Celebrating the Lord Together in One Faith in the ECS Diocese of Wau
A Word from the Diocesan Bishop of Wau Rt, Rev, Moses Deng. The Journey is Just Beginning Somewhere after Christmas and before Ash Wednesday the focus of the whole Church changes. All through Advent, in longing for his arrival, through Christmas in celebration at his coming and even in Epiphany where he is truly revealed, Jesus has been a child. Sometimes a baby as in Luke Chapter 2 verse 12 “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Sometimes a boy as in Luke Chapter 2 verse 43 “After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it” but not yet a man. Suddenly now we are confronted with a fully grown man that John baptises in the Jordan river and God publicly announces his approval of. You can read about this story in the Gospel of Matthew in Chapter 3 verses 13 to 17. The Church from this point on is no longer just telling people that Jesus is here or that he is the Son of God. From this point on the Church is actively following Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem and Easter. From this point on the Church is trying to learn from Jesus and trying to help other people learn too. We have a special time for learning and preparation called Lent, it’s a very serious time and a very precious time. The Gospels tell us that after being baptised by John Jesus spent forty days on his own in the wilderness. This was a time of preparation for him, he prayed and he was challenged as we can see in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 4 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” You can read the whole story in Luke Chapter 4 verses 1 to 13. Jesus was able to
Page Index A Word From the Bishop......................................2 Evangelists and Lay Readers Ordained.................4 New Dinka Rek Bibles Located .............................6 A Special Service in France...................................7 A Statement from the Archbishop........................9 Dakum Chaplaincy Church Opens.......................11 Humanitarian Aid in Abyei..................................13 Consultative Meeting with Dr Riek Machar........14 Archbishop Daniel at BGC...................................15 Millennium Development Goals.........................17 A Baby Boy for Rev Paul and Regina...................22 Contact Us ..........................................................23 A Short Easter Message......................................23 Please Pray with us ............................................24
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gather himself and prepare for the work that he had ahead. If we are to be true followers of Jesus we need this time too. We need our own “wilderness time”. We need to be challenged about what we know, we need space to think and grow spiritually. Lent is this time and it is one of the reasons that Wau diocese has devised a Lent Course. I’m very pleased that we did, not just because it shows off some of my talented staff but because it shows that we are not just a church of needs, we have something to share which we think is very valuable and worth sharing.
St Paul’s University in Limuru Kenya ensuring very high standards. With some development St John’s is ideally placed to provide local training for the eight western ECS dioceses not to mention a range of other Christians that we share fellowship with. People should not need to go to Juba or Nairobi to get training.
Sadly it seems that as a community we here in Wau will have many needs for some time to come and so we really value all our friends and partners that give so generously to help us. We really need to build capacity, by that I mean the ability to do things. I am surrounded by clever and energetic people that cannot get a good education or cannot get enough to eat. Nearly all the women here cannot read and write correctly. There are so many good priests and pastors that could benefit so much from some training. We do have a theological college called St John’s that Rev Joseph Mamer is principal of and manages really very well. It is moderated by
Towards the end of Lent we will relive the events of Holy Week, with foot washing on Maundy Thursday and remember the terrible events of Good Friday. Then with huge joy gather to celebrate together the most marvellous event in history and really enjoy the love that God has for all of us in the resurrection of Jesus.
With our focussed fixed now on a grown Jesus who is setting out on a mission of teaching and preaching Lent is just the first part of our journey. We should aim to try and walk beside Jesus in our minds and listen to all that he has to say through the words of the Gospels.
