenty of time for the questions so that people can say what they think and talk thoroughly. At the end of the questions encourage people to see how the session applies to the life around them.

Sharing with Others It may be that in your location there are several churches. Our Lent Study Course can also be used as a tool to share fellowship with other Christians. It can be a way to share resources and spread costs, perhaps allowing you to do together something that you could not do alone. If you consider sharing our course with other churches remember to respect your neighbours and seek to work with them in faith.

Sharing on the Internet We would like to connect anyone using this course in faith. We are asking for responses from each Lent Study group. A Facebook group has been created on the internet that anyone can join and exchange views in fellowship. We hope that many people will look at these messages, be encouraged and even learn something. Each session includes a short time to think of what to send. The group for Answers can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Answerslentcourse2016/

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Summing up and Going with Grace Talking about the Gospel is very important and the way that this course teaches. But it is also just as important to draw the discussion to a point and finish the session with the group realising that they have learned something and been challenged. Every session has a summing up passage that draws the session to a conclusion. There is also a prayer set on the theme that everyone should be encouraged to join in with. If in your location you cannot provide worksheets this prayer could be repeated several times to allow people to join in. Take a moment to ask the group how they think they might apply what they have learned in their lives. Think about what message your group would like to send us in Wau and perhaps a member of your group could be asked to do that. Also fix a date for the next session so that everyone present knows it. It may be that particular needs or concerns will have been raised during the session. This is a time that can be set aside to pray for these needs or the people that they affect. Finish each session with the Grace prayer this will help to re enforce the idea of unity and fellowship. If it is possible and suitable in your location say this prayer holding hands and looking at one another as you pray. Doing this helps people to feel connected by the love of God and so as they go God’s love goes with them. When all the people have gone say a prayer for those that attended and anyone helping you to present this Lent Study Course. It is also wise to make a note of anything that went particularly well or even particularly badly so that you can also learn from each session. If there is anything that you would like to share with us about what worked well or not we would be very glad to know it.

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What if They Want More ? Part of the aim of this Lent Study course is to reach out to people and make them think about Jesus. This can have a strong effect which may result in two things. A person may feel that a session has left them with questions or a need to talk about serious events in their lives. It is important to be prepared for this and be ready to meet this need if it comes. Helping a person at this time can be an important step to them accepting Jesus in to their lives. Attending the Lent Study course may encourage people new to faith but feeling the call of God to come to your church. This is a time of exploration for them and your church should be ready for this possibility too. It is important to help such people start their journey of faith with confidence and love.

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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The Lent Course Authors: Reverend John Boll

Do We Believe? – Week 4

Rev John studied at Bishop Gwynne Theological College in Juba, South Sudan and comes from Gogrial. He is passionate about peace and was fortunate last year to travel to South Africa for an international conference.

Reverend Paul Lueth Kat

What Happens Now? – Week 6

Rev Paul serves the Diocese of Wau as Evangelism Coordinator and is currently away at study with his wife Regina. Rev Paul is also a Captain in the African Church Army and runs a small charity called Transforming the World in Christ (TWIC).

Reverend Philip Ajing

Should We Speak Out? – Week 5

Rev Philip is a parish pastor who studied at the Uganda Christian University. He is very active and seeks new ways to express his faith through the ministry that he has in Wau Diocese.

Reverend Nathaniel Maral

Are We Together? – Week 2

Rev Nathaniel is the Interim Principal of St John’s College and acting Diocesan Development Coordinator. Nathaniel studied at Cavendish University Uganda gaining a Bachelor of Science degree in International Development, Human Development and Global Political Economy. Development Studies

Reverend Peter Angui Akook -

Are You Ready? – Week1 Can We Reach Out? – Week 3

Rev Peter is now working as the St John’s College Administrator and recently set up the Gogrial Area Diocese. Peter is passionate about his faith and seeks to do further studies in theology. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Lent Course Week 1 Are You Ready ? By Rev Peter Angui Akook

Please read the Gospel accounts below:

Mark Chapter 1 Verses 14 to 19

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

Mark Chapter 2 Verses 13 to 15

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

The Big Question - Is the church prepared to take on the role of healer? The carnage of war and the ensuing suffering has left countless in terrible agony. The church has witnessed much of this suffering and has experienced it directly and intimately. What healing and recovery do church leaders need if they are to become the source of healing for those to whom they pastor? What steps are needed to produce sufficient emotional well being among pastors and church leaders to effectively embrace the pain of others? How can the church recover even as it presumes to be a source of recovery for others?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. Why do you think that people followed Jesus straight away? 2. Should Christians be expected to follow Jesus without thinking? 3. Can a church really help a country or community find peace? 4. Very different people followed Jesus, did they have anything in common? 5. How important is it to understand the story of Jesus, how can this be done? 6. How can we as followers of Jesus help heal the wounds of a nation?

Summing Up The first recorded followers of Jesus were just that. They literally stopped what they were doing and walked with him. How much they knew about what Jesus would do or what might happen we will never know. But there was a confidence, a faith, that life with Jesus would be better than without him. The followers of Jesus were ready to face any hardship for his company and later would face any hardship to share the salvation he won for others. It is the precious nature of fellowship with Jesus that is important. Are you ready to accept that?

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Pray together: Our Father and our God we thank you very much for your loving care upon humanity on this planet and that you guide and protect us from dangers all the times. Help us to be ready to follow you and to respond to your call without any hindrances or hesitations. Make us good shepherds or caretakers of your people and creation as a whole. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

The Bishop’s Answer

The Church is ready to take up the role of a wounded healer as it did during the 21 years of war between the SPLM/A and Khartoum Government when the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) led a massive grass-roots peace and reconciliation initiative known as people to people peace process. This Peace and Reconciliation process facilitated many peace conferences in many parts of South Sudan including the famous Wunlit Peace Conference between the Dinka and the Nuer community which many observers believes led to peace agreement between Dr John Garang and Dr Riek Machar which again led to the signing of the CPA. Although some Junior Church Leaders may have taken side in this war the Church in South Sudan generally remains united. For example although the war is being perceived to be between the Dinka and the Nuer Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of ECSS (who is a Dinka) and Moderator Peter Gai Lual of Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (who is a Nuer) are both Executive members of the National Committee on healing peace and reconciliation. During the peace talks in Adisababa the rebel group led by the Former Vice President Dr Riek Machar demanded that it must be given representatives of Civil Society and Religious Leaders from the Rebel side as it is with the Government side. This move was strongly rejected by the South Sudan Council of Churches telling the rebels that yes they Can have a civil society on the rebel and Government sides but we will NOT accept Church Leaders from either Government or rebel side as the Church remains ONE and does NOT belong to any side. Up to date SCC is being representative at the Peace Talks in Addis Ababa as one body with representatives from various communities including Dinka and Nuer. Some 11 ECSS Bishops including the primate have been going through a retreat in Rwanda and have already send out their lessons learnt from the Rwandan experiences of healing and reconciliation © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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after the genocide. The South Sudan Council of Churches is currently holding its own retreat in Rwanda as well with the similar objective of learning from the Rwandans experiences of healing reconciliation and peace after the Genocide. Another Group of ECSS Bishops is currently preparing to go to Rwanda in August for a retreat facilitated by a US based Christian Ministry known as my brother Keeper not killer with a similar objective as well. So I believe the best way of helping the Church to take the role of bring peace and stability to South Sudan as many expect the Church to play a major role in this initiative is to help the Church to heal its own wounds first through such initiatives which are already taking place.

“In the coming week think about things that prevent you from following Jesus or get in the way of being closer to him in thoughts or prayers. Are you ready to change a little or do your own actions condemn you? The answers may not be simple or easy but pray about that this week and ask God to help.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 1 Leaders Notes Are You Ready ? By Rev Peter Angui Akook Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel accounts below.

Mark Chapter 1 Verses 14 to 19

Mark Chapter 2 Verses 13 to 15

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. Why do you think that people followed Jesus straight away? There are several reasons to why people followed Jesus once he had called them to follow him; Firstly, in every tradition and culture it shows respect to the person who called on you so that you might be in a good mood with him or her. So that you might have not be seen as reluctant and resistant to the call. Also, a person who called out on you would be happy and feel honoured and respected above all things or among others in some other circumstances. Secondly, it’s obvious that when someone has worked for some time till that person is exhausted it is always easy to leave immediately when there is a call. This immediate leave of the work serves two things from the person who has left the work; a) getting rest, b) listening to the new stories other than the boring work he/she has been doing since ever. By doing so his/her efforts are regained tremendously and they are able to continue his/her work happily and eagerly and with momentum. But in this rampant following of Jesus would be the work of Holy Spirit who touches people’s hearts to accept, follow and respond to the call that Jesus passed unto them.

2. Should Christians be expected to follow Jesus without thinking? Christians should not follow Jesus without thinking first, but what entails are that there are active and passive listeners or quick and slow learners. Active listeners or quick learners are people who are very fast in hearing with very good understanding whereas the passive listeners or slow learners are those who are very dull in hearing with slow understanding of the message. So the immediate follow doesn’t mean that disciples didn’t think of what they had actually followed, but they thought of it so quickly with immediate effect. Someone could see into that so many people were resistant to the call which portrays their stupidity and dullness in clear understanding of the message but those who were active enough got it right.

3. Can a church really help a country or community find peace? A church does help a community find peace because one of those factors is that different people come together to the church for church prayer services on various occasions. This helps a community develop the spirit of togetherness (living together in peace and harmony). This is whereby everyone is always required to greet each other to show signs of peace among others and they find that they have one common identity. There is a very strong sense in seeing yourselves as one people. A church may also advocate for peace on behalf of the community and take a leading role in basic services delivery to various communities. Indeed the church has historically played a significant role in peace making. This includes the People to People Peace Process; the Entebbe Process which shadowed the IGAD negotiations in © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Naivasha with paper headed “Let My People Choose” which put the right to selfdetermination at the centre of the CPA, and the advocacy to bring about the referendum. Church is a neutral forum, reconciliatory body that brings messages of hope and forgiveness.

4. Very different people followed Jesus, did they have anything in common? Yes, they did have a lot in common. All the followers of Jesus Christ were men and at the same time most of them were fishermen and some were tax collectors. So those were the two types of people who followed and respond to the call with an immediate effect. Those were the two professions with the followers of Jesus Christ. And today there are a lot of professions because it is the world of technology. But despite any profession, all are called to follow Jesus and begin fishing for people and taking care for God’s creation on earth.

5. How important is it to understand the story of Jesus, how can this be done? There are three things to note in understanding the story of Jesus. 1) Peace 2) Reconciliation 3) Forgiveness Jesus lives at peace with his enemies and oppositions. For instance, He lives at peace with Judas Iscariot whom He cleverly knew that he would one day betray Him and hand Him over to be killed. Jesus Christ reconciles Himself to people by telling them that I am not coming here to destroy you but to save humanity. Jesus prayed a prayer for forgiveness on the cross that Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.

6. How can we as followers of Jesus help heal the wounds of a nation? We can do this in many ways. First is by living in peace and not beginning any violence. Second is by forgiving the people that have done violence, third is by joining with activities that make peace such as been seen in South Africa and other countries. Committees and NGOs working for peace such as the United Nations are all made from people that must believe in peace. Many changes must come to society for peace to fully come and all of this is done by the people in society, forgiving, trusting and working with one another. It is the teachings of Jesus that guide people to do this and so followers of Jesus in small ways or big can help a nation to heal.

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Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer. The first recorded followers of Jesus were just that. They literally stopped what they were doing and walked with him. How much they knew about what Jesus would do or what might happen we will never know. But there was a confidence, a faith, that life with Jesus would be better than without him. The followers of Jesus were ready to face any hardship for his company and later would face any hardship to share the salvation he won for others. It is the precious nature of fellowship with Jesus that is important. Are you ready to accept that?

Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

Pray together:

Our Father and our God we thank you very much for your loving care upon humanity on this planet and that you guide and protect us from dangers all the times. Help us to be ready to follow you and to respond to your call without any hindrances or hesitations. Make us good shepherds or caretakers of your people and creation as a whole. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer.

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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The Bishop’s Answer Before arranging to meet again for next week talk about how people feel they may be able to see the world differently and how this may affect the way they want to live. Read the reply that Bishop Moses gave to the big question below. The Church is ready to take up the role of a wounded healer as it did during the 21 years of war between the SPLM/A and Khartoum Government when the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) led a massive grass-roots peace and reconciliation initiative known as people to people peace process. This Peace and Reconciliation process facilitated many peace conferences in many parts of South Sudan including the famous Wunlit Peace Conference between the Dinka and the Nuer community which many observers believes led to peace agreement between Dr John Garang and Dr Riek Machar which again led to the signing of the CPA. Although some Junior Church Leaders may have taken side in this war the Church in South Sudan generally remains united. For example although the war is being perceived to be between the Dinka and the Nuer Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of ECSS (who is a Dinka) and Moderator Peter Gai Lual of Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (who is a Nuer) are both Executive members of the National Committee on healing peace and reconciliation. During the peace talks in Addis Ababa the rebel group led by the Former Vice President Dr Riek Machar demanded that it must be given representatives of Civil Society and Religious Leaders from the Rebel side as it is with the Government side. This move was strongly rejected by the South Sudan Council of Churches telling the rebels that yes they Can have a civil society on the rebel and Government sides but we will NOT accept Church Leaders from either Government or rebel side as the Church remains ONE and does NOT belong to any side. Up to date SCC is being representative at the Peace Talks in Addis Ababa as one body with representatives from various communities including Dinka and Nuer. Some 11 ECSS Bishops including the primate have been going through a retreat in Rwanda and have already send out their lessons learnt from the Rwandan experiences of healing and reconciliation after the genocide. The South Sudan Council of Churches is currently holding its own retreat in Rwanda as well with the similar objective of learning from the Rwandan experiences of healing reconciliation and peace after the Genocide. Another Group of ECSS Bishops is currently preparing to go to Rwanda in August for a retreat facilitated by a US based Christian Ministry known as my brother Keeper not killer with a similar objective as well. So I believe the best way of helping the Church to take the role of bring peace and stability to South Sudan as many expect the Church to play a major role in this initiative is to help the Church to heal its own wounds first through such initiatives which are already taking place.

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Arrange to meet next week and finish saying the Grace together. In so far as is practical encourage people to say the grace holding hands and sharing a smile with each member of the group to encourage a positive feel of inclusiveness.

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended.

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Lent Course Week 2 Are We Together ? By Rev Rev Nathaniel Maral

Please read the Gospel accounts below:

John Chapter 17 Verses 20 to 24

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

The Big Question - Are the churches able to unite in a shared mission of healing and reconciliation? The churches have not escaped the stain of tribalism and denominationalism. Can the work that lies ahead count on a faith community which is united as the legitimate purveyors of healing and reconciliation?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. How important is unity for Christians? 2. In what ways is unity shown to others? 3. What things in Christianity make unity possible? 4. What did Jesus mean by his Father being in him and he in the Father? 5. Who was Jesus praying for? 6. How can the glory Jesus spoke of be shown in the world today?