But the journey still is not over just as some of the Apostles found at Emmaus things do not simply end. This passage is when the apostles woke to the fact it was Jesus who had walked with them “ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began
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to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” You can read the whole story at Luke Chapter 24 verses 13 to 35. The journey continued on from there, just read the Acts of the Apostles to see what happened after Easter. The journey that Jesus takes us on is one that goes on and on for all of your life and in all that time you never stop learning and growing. It’s a
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journey that I would really like to see us have the capacity to take everyone on. If I could ask something of you it would be to join us in Wau Diocese and make the journey of your life as our friend in Jesus Christ. We would be pleased to travel with you in fellowship. Every Blessing Bishop Moses Deng
Evangelists and Lay-Readers Ordained in Kuajok Archdeaconry By Daniel Machar Dhieu At least 15 evangelists and 25 lay-readers, both men and women, in Kuajok Archdeaconry of Wau Diocese were ordained by Bishop Moses Deng Bol, Bishop of Wau diocese on New
Year’s Day 2013. These lay-people evangelists were trained to be ordained recognised by both the congregation Archdeacon of the Kuajok, Abraham Ayom,
and and and as o
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good followers of Jesus and able to lead the people in the church. Bishop Moses told both Lay Readers and Evangelists that they are people who are called to a ministry in the church which is normally voluntary, nationally accredited, with Episcopal license and governed by diocese law. They are also called to exercise a preaching and teaching ministry in the church and to be a theological resource. They are also licensed to lead the ministry of the word in worship and may be involved in educational and pastoral work, evangelism and other areas of lay ministry evangelism. Both Evangelists and Lay Readers are licensed by the bishop to a particular parish and they are then members of the ministry team. The licence also authorises the readers to assist in any parish in the diocese. The primary duties of both readers and evangelists as directed by their titles from the Bishop are to preach and teach in order to conduct or assist in conducting public worship and also conducting Morning and Evening Prayer. In addition, Bishop Moses asked lay-readers to be able to read the scriptures, preach, and present the offerings of the people, and undertake pastoral and educational work. They are also permitted to undertake some pastoral duties such as visiting the sick and read verses to them and pray with them, to teach in Sunday schools and to assist the ministry in undertaking pastoral and educational work as the bishop directs. They are not allowed to conduct baptisms. Occasionally they may be asked to perform their work in the church service. Bishop Moses made it clear: "The lay-readers are called to focus and enable the work of pastoral practice within the local church and community and should be rooted in
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its working practice. Your work as lay-readers will depend on the gifts and skills of the individual and the needs of the local church as you are called to challenge the church to care for the world as Christ does, undertake specific tasks of pastoral care, work with statutory and voluntary agencies to provide care in the community, to enable the church to express Christ’s ministry of healing and wholeness and be competent in the use of appropriate forms in support of this work. On other-hand, the evangelists are called to focus and enable the work of evangelism within the local church and community and should be found in its collaborative working practice. The work of the evangelists will depend on the gifts and skills of the individual and the needs of the local church as they are called to proclaim and live the gospel, go where the church is not, interpret the church to the world and the world to the church, encourage the whole church in its work of evangelism, inside and outside the church, lead worship and preach in appropriate circumstances." Bishop Moses also assured the Evangelists and Lay-Readers as people of the same course that really put their life in God. "I Am telling you, for those who may be considering training for evangelism and licensed lay ministry I would like to see them holding the Bishop’s Licence for at least three years after completing training" said Bishop Moses. This means that, normally, the effective upper age at which someone would begin training would be equivalent to the ability of you. All evangelists and Lay-readers are subject to diocesan policy and procedures on Safeguarding and participate in a regular programme of the church. They are called to be more respective to the church authority and ready to be transfer to any church if called to do so.
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New Bibles Located for Wau Diocese Pastors By Canon Kenneth JH Hearn – LTI UK Commissary To Wau Diocese Over 3 years ago, I was troubled by the fact that the only Dinka-Rek New Testaments that we could get for Wau ECS were in the hands of the Catholic Church who were selling to us at a large profit although a reasonable price of about $4 each. When the New Testament was translated by Wycliffe/SIL in Khartoum the print of 35,000 copies was delivered to Port Sudan. Customs demanded an excessive duty. Nobody had the money to pay this so they were kept stored for about a year. When Customs realised that they were not going to be paid and pressure was on to release them they gave up and said "No Charge"! However the Storage people then wanted their money which was said to be nearly as much as Customs required. Nobody could pay so they auctioned them and the only people that were able to fund a bid were the Catholic Church who kept them for themselves.
said the Computer Record was in the hands of Aprile at SIL Office in Dallas, Texas. To my surprise, Aprile said that the computer data was with a Printer in South Korea! "Why?" I asked. The answer was that an Order had been received from Samaritan's Purse and a Church in USA! "Could we add to the Order, please?". Aprile said yes as it had not been printed! When she further investigated, Aprile found that the
Having thought that the original Computer copy could be somewhere; I investigated. It was possible to even discuss the matter with the Translation Supervisor who had retired to Cornwall, England. I achieved nothing. However, two years ago I was inspired of the Holy Spirit to approach the staff on the Wycliffe Stand at the Bangor Worldwide Missionary Exhibition. I spoke to a young man on the Stand whose reaction was to direct me to a lady who was out from Northern Ireland in South Sudan. It transpired that she was home on leave and was able to tell me who to speak to at High Wycombe Wycliffe H.Q. The person I contacted
printing was run but, if we added an order within 7 days, it would be accepted as the Binding had not been done. Thanks to Logos Ministries International in Belfast, who had collected for the Dinka Rek N.T.s, they were able to find £1,000 right away. Before the deadline, another £2,500 had been donated when I approached a friend to find out where I could contact a certain Charity to get more! Other friends even emptied their pockets for us so I was able to order 3,350! Samaritan's Purse has a Refugee Camp over 100 miles north of Wau Town (not far from the Darfur Border) for which the order had been
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placed. It meant that they could deliver their order via Wau en route to their Camp as the road tracks through Wau Town. They did and I was able to see the delivery and check it in the Wau Diocesan Safe Dry Storage during my visit
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in March. They were in excellent condition, beautifully bound as can be seen in the photographs. Distribution, mainly through the Archdeacons, is being made with a token gift expected in return for each one presented.
A Special Church Service in France for the Episcopal Church of Sudan in Wau By Dr Sebasien Fath – Baptist Church of Chauny, France Each 11th of November, France commemorates the End of World War One (WWI). On the 11th of November, 2012, Chauny Baptist Church in France (located 1H45 north from Paris) decided to connect History and contemporary South Sudan, through a special sunday service. Plagued a long time ago by a deadly war, France enjoys for decades peace and prosperity. This is a great blessing ! And this is the wish French Christians from Chauny have for South Sudan. Peace, growth, opportunities for all. Wau Christians are wonderful and gifted children of God ! The Lord wants them to have faith and to blossom !
The reason why Chauny Baptist Church decided to organize a special service and fund-raising event for the school-work done in WAU by the Episcopal Church of Sudan (Bishop Moses Deng) is rooted in the powerful testimony provided by a former Western Bahr El Ghazal citizen named Mrs Naomi Baki. Mrs Naomi Baki, mother of Caroline, is a very strong and smart South Sudanese Christian, full of courage and resolve, who came to France at the beginning of 2011. After a very long and very difficult journey impacted by war and tragedy, she made it, obtained official documents in France, and gained the status of refugee. Praise the Lord ! Before she left for France, our sister Naomi
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received this Bible verse : "You are priceless to Me. I love you and honor you. I will give up other nations and people to save your life. Do not be afraid. I am with you ! " (Bible, Isaiah 43 : 4-5). The word of God revealed its extraordinary power and truth in Naomi Baki's life, giving her a whole new life in France, along with her daughter Caroline. Now working and renting a flat in the French city of Soissons, she has never forgotten her country of birth. Born in Raja in the Kresh-Gbaya tribe, raised in Raja and Mbelugu (a beautiful farm south of Raja), she has advocated convincingly for the people of South Sudan, raising awareness about Western Bahr el Ghazal and its main town, WAU. This led Chauny Baptist Church to action, organizing the special service held on the 11th of November, 2012. Mrs Naomi Baki gave a very strong testimony of the liberating power of God's grace. Everybody was stuck. Thanks to Naomi's words, Wau, Raja and South Sudan were not names anymore but people, families, tears and hopes. Dr Sebastien Fath translated in French and preached briefly afterwards. Pastor Lionel Minard concluded the service with prayer. Chauny Baptist Church is not a big Christian community. There are about 50 regular attendees. However, brothers and sisters were generous and gave a total of 410 euros (more than 500 dollars) for the adult education program in WAU, run by the ECS and its respected bishop, Moses Deng. The money has been sent from France on the 7th of December, 2012, it happened to be difficult to transfer the amount to its final destination but the money eventually arrives. We trusted God and this act of solidarity was not in vain.