Summing Up

Unity is important because as Jesus clearly shows us it is important to be unified with God through him. It is important to recognise that all people are one in this respect and that the love of God is for all people. So the differences commonly accepted between skin colour, race, tribe or nation are fabricated divisions. Divisions that lead to hatred and fighting. Unity between denominations of religion displays God’s simple love as does compassion, forgiveness and love in our own daily lives. It is what we do in our daily lives that matters, that is where unity with God can be most plainly seen.

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Pray together: Lord, I pray for unity amongst the Christians in South Sudan and world at large. Let us believe that we are all one in you, you created us in your likeness, we need you Lord to unite your Church to work for the goodness of your ministry. Let not denominations or tribes separated us from each other; we ask all this in Jesus Name. Amen! Amen

The Bishop’s Answer

The Churches have the potential and willingness to unite on a Mission of healing and reconciliation. I have already mentioned how Senior Church leaders such as Archbishop Daniel Deng and Moderator Gai Lual remains united despite the perception of the war being between the Dinka and Nuer. There are also other initiatives by Junior Church leaders at States and County levels. For example last year we agreed with the Bishop John Gatek of the Diocese of Bentiu to jointly visit Dinka and Nuer villages in the border of Warrap and Unity States. This joint visit was a result of a question one of Dinka Chiefs asked me last year after I preached about the great commandment of loving your neighbour as yourself which I interpreted to mean doing to your neighbour what you want your never to do to you. After explaining the meaning of loving your neighbour as yourself I asked the people gathered under a big tree ( some of them non believers) whether any of them wanted the Nuer to raid their villages, kill them, their wives/husbands and children, burnt their houses and take their cows which all of them responded with NO. So I told them not to do the same to the Nuer as they too will not like it which is what the Bible is teaching us. When I finished preaching and gave the opportunity to the Community leaders to respond. Chief Manoon Ater of Noon Chol Guot Clan of Twich Sub-section of Dinka Padang asked me whether a Nuer Bishop was preaching the same message to the Nuer community. According to him it will not take more then two years for the Dinka-Nuer conflict to stop if the Nueri Bishop was preaching the same message to the Nuer community as I was doing to the Dinka community. I shared the message of the Chief Manoon with Bishop John and agreed to embark on a joint Pastoral visits in the Nueri and Dinka villages in the border of the two States. We have not done the visit yet but we hope to do it in the near future. I recently met Pastor John Riek of Presbyterian Church of South Sudan whom I first met in Yei last year during the training of National Committee on healing peace and reconciliation Peace Mobilizers and he agreed to joint our team as well. Pastor Riek is the head of Peace and Reconciliation in his Church and runs an NGO so he even promised to support the mission financially. Archbishop Daniel Deng of ECSS has been leading a group Dinka© Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Nuer Pastors peace initiative which has been visiting IDPs in the UNMISS and other displaced camps in Juba. These are just some of the examples but there are many very good peace and reconciliation initiatives led by Church leaders nationally and locally including refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. So I strongly believe that Churches are able to unite beyond tribal and denomination line and embark on a mission of healing and reconciliation. Of course Churches will need the support of the wider Church internationally effective accomplish this mission as they did during the SPLM/A Khartoum Government war

“Are you unified with Christ? Does the way you live display the love that God gives you in Jesus or the unity between God the Father and his Son? This week examine your life and see in what ways unity could be grown in you and displayed to the world in witness. This may not be simple or easy but pray about that this week and ask God to help.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 2 Leaders Notes Are We Together ? By Rev Nathaniel Maral Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel accounts below.

John Chapter 17 Verses 20 to 24

The Big Question - Are the churches able to unite in a shared mission of healing and reconciliation?

The churches have not escaped the stain of tribalism and denominationalism. Can the work that lies ahead count on a faith community which is united as the legitimate purveyors of healing and reconciliation?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. How important is unity for Christians? How important is unity in our Christian lives? How important is unity in our church or Churches? Jesus talked a lot about the importance of unity of Christians, in the same scenario Paul warns the believers not to use their ethnic background as a tool of division. But to hold the unity, if Christians cannot be unified, then we are not approaching one another in love. And we cannot be a good witness for Christ if we fight one another. Unity among Christians is perhaps the most important issue that the body of Christ needs to hear in our days. As the body of Christ we must get over the issues that create division within the church, if the Christian church was united it would be much better equipped to fight serious issues today that are destroying our countries or communities; issues that have slowly become worse and worse. It is my hearts ambition to see the church united in love, and working together to reaching our lost and dying world with the grace of God. In order for Unity to take place in the body of Christ, we have to get over the divisions that separate the church. I personally think it's sad that many churches do not want to work with each other, mostly on part of some small differences in the understanding of our Bible. To my understanding there is at least one thing in the bible that cannot be misunderstood, and that is that God is love. The bible did not say that God has love, but that He is love! It's because of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love that we have been saved in the first place, and He commands us to love our brothers and sisters. God strongly desires for us to be first untied to Christ, then God the Father through Him, and then of course each other! Unity is power, and if Christians from all different kinds of churches came together in brotherly love it would be much easier to build the kingdom of God and to bring transformation to the nation like South Sudan and the world at large. Christ is the head of the church and it is the bride of Christ, it only makes sense that we should submit to him. There are so many scriptures that talk about love and unity but my favourite is in the passage from John 17:20-23. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." God has impressed on my heart that unity in the body of Christ is the most important issue the church needs to hear today.