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However far from each other in distance, we are close in the Spirit, united by the same loving
God who made us through Jesus' grace a worldwide family. French Christians from Chauny Baptist Church want to thank their Wau brethren and sisters for their example, their hope, their Christian virtues exemplified in the good work done by ECS for needy people. They thank also for the beautiful website and the wonderful and detailed newsletter, read with great interest and pleasure ! Without this, French Christians would never have thought of praying and supporting an education project in Wau ! Last but not least, we thank God who make us a family forever. Blessings from France and keep sending news !
Wau Diocese gratefully acknowledges the help and fellowship it receives from its partners and friends in other parts of the world. Thank you and
God bless you for your kindness!
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A Statement from the Archbishop Primate of the ECS&SS and the Bishop of Juba, the Most Rev’d. Dr. Daniel Deng Bul on the Recent House of Bishops’ Meeting in Maridi November 23rd to 26th 2012
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseas –not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve…” (1 Peter 5:2, NIV)
to the Bishop of the Diocese of Maridi, the Christians of Maridi, and all the Bishops for their commitment to this important meeting. Certainly this is a good step of financial independence which may lead to self-reliance over against financial dependence which is often crippling.
We are delighted to inform you that the Bishops of Episcopal Church of the Sudan and South Sudan held their House of Bishop's Meeting in the Diocese of Maridi, Western Equatoria State (WES) in South Sudan from 22nd -24th November 2012. Also we are glad to inform you that all the Bishops participated in the meeting except the Dean of the Province, The Rt. Rev’d Francis Loyo who was to undergo a minor operation in Kampala at the time. While the Bishops held their meeting, the wives of the Bishops and the Deans of the Cathedrals of the ECS participated in some vigorous training separately to equip them with the necessary skills related to their ministries.
Opening and devotion
The training of the Deans was facilitated by the Very Rev’d. Canon June Osborne, the Dean of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Salisbury in UK and assisted by the Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Edward F. Condry, the Area Bishop of Ramsbury in the Diocese of Salisbury; the training of the Bishops’ wives were conducted by the wife of the Archbishop, Mama Deborah Abuk, and the President of the Mothers’ Union, the Rev’d. Elizabeth Aya Noah. The Meeting was Self-Financed The cost of financing the Budget of the meeting & the training was shared among the host Diocese, the rest of the dioceses and the Province in the following ways: each Diocese transported its delegates to the meeting (i.e. The Bishop, the Bishop’s wife and the Dean of the Cathedral) and the host Diocese of Maridi took care of the feeding and the Province met the cost of accommodation. It is for this reason that we are enormously grateful
The meeting was officially opened with Holy Eucharist Service on the evening of 22nd Nov 2012 by His Grace the Archbishop, the Primate of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan and South Sudan and the Bishop of Juba. At the event of the opening, the Archbishop reflected on the tasks of the shepherd, the challenges and risks that are often involved. Thus it is imperative that a good shepherd cares for the flock, and this may often mean he puts his own life into danger for the sake of the flock. And present at the opening ceremony were the delegates to the meeting, the General Secretary of the Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), Canon Grace Kaiso, the Governor’s Designate, the Acting Commissioner of Maridi, some MPs of WES and the Christians of the Diocese of Maridi. On the following morning (which was the first of day of meeting) Bishop Ezekiel Kondo delivered the devotional message during which he preached on being the “salt and the light” of the world as proposed by Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:13-16. Bishop Kondo emphasized the significance of being the “salt and the light” in the ministry of the leader. And on the third day (Nov. 24th which was the second day of the meeting) Bishop Micah Laila of the Diocese of Terekeka preached on the theme of Love and its importance in the role of the leader. Unless the leader loves his work he would not be a good shepherd for the flock of God and be salt and light for the church.