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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2. In what ways is unity shown to others? Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the church in Colossians, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity Colossians 3: 12-13. There are three ways of showing unity. Love, must be one way of showing our unity to others as a Christian, you may dislike them as a clan, community, tribe and nationalist or even individual, but their commitment to Christ makes them to be your spiritual brothers and sisters. And if you fail to reach out to them in love as Christ calls you, therefore, we are not truly God’s children. Christ shows us his great love on the cross and if you take Christ’s command to love them seriously, that love will become a powerful force for good. Sometimes South Sudanese question themselves, what will bring unity among the South Sudanese’s tribes including politicians, because politicians have seen that they have already failed to unite this war torn nation. And I answer them; the unity will come through the love of Christ, and how to get that love of Christ? Through believe repentance and confession. Compassion, is another way to consolidate Christian unity. Jesus gave an example of a man who shows his compassion, in Luke 10:30-35 A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan man, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own donkey and brought him to an inn and took care of him. A priest and Levite man passed by without showing compassion, but a Samaritan shows great compassion. Jesus wants to teach us that we should do the same as the man from Samaria. Such compassion is the mark of a true Christian. Christians must show compassion to everyone. Some think that you can’t do a good thing to someone from another tribe or a country, but a Samaritan man did it, because he showed compassion on him. We need a Bari man showing compassion to a Murle man, Nuer man needs to show compassion to a Dinka man etc, and that will make our unity effective as Christians by showing compassion to others. Forgiveness, should be another way of showing our Christian unity, since God has forgiven you and me, he expects us to forgive others, with his help. Don’t wait until you feel like to forgiving people who have hurt you or your tribe, you likely never will. Instead, you decide to forgive, and your feeling will eventually follow as God change your heart though the forgiveness process. One time on Sunday services, one member of the Church raised his hand and asked a preacher, can we also forgive Dinka and the preacher said yes, we can forgive Dinka as Christ forgive us, and the gentleman stepped out from the Church. Communities, tribes and nations do bad things to one another, but do we insist not to forgive them? No, we have to forgive them even if the people who have wronged you did not apologize or repent, choose to forgive them, and knowing that by doing so, you will be giving God the gift of your obedience and freeing yourself from bitterness. South Sudan is breaking down, because of the revenge and un forgiveness for those who did wrong things to individuals, to community and nation. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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3. What things in Christianity make unity possible? Jesus Christ makes our unity possible; despite all our differences in colours, nationalities, and ethnicities. Paul said in Ephesians 4:1-3 Since Christian unity is a result of God’s work in Christ; it is not something that we are to aim at for the sake of unity. Jesus was not coming to save us alone but to unite us through him. Paul confirmed that to the Church in Corinth, through Jesus Christ we are all one body, Jews or Gentle. 1 Corinthians 12: 13 just as a body, through one, has many parts form one body, it is with Christ. Vs 13, for we were all baptised by one spirit so as to form one body whether Jew or Gentiles, slave or free and we were all given the one spirit to drink. In John 15:12, Jesus said to the disciples, this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. “It’s so important to Jesus that we love each other that he put it as a commandment. In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against it will not stand”. This is not about religion or doctrines, as some of us are interpreting it but it’s about His house (Church) in division. Nobody said we have to all go to one denomination to be called one body and to be in unity. We just have to do what he tells us to do that is love the Lord God with all your heart, and to love each other. In South Sudan some used to ask themselves can a Dinka and Nuer sit together, eat together, work together and pray together. Yes, yes they can, because Jesus Christ makes our unity possible either White, black, Nuer or Dinka - etc. Through that unity of Christ, a man shall have peace with one another, because their hearts are united in the faith which leads them to peace and their loyalty to God’s word which teaches them to do to others. In South Sudan or the world at large, politics cannot make our unity possible, our ethnicity and colours cannot make unity possible, our wealth cannot make our unity possible and our cultures will not make our unity possible. But Jesus Christ can make our unity possible, because we have one faith, one love and one spirit and that makes our unity possible. I strongly believe that true Christianity unites mankind in mutual love and respect for one another; a country like South Sudan can be united when we have Christ. The conflict going on in South Sudan today, the Church had shown it is colours, some Christians take sides because of their ethnic background and forget that they were elected by Christ. Others stood for the unity of the body of Christ and they had really worked hard to show their unity to the people of South Sudan, some of our bishops, clergy and believers of all denominations put their efforts together to make sure unity must be restored back to the country. The word of the Lord teaches us that we are members of one body; despite wherever we come from and where we belong to. Jesus makes us one, through one faith, one baptism and one Love. True unity can only be achieved if people are unified in the truth.

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4. What did Jesus mean by his Father being in him and he in the Father? Jesus means, they are one in unity, although many scholars argue on this point, he and the Father are one, and because of their unity he wants his follows to do the same. Jesus said to this disciples that “The Father is in me and I in the father” (John 10: 38) and again He affirmed this by saying, “Believe me that I am in the father, and the father in me (John 14:11)”. Some may understood that he did not mean he and the father were one in essence. But Jesus was meaning his relationship with the father, and that result is a functional unity with the Father. The Apostle Paul wrote half of this concept, by saying God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself (2 Corinthian 5: 19). Jesus wants to assure every believer that he is in the Father and the Father is in him, which means all the believers are inside Jesus and Jesus is in them. Through the unity between him and the Father, we need to apply the same relationship as a Christians in our earthly lives. People may think our unity will be later in heaven, but we should apply it now before we go to heaven.

5. Who was Jesus praying for? Jesus was praying for the disciples and not the disciples alone but the whole Church of God. In John 17:20-23 “my prayer is not for them alone. I have prayed also for those who will believe in me through their message. Verse 21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Verse 22, I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. Verse 23 I in them and you in me so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me”. Jesus prayer is so all who believe in him would experience the same kind of unity as that which exists between the Father and the son. When Jesus said my prayer is not for them alone, he means the disciples, he further prayed “I have pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” he means all believers – including you. In the full context Jesus was praying for the disciples and the whole Church of Christ. If we want the world to know that God is Love, we need to start as representing Jesus by living as he commanded Christians to live. Let us love each other and start down the road towards unity in the body of Christ.

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6. How can the glory Jesus spoke of be shown in the world today? In my own understanding God’s glory is about beauty of God’s spirit as James mentioned in his letter “calls on a rich man to “glory in his humiliation,” indicating a glory that does not mean riches or power or material beauty. This glory can crown man or fill the earth. It is seen within man and in the earth, but it is not of them, it is of God. The glory of man is the beauty of man’s spirit, which is imperfect and eventually passes away and is therefore humiliating as the verse tells us. Christians must show God’s glory through their lives which God has manifested in them with all his attributes. Isaiah 43:7 says that “God created us for His glory”. God’s glory can be seen in our characters and the ways we present ourselves as Christians to others who are living around us. Christians must show God’s glory through love, peace, compassion and forgiveness. God’s glory will not need to come through man or nature, rather it will be seen clearly, just as 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have seen fully known. The glory Jesus spoke must be shown through Christians lives, the way Christians live will show that Christ is in us. Jesus Christ makes it clear that we must honour him in John 4:21-24. God’s glory must be shown in every believer’s life and others will witnesses you and that is why Jesus said to his disciples that “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glories me - John 8:54. Let others see God’s glory in us and then we shall be a witness of Christ to them.

Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer. Unity is important because as Jesus clearly shows us it is important to be unified with God through him. It is important to recognise that all people are one in this respect and that the love of God is for all people. So the differences commonly accepted between skin colour, race, tribe or nation are fabricated divisions. Divisions that lead to hatred and fighting. Unity between denominations of religion displays God’s simple love as does compassion, forgiveness and love in our own daily lives. It is what we do in our daily lives that matters, that is where unity with God can be most plainly seen. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

Pray together:

Lord, I pray for unity amongst the Christians in South Sudan and world at large. Let us believe that we are all one in you, you created us in your likeness, we need you Lord to unite your Church to work for the goodness of your ministry. Let not denominations or tribes separated us from each other; we ask all this in Jesus Name. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer.

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never to do to you. After explaining the meaning of loving your neighbour as yourself I asked the people gathered under a big tree ( some of them non believers) whether any of them wanted the Nuer to raid their villages, kill them, their wives/husbands and children, burnt their houses and take their cows which all of them responded with NO. So I told them not to do the same to the Nuer as they too will not like it which is what the Bible is teaching us. When I finished preaching and gave the opportunity to the Community leaders to respond. Chief Manoon Ater of Noon Chol Guot Clan of Twich Sub-section of Dinka Padang asked me whether a Nuer Bishop was preaching the same message to the Nuer community. According to him it will not take more then two years for the Dinka-Nuer conflict to stop if the Nueri Bishop was preaching the same message to the Nuer community as I was doing to the Dinka community. I shared the message of the Chief Manoon with Bishop John and agreed to embark on a joint Pastoral visits in the Nueri and Dinka villages in the border of the two States. We have not done the visit yet but we hope to do it in the near future. I recently met Pastor John Riek of Presbyterian Church of South Sudan whom I first met in Yei last year during the training of National Committee on healing peace and reconciliation Peace Mobilizers and he agreed to joint our team as well. Pastor Riek is the head of Peace and Reconciliation in his Church and runs an NGO so he even promised to support the mission financially. Archbishop Daniel Deng of ECSS has been leading a group DinkaNuer Pastors peace initiative which has been visiting IDPs in the UNMISS and other displaced camps in Juba. These are just some of the examples but there are many very good peace and reconciliation initiatives led by Church leaders nationally and locally including refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. So I strongly believe that Churches are able to unite beyond tribal and denomination line and embark on a mission of healing and reconciliation. Of course Churches will need the support of the wider Church internationally effective accomplish this mission as they did during the SPLM/A Khartoum Government war

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“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended.

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Lent Course Week 3 Can We Reach Out ? By Rev Peter Akook

Please read the Gospel account below:

Luke Chapter 10 Verses 1 to 4

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

Those who understand the history of peace making in other conflict ridden situations acknowledge that reconciliation works when all elements of society are included in the recovery process. Even though churches are to be found in the most remote parts of South Sudan, can the church manage the logistics of carrying out comprehensive peace work? If so, what resources are needed to make such outreach achievable?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: 1. Jesus chose 72 people, who should you trust to spread the word of God? 2. What does lambs before wolves mean? 3. How can people be prepared for this work? 4. What is the message Jesus wanted the 72 to give? 5. How important is it to a peace process to reach out to everyone? 6. If outreach is dangerous should it be left to others to do? Summing Up Reaching out and connecting with others is very important for Christians to preach the word of God and at the same time connect with all parts of society to promote peace. People can never be asked to believe in something that they have never been shown or told about. In South Sudan the Church can connect with all parts of every community which gives it a great power to promote peace. Reaching out involves risk but there is also the opportunity to break down barriers of hatred and fear by passing on a message of love. But the real question is, are ready to reach out ourselves? Pray together: Our Father and our God we give you thanks and praise for the August 2015 peace agreement between government and rebels in South Sudan. We pray that the agreement would never be letter just but be an action that would affects everyone’s life across South Sudanese communities and societies whose lifestyles were once being broken. We pray for a loving and genuine peace to come back to South Sudan and to every individual in South Sudan. Let the message of peace be rooted in our blood forever and ever. Amen © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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The Bishop’s Answer

“It is not easy but the Church in South Sudan is capable of reaching all levels because it is already available at all levels of the South Sudanese society. For example during the National Committee on Healing Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR) retreat at the Holy Trinity Peace Village, Kuron (a Peace Village founded by the retired Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Torit Bishop Parade Taban) we resolved to address the three levels of society. In the CNHPR's three year strategic plan it was agreed that the most Senior Church leaders such as Archbishops/Primates, moderators etc will engage the Political, Military and Business class at the National level. The Middle Church Leaders such as Bishops and Junior moderators will also engage the Middle Class Political Military and business class at States and and County levels. And the Junior Church Leaders such as Pastors/Clergy, Lay leaders will then engage the local Government Officials at the Payams and Boma levels and the entire community at the village. As Church leaders in South Sudan we believe this is possible because the Churches are at all these levels of the society and as I said earlier they are already carrying out some peace and reconciliation initiatives separately. Of course there is a need for some resources and efforts to accomplish the task. We all know that many Church leaders in South Sudan specially at the local levels have little or no formal education or training. There is therefore a need for capacity building of some kind in order to enable Church leaders to objectively work for peace and reconciliation without being co-opted in to the tribal animosity and hatred. ”

“Do you reach out? Do you communicate to others and let them know about the good news of Jesus? This week examine your life and see in what ways you could reach out to the world in witness. This may not be simple or easy but pray about that this week and ask God to help.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 3 Leaders Notes Can We Reach Out ? By Rev Rev Peter Angui Akook

Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel accounts below.

Luke Chapter 10 Verses 1 to 4

The Big Question - Can the churches manage the sheer logistical challenge of reaching all sectors and levels of society in such a way as to ensure that all South Sudanese participate in a national program of healing and reconciliation? Those who understand the history of peace making in other conflict ridden situations acknowledge that reconciliation works when all elements of society are included in the recovery process. Even though churches are to be found in the most remote parts of South Sudan, can the church manage the logistics of carrying out comprehensive peace work? If so, what resources are needed to make such outreach achievable?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. Jesus chose 72 people, who should you trust to spread the word of God? A person who is to spread the word of God is a person who is a committed Christian who feels called to go out and reach anyone who hasn’t heard anything about the Gospel of Jesus Christ before. Our people sometimes mistakenly misunderstand and believe that it is only an ordained minister who is tasked with the spreading of the word of God but not every Christian which is totally wrong. Everyone has a friend, neighbour and relative whom he/she should witness Jesus Christ to as it was believed during baptismal teaching vows that “will you teach and do Jesus’s word? Yes, I will”. It is not actually very hard nowadays to spread the word of God for there are many ways each one could do the work while seated on his/her chair in a room using the internet to circulate news about Jesus Christ through Facebook, emails, and websites for the rest to read. Or else someone ought to go to radio station and preach in the studio or Christian movies to watch on the TV screen shows, Sunday services to preach and other important occasions. Those efforts can be counted as spreading of the word of God. So it is a matter of being willing and committed to do the work.

2. What does lambs before wolves mean? The lambs before wolves may mean messengers of Jesus Christ versus pagans who are ignorant and hesitant to believe Jesus Christ as their personal saviour and Lord. Because Jesus always refer to the believers as lambs for he had asked Peter to feed his lambs. So Jesus sent the 72 disciples two by two as lambs to go and disciple those pagans who are like wolves. Just like lambs the in experienced disciples were vulnerable to attacks either verbal attacks or physical attacks from people that would be cunning and dangerous like wolves.

3. How can people be prepared for this work? People can be trained so that they are well equipped with enough skills and techniques in order to accomplish the mission being entrusted upon them amicably and in a satisfactorily manner. People can be given orientation, instructions, directives and guidance to do the ministry of Jesus Christ as a worker who is doing the work in Jesus’ harvest field. In this way people who are will be made able and the word of God shared properly.

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4. What is the message Jesus wanted the 72 to give? The message Jesus wanted the 72 to give is the message of spreading the Gospel or Good News about Him to every town and place He was going to. We remember that the 12 disciples were sent to teach and baptize people if they believe but the 72 disciples are sent to go and witness Jesus to the pagans who were like wolves. So therefore, the 72 others and the first 12 disciples were doing the same ministry of Jesus Christ.

5. How important is it to a peace process to reach out to everyone? To reach out to everyone with peace is extremely and very important because one of our artists by the name of John Kudusay once composed a song saying when there is peace one can walk freely, sleep securely and do his or her job without threats, intimidations and fear of attack. Peace is much needed by everyone for better safety and better living. Everybody deserves this, so everybody must be told.

6. If outreach is dangerous should it be left to others to do? The task of reaching out can be dangerous but it is also most important and must be done. Other people may do it, that is true, but if everyone thinks that someone else can do it in the end it means no one will do it. Reaching out for peace and for Jesus with the word of God is very important because if there is no message no one can receive it. Jesus knew this when he warned the 72 disciples. With correct training and care many risks can be avoided and dangers reduced. It is the responsibility of all Christians to reach out in whatever way they can for peace. It must be noted that all the 72 disciples returned safely.

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer. Reaching out and connecting with others is very important for Christians to preach the word of God and at the same time connect with all parts of society to promote peace. People can never be asked to believe in something that they have never been shown or told about. In South Sudan the Church can connect with all parts of every community which gives it a great power to promote peace. Reaching out involves risk but there is also the opportunity to break down barriers of hatred and fear by passing on a message of love. But the real question is are ready to reach out ourselves?

Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

Pray together:

Our Father and our God we give you thanks and praise for the August 2015 peace agreement between government and rebels in South Sudan. We pray that the agreement would never be letter just but be an action that would affects everyone’s life across South Sudanese communities and societies whose lifestyles were once being broken. We pray for a loving and genuine peace to come back to South Sudan and to every individual in South Sudan. Let the message of peace be rooted in our blood forever and ever. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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The Bishop’s Answer

Before arranging to meet again for next week talk about how people feel they may be able to see the world differently and how this may affect the way they want to live. Read the reply that Bishop Moses gave to the big question below.

It is not easy but the Church in South Sudan is capable of reaching all levels because it is already available at all levels of the South Sudanese society. For example during the National Committee on Healing Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR) retreat at the Holy Trinity Peace Village, Kuron (a Peace Village founded by the retired Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Torit Bishop Parade Taban) we resolved to address the three levels of society. In the CNHPR's three year strategic plan it was agreed that the most Senior Church leaders such as Archbishops/Primates, moderators etc will engage the Political, Military and Business class at the National level. The Middle Church Leaders such as Bishops and Junior moderators will also engage the Middle Class Political Military and business class at States and and County levels. And the Junior Church Leaders such as Pastors/Clergy, Lay leaders will then engage the local Government Officials at the Payams and Boma levels and the entire community at the village. As Church leaders in South Sudan we believe this is possible because the Churches are at all these levels of the society and as I said earlier they are already carrying out some peace and reconciliation initiatives separately. Of course there is a need for some resources and efforts to accomplish the task. We all know that many Church leaders in South Sudan specially at the local levels have little or no formal education or training. There is therefore a need for capacity building of some kind in order to enable Church leaders to objectively work for peace and reconciliation without being co-opted in to the tribal animosity and hatred.

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“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended.

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Lent Course Week 4 Do We Believe ? By Rev John Bol Angui Please read the Gospel account: Mark Chapter 9 Verses 14 to 28 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

The Big Question - Is the church as a key, if not the most important and pervasive, institution of civil society able to be a strong and prophetic voice for their people as South Sudan seeks a new political paradigm in which to operate? Those who are promoting the emergence of a recovered peaceful, democratic and stable South Sudan, put good governance and a new constitution which reflects the will of a diverse population as key priorities to be pursued when peace occurs. Should the church expect to be a mobilizer of the popular will that will get expressed as a new constitution is drafted and ratified and a new political and judicial system put in place? It stands to reason that if the church which can reach the most South Sudanese and claims the greatest legitimacy as the peoples' agent is to be a player, a new and difficult role will be added to the list of challenges to be faced © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Should a leader be trustworthy and reliable? Why did the disciples fail to heal the boy? Is peace developed through trust? Why could Jesus do what the disciples could not? How can trust be shown in the life of a country to make peace sustainable? 6. How can we strengthen our own faith and belief today?

Summing Up Trust is important. Trust in a leader will decide if that leader can continue to lead. Trust in a community will keep the community living in peace and harmony. Trust can be both earned and lost by the actions of a few, but it is the trust that we have in God that is most important of all. Trusting God allows God to work within us. It allows God to make us peacemakers by allowing others to trust in us. Our faith can easily spread to others by simple examples of trust. It is with small seeds that great plants grow and that is how it can be in life. Great achievements raised out of simple faith. Something we can believe in.

Pray together: Almighty God, Lead our new country with truthful belief and humble hearts which lead us through lasting peace. Amen

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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The Bishop’s Answer

“The church used its prophetic ministry to advocate for the rights of the people of South Sudan and other marginalized regions of the Sudan during the war. After the peace agreement and independence of South Sudan the Church was reluctant to speak out probably because it assumed that the Leaders in the Government of South Sudan are mainly Christian and so they will be holy. However in its recent retreat to Rwanda the South Sudan Council of Churches released a very strong statement urging the two warring parties to sign peace urgently in order to reduce the suffering of the people. This shows that the Church has now realized the South Sudanese leaders as much as they appear to have Christian names may not be different from those they left in Khartoum. So the Church is ready and is already speaking out with its prophetic voice on behalf of the people”.

“How much do you trust God? Do you blame God when things seem to go wrong? Do you show your faith in God to others by your actions in life? In the coming week think about times when you could have shown your faith and did not, ask God to help you. Are you ready to change a little, how could you show your faith to others in a way they may trust? The answers may not be simple or easy but pray about it this week and God will help you.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 4 Leaders Notes Do We Believe ? By Rev John Bol Angui

Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel account below.

Mark Chapter 9 Verses 14 to 28 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. Should a leader be trustworthy and reliable? Yes leaders must be trustworthy and reliable because most of the people in society put their trust in their leaders and if leaders fail to fulfil what they are expected to do, then the society or community could even lose hope and that may contribute to the future administration failure of a country or community as a whole. Let me just bring your attention to this statement through the quotation from the Old Testament, which records Pharaoh’s servants question said to him, in EXODUS 10:7. “How long will this man be a menace to us? Release the people so that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not know that Egypt is destroyed?” The servant was very concerned with the lives of Egyptian citizens and all innocent people who lived in the Egyptian land during that time. If you have carefully made proper analysis on this question, you would become satisfied with the good knowledge and wise decision which the servant has on that matter more than his leader. A leader may win trust or become trustworthy when he/she has such attitudes as the servant did. Pharaoh failed to understand what God told him - to release Israelites. But it was noted by the servant. More and more, leaders must be trustworthy and reliable in society work carefully for their people, base their work on human rights and democratic implementation practices in society. A leader should be trustworthy and reliable when he/she performs well and is doing good things in their leadership so that his or her leading administration will be gratefully considered in the future.

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2. Why did the disciples fail to heal the boy? The reason why the disciples could not cast out the devil out of the child, was weakness of the belief in their hearts and faith. They were not prepared to do such a miracle in that particular time. This can come by nothing but through prayer and fasting. Lack of faith and trust in God can contribute to such failure because every task requires a full commitment, as it is very clear in the Gospel of (Mark 6: 13). Because the disciples were able to cast out the demons while on their mission to the village. Perhaps they had special authority only for that trip or perhaps their faith was faltering. Mark tells this story to show that the battle with Satan is a difficult ongoing struggle. Victory over sin and temptation comes through faith in Jesus Christ not through our own efforts. The attitude of trust and confidence is that the Bible calls belief or faith as supported by the book of (HEBREW 11: 1- 6). Faith is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2: 8 -9). No matter how much we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the Bank. Growing in faith is constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks the faith in our lives. Effective prayer need both an attitude and complete dependence on God as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power so that we may be able to perform well in His ministry every time.

3. Is peace developed through trust? Yes peace is developed through trust because if you do not trust one another then you will not be able to live in peace and that will not allow you to feel confident with each other and that shall later be growing within the community and will later on bring a confusion in the process of peaceful living if there is no trust among yourselves. We want to take steps of being in a faithful country through sincerely trusting so that we may treat ourselves as one in the society. South Sudan has almost 64 tribes of different cultures and behaviours. But they had the same African cultural activities, behaviours and traditional beliefs before Christianity, each tribe has its own norms which is a bit different but must not be ignored by other tribe groups for the sake of trustful building and peaceful maintenance in the community. Nevertheless, more people are coming in now through migration from our neighbouring countries and others elsewhere around the world which makes the tribes or different types of peoples more than 64.

4. Why could Jesus do what the disciples could not? Jesus could do what the disciples could not do through his superior power. He has a special authority over all such things and is very confident in his belief. Every task needs a full commitment and his work was only based on transformation of the world.

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Jesus could do it because He was the son of God who trusted His father and in fact, He has confidence in Him, whatsoever he has done has happened through their power together with His heavenly father. Jesus has two natures, a human and godly nature.

5. How can trust be shown in the life of a country to make peace sustainable? Trust can be shown in the life of a country to make peace sustainable among the society through forgiveness and reconciliation to one another. This can build a sustainable peace and trust among the people. The use of tolerance and compromise is the key in every situation. How we live every day can allow others to have trust in us.

6. How can we strengthen our own faith and belief today? We can strengthen our own faith and belief today by surrendering our thoughts and lives to Almighty God and walking according to His standard in the way God expects. The children of God are known for their good example and harmony living in social cooperation, Self control, justice, human rights and social interaction. To strengthen our faith and belief we need to love one another as we love ourselves not only by the words from our tongues but also in actions.

Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer. Trust is important. Trust in a leader will decide if that leader can continue to lead. Trust in a community will keep the community living in peace and harmony. Trust can be both earned and lost by the actions of a few, but it is the trust that we have in God that is most important of all. Trusting God allows God to work within us. It allows God to make us peacemakers by allowing others to trust in us. Our faith can easily spread to others by simple examples of trust. It is with small seeds that great plants grow and that is how it can be in life. Great achievements raised out of simple faith. Something we can believe in. Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it. ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Pray together:

Almighty God, Lead our new country with truthful belief and humble hearts which lead us through lasting peace. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer.

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“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Lent Course Week 5 Should We Speak Out ? By Rev Phillip Ajing Please read the Gospel accounts below:

Mark Chapter 15 Verses 16 to 21 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

John Chapter 16 Verse 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

The Big Question - Is the church prepared for the role of Advocate? Should the church take on the role of the peoples' advocate when the official pathway of policy makers neglects the openness and integrity which South Sudanese civil society leaders contend are essential ingredients of a new political structure? At a recent event, sponsored by the US Institute for Peace, one expert noted the closing of space for civil society spokespersons to operate in many countries such as South Sudan. It was noted that increasingly the government of South Sudan has implemented demands of the media and non-governmental organizations that are not substantially different from those of their former oppressor. This narrowing of space that would allow for critics to hold political leaders accountable is a serious problem if democracy is to take hold. How willing or how prepared are the churches to risk being the voice of dissent if undemocratic and dishonest practices become evident? © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Why were the soldiers mocking Jesus? Did Jesus deserve to be mocked? Do bad things happen to those who are good? Should we do what is right or what is easy? What does Jesus mean in the passage from John’s Gospel? Can Christians show a country the way to peace by speaking up?

Summing Up Despite all danger faith in God overcomes all. Many people attempting to sustain a peace must speak out as a conscience to their people which is itself dangerous. Even Jesus faced these risks but was not defeated by them. In fact they were important to his victory. There are many ways that people can speak out and be heard or set a good example of how things should be. The important thing is to remember that the victory is assured for the brave.

Pray together: God of all creations, I pray dear Lord, see our nation South Sudan through these hard times. In these troubling times, I am filled with unspeakable fears. I reached out my hands t to you now and ask you to walk beside our nation South Sudan. We cannot carry all our burdens but we know you can and will. Please walk besides our nation and let your peace and love prevails in our young nation. Please guide our leaders and those whom they lead through the trials and storms. Help us hold onto our faith and even the darkest hour. Stay with us Lord and show us your way. In your love and Holy Spirit we abide. Amen

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The Bishop’s Answer

Some Church Leaders are ready and have been speaking out as advocates for the rights of the people, either collectively as they did in the recent conflict and may other statements released by South Sudan Council of Churches. However some few Churches leaders may not want to risk speaking out because of fear for their own lives, tribal connection to the leaders in Government or loosing privileges they get from the Government in form of money, cars etc.

“Do you speak out when you see that things are wrong? Do you stand up for justice when your friends and neighbours do not? When it is easier to run and hide do you stand firm? In the coming week think about times when you did what was easy and not what was right and ask God to forgive you. Are you ready to change a little or do your own actions condemn you? The answers may not be simple or easy but pray about it this week and God will help you.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 5 Leaders Notes Should We Speak Out ? By Rev Phillip Ajing Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel accounts below.

John Chapter 16 Verse 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. Why were the soldiers mocking Jesus? The soldiers mocked Jesus out of ignorance because they heard clearly that Jesus was the king of the Jews. They also wanted to know if Jesus could revenge or protect himself as Jesus claimed to be a king. The soldiers might be acting on orders from the Roman Empire as this custom was to mock and crucify anybody who is against the law. Once again this was done so that Jesus makes the work of salvation complete. Finally Jesus is the mighty God as well as king of kings. Soldiers like sins, they were trained to kill. They did not have respect for anybody even their fathers. So they have seen nothing wrong in making Christ to suffer because they were working for the king of the world.

2. Did Jesus deserve to be mocked? No, Jesus did not deserve to be mocked because He was innocent. According to St. Thomas and Augustine, these are the reasons Jesus was mocked: 

The passion not only moves us to have faith and hope in God but also motivates us to a grateful love for God by revealing the depth of God’s love for us.



Christ suffering shows us how his sacrifice calls us to love as God loves in a world filled with natural and moral evils. St Peter expresses this in the first book of Peter 2:1 in telling us that Christ set an example in order to leave us, St Paul said we must, “in fullness of Christ and that we must live our lives in imitation of Christ.



The third reason St Thomas concluded that that God ordained the passion would take place is that through it Christ merited a great reward. Ephesians 2:9 since Christ is the head of the church, his merit flows to the members of his body and he shares his reward with us as justifying grace and glory of the blessedness of heaven.



ST. Thomas’s fourth reason is that God sent his son to suffer was that Christ’s sacrifice created what can be concluded by us to be a debt to Christ holiness.



Finally BOTH St Thomas and Augustine concluded that God ordained the passion of Christ. It rebounded to humanity’s greater dignity that God became man in the incarnation is of course a great honour to us beyond what we can conceive but Christ’s suffering and sacrificial death granted us more honour still that is why it is written glory be to God which has given us the victory thought through the love Jesus Christ.

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3. Do bad things happen to those who are good? Yes. This is because according to John chapter 16:33 Jesus said “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulations but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” The reason why bad things may happen to good people is because of the following reasons: 

Adam and Eve decided to rebel against God and his ways in the beginning. This original sin opened the door to Satan and his evil ways and allowed corruption to enter in the world and into the human body as well.



God did not create people to suffer but sometimes we do suffer because we live in a fallen world. For example when a tragedy happens to a certain group of people it will affect even the good people.



Good people may suffer because of the sins or wrongs committed by their forefathers probably before they were born.



Good people may suffer because God may want to strengthen their faith in Him

4. Should we do what is right or what is easy? we should do the right thing because of the following reasons:   



It is clearly laid out in the scripture that doing the right thing brings us in closer relationship with God. By doing the right thing you tend to get the same thing back. Give value to the people, help them and they will often want to help you and give you value in the same form. We do the right thing because doing the right thing will raise one’s self esteem. This is important because when not doing the right thing, you are sending out signals into the world. To avoid self-sabotage. If you do not do the right thing then you would not feel that you deserve the success that may come to you or through the unconscious thoughts deny yourself.

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5. What does Jesus mean in the passage from John’s Gospel? According to the passage it was focusing on the joy that Jesus’ return will bring peace to mankind. In a typical way for John this verse has a double meaning. John said that “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me, in this world you will have trouble but be brave, I have defeated the world”[John 16:33) John Chapter 15 and 16 focuses on the life of the disciples after Jesus’ departure. In the passage Jesus had predicted joy and suffering, it was to direct the disciple’s attention to what they were about to experience as a result of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

6. Can Christians show a country the way to peace by speaking up? Yes. This can be done through the following ways:

    

Christians can show to the country the way to peace through writing petitions to members of the parliament in order for them to discuss and pass it as a law hence this will help to promote security in the country. Christians can also participate in the international day to pray for peace. Join a peace delegation with Christian peacemaker teams in the country in order to discuss major issues that threaten peace in the country. Set a good example to the younger generation of what peace looks like. Religious leaders on both sides of the dispute can be mobilized to facilitate peace in the country

Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer. Despite all danger faith in God overcomes all. Many people attempting to sustain a peace must speak out as a conscience to their people which is itself dangerous. Even Jesus faced these risks but was not defeated by them. In fact they were important to his victory. There are many ways that people can speak out and be heard or set a good example of how things should be. The important thing is to remember that the victory is assured for the brave. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

Pray together:

God of all creations, I pray dear Lord, see our nation South Sudan through these hard times. In these troubling times, I am filled with unspeakable fears. I reached out my hands to you now and ask you to walk beside our nation South Sudan. We cannot carry all our burdens but we know you can and will. Please walk besides our nation and let your peace and love prevail in our young nation. Please guide our leaders and those whom they lead through the trials and storms. Help us hold onto our faith in even the darkest hour. Stay with us Lord and show us your way. In your love and Holy Spirit we abide. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer.

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“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Lent Course Week 6 What Happens Now ? By Rev Capt Paul Lueth Kat Please read the Gospel account below:

Luke Chapter 24 Verses 36 to 48 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.========After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

The Big Question - Can the church take steps to prevent a reoccurrence of the painful conflict of the past 18 months? For example, a friend and colleague recently commented that if youth were easily seduced into taking up arms and mutilating their neighbours, would not greater attention to programs for youth be something to seriously consider? Are there ways that core elements of our Christian faith - loving ones' neighbour as oneself and forgiving ones' enemy - can be more effectively taught, practiced and thus instilled? Are there practical ways that the church can match its exhortations with demonstration and example?

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. When Jesus appeared why did the disciples think he must be a ghost? 2. How can we know he was real? 3. Can a country or community believe in peace even if it seems impossible? 4. Did Jesus reconcile the disciples? 5. Can doing what God wants help reconcile people in peace? 6. Can knowing the story of Jesus change our lives and make them better?

Summing Up Jesus had to convince his disciples that he really was resurrected, that he really was who he appeared to be. The faith in God that Jesus preached and lived overcame the death of the crucifixion. He was resurrected as is shown in his meetings with the disciples and foretold by various prophets. As impossible as it may as have seemed he was real and so his teachings were real and his promises were real too. Faith in the teachings of Jesus can make them come to life for others as they see them woven in to the fabric of your own life. You cannot preach Christianity and not live it. You cannot live it if you do not know it and you can only know it if you know Jesus. Real peace can be sustained by love, the love Jesus brought to us. So it is up to you to be the one who begins an incredible story by saying “peace be with you”

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Pray together: Let the Almighty Lord Appear to us this year as in Genesis 18: 1-9 like Abraham and Sarah. Let us pray for the peace of South Sudan, let the Lord appear to South Sudan with Peace. Let the almighty Lord appear to his people, to stop corruption in Christianity and corruption in nations. Let the Prince of Peace on Earth preach to our hearts his sweet mission of peace. Amen

The Bishop’s Answer

The Church's main focus now is to bring peace to South Sudan as the top priority. Once peace is signed the next agenda will be to ensure that reconciliation takes place among the communities and the constitution is reviewed. This must be done in order to ensure that the causes of this conflict are addressed so as to avoid a recurrence of similar conflicts in future.

“In the coming week think about ways that you could bring the story of Jesus to others. How can you convince others that his ways bring peace and challenge the way things are. The answers may not be simple or easy but pray about that this week and ask God to help.”

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

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Lent Course Week 6 Leaders Notes What Happens Now ? By Rev Capt Paul Lueth Kat

Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel accounts below.

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Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers: Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. When Jesus appeared why did the disciples think he must be a ghost? The disciples thought they saw a ghost, they were afraid, because Jesus was changed from his human body, and became God. But Jesus made them feel at ease, told them "peace be with" you and again Jesus comforted them "why are you afraid" and another word "why are you ashamed while Iam still here with you." It was difficult for the disciples to accept at first.

2. How can we know he was real? We know ir was Jesus by the fact he showed his hands where the nails were placed. Showing to one of the disciples, Jesus said "look, the mark of the nail, the Sign of the covenant", disciples doubted but Jesus showed his hands. Again Jesus revealed himself by saying "peace be with you" by this they realized this is the real Jesus that was crucified.

3. Can a country or community believe in peace even if it seems impossible? The community can believe in peace when religious leaders appear in the community and preach a word of peace like Jesus appeared to the disciples and preached to them "peace be with you". The disciples were confused they didn’t know where they are go, but the Prince of Peace appeared to them and said "peace be with you". The disciples felt relaxed because peace is with them; Jesus. The same is true in the community everywhere, people don’t know where they going. They need peace, but who is brining a message of peace like Jesus? in the community they are thirsty for peace they just need people like Jesus to appear to them and say "peace be with you".

4. Did Jesus reconcile the disciples? Yes, Jesus did great reconcile the disciples and he comforted them to enjoy the peace was brought through his own sacrifice.

5. Can doing what God wants help reconcile people in peace? Yes, by the help of God, we can all do great things to reconcile the people on earth. By our actions alone we can say peace be with you.

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6. Can knowing the story of Jesus change our lives and make them better? Knowing the story of Jesus is very significant, we can change human beings lives by the telling of it. We are often lacking the knowledge of God, that why we suffer. Knowing about Jesus helps us to get closer to God and understand better how our lives can be lived so that no one suffers.

Summing Up Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence to prepare for prayer.

Jesus had to convince his disciples that he really was resurrected, that he really was who he appeared to be. The faith in God that Jesus preached and lived overcame the death of the crucifixion. He was resurrected as is shown in his meetings with the disciples and foretold by various prophets. As impossible as it may as have seemed he was real and so his teachings were real and his promises were real too. Faith in the teachings of Jesus can make them come to life for others as they see them woven in to the fabric of your own life. You cannot preach Christianity and not live it. You cannot live it if you do not know it and you can only know it if you know Jesus. Real peace can be sustained by love, the love Jesus brought to us. So it is up to you to be the one who begins an incredible story by saying “peace be with you”

Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

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Pray together:

Let the Almighty Lord Appear to us this year as in Genesis 18: 1-9 like Abraham and Sarah. Let us pray for the peace of South Sudan, let the Lord appear to South Sudan with Peace. Let the almighty Lord appear to his people, to stop corruption in Christianity and corruption in nations. Let the Prince of Peace on Earth preach to our hearts his sweet mission of peace. Amen

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of free prayer.

Think about ways that you could bring the story of Jesus to others. How can you convince others that his ways bring peace and challenge the way things are. The answers may not be simple or easy but pray about that this week and ask God to help. © Wau Diocese 2016 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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Finish saying the Grace together. In so far as is practical encourage people to say the grace holding hands and sharing a smile with each member of the group to encourage a positive feel of inclusiveness.

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.”

When all the people have left make a note of anything that came up in the group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the people that have attended.

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Connect With Wau Diocese It has been our pleasure to provide this Lent Study Course. We have done this for free because we have been able to and also we really want to share the Good News of Jesus with as many people as possible. We hope that it has helped you to grow in faith and knowledge. As an Anglican diocese in South Sudan we have many practical needs that require help. So we would very much like you to consider making a donation to Wau Diocese or partnering with us in our work. Practical help can be just as valuable as money. Please contact us to receive our quarterly newsletter, called Renewal, we would very much like to share our news with you. Lots of useful information and contact details can be seen on our diocese website:

www.wau.anglican.org Here is our address: ECS Diocese of Wau Hai Mozephin, Opposite Wau Teaching Hospital C/O ECS Provincial Office P.O. Box 110 Juba South Sudan Africa

Tel: +211912239089/+21195958118

Email: bishop@wau.anglican.org

ÂŠ Wau Diocese 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan

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