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Through the facilitation led by the Rev’d. Canon Grace Kaiso, the General Secretary of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), the Bishops explored briefly the historical background to the establishment of CAPA which was mainly to deepen fellowship among the provinces; to share issues of common concern at all levels being continental or international; training of new Bishops and new archbishops and so on and so forth. Also, Bishops explored the necessity of strategic plans that will equip and empower both religious and political leaders of our countries to be more accountable; the Bishops furthermore explored the need for theological reflection with Africans in an African context which CAPA is envisioning. In addition to that, the Bishops considered looking keenly on the issue of educating, teaching and encouraging the members of the church in all levels on economic empowerment, HIV/AIDS endemic, capacity building of the institutions using the models of umoja or Church and Community mobilization process (CCMP) which is commonly known in certain places as Participatory Awakening Process (PAP). This is a process which helps empower both the church and community holistically for now and for the generations to come in the future. Issues Discussed Resolutions.
in
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The Archbishop’s Charge: The House of Bishops accepted and adopted the charge of the Archbishop which covers a range of issues, including among them: 1. The Bishops explored a range of possibilities related to financial viability at the level of the Province as well as at the level of the dioceses. And hence recommended that a feasibility study is necessary to be undertaken for the consideration of the next Provincial Standing Committee Meeting of 2013. 2. Report of Assessment for new Dioceses/Areas: The House of Bishops accepted the report of the Assessment
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Committee and recommended that the Committee make necessary corrections. Also on the areas which were not assessed as per the Ninth Provincial Synod resolution, it was resolved that the Committee members reassess those areas and submit the report to the upcoming Provincial Standing Committee Meeting or General Provincial Synod, the only two bodies which can approve new dioceses or area dioceses. 3. Northern Cluster in the Sudan: Based on Resolution No. 2 of the Ninth Provincial Synod 2011 and the Archbishop’s request for implementation of the said resolution, the House of Bishops gave the Archbishop the go ahead to begin the process for the Northern Cluster to become an Internal Province under one united Episcopal Church of the Sudan and South Sudan. 4. Peace & Reconciliation: The House of Bishops commended the Archbishop for leading the team that realized the peace and reconciliation in Jonglei which is holding, only that there are humanitarian crises which needs to be addressed and we request SUDRA to give appropriate response to that. Also the meeting commended other ECS bishops for being active in their respective dioceses on peace building. Furthermore, the house agreed that church leaders everywhere are to participate in peace and reconciliation to bring unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of this nation wherever they serve. 5. Security Issues: The House of Bishops acknowledged that they are still concerned of the security problems in Darfur, Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei. And we appeal to the international community to intervene to stop air bombardments, allow humanitarian aid to the affected people, stop and investigate human rights abuses committed in the conflict areas and engagement of direct talks between the conflicting parties for bringing just and lasting peace to the
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communities. 6. LRA: We are still concerned about the LRA crisis as the leader of the LRA remains at large and continues to kill and abduct the civil population in Western Equatoria in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Central Africa Republic (CAR). While we continue to pray for an end to this crisis we do want to call on the respective governments in our region to bring an end to this crisis.
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Provincial Standing Committee so that the Province should decide as to whether or not to sign the document. 9. ECS Constitutional Review: The Committee for the ECS Constitutional review gave its report which the House of Bishops accepted with amendments. The dioceses are requested to send their questions or comments to the Provincial Chancellor, before it is adopted in next Standing Committee.
7. Teaching and discipleship: The House resolved that Bishops and clergy are to ensure that necessary teachings are accorded to those concerned. For instance, the candidates for baptism, confirmation and those to be licensed into various offices of the church even to the Canons and Archdeacons as to what their roles entail.
10. The crisis in Wau was withdrawn back by the cluster for the cluster to solve.
8. Anglican Covenant: On the issue of the document of Anglican Covenant, the bishops discussed and agreed to read the document through in their respective dioceses, consider their position on the same and report back in the next
However, it was not only meetings; there were times of fellowship, site seeing and fun. And the meeting ended with a holy Eucharist service followed by big and friendly football match between the Bishops and the Deans of Cathedrals where the bishops defeated the deans!
11. The House of Bishops asked the Office of the Archbishop to form a committee to investigate the crisis in Twic East wherein the Archbishop is being insulted and disrespected by members of the Diocese of Twic East.
Opening Ceremony at Dakum Chaplaincy Church By Daniel Machar Dhieu
The Dakum Chaplaincy church was officially blessed by the bishop of Wau Diocese, the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol and officially opened by Maj.Gen. Joseph Malual Majok the commander of the Makanas division in Mapel. However, the function was attended by all SPLA top officials, senior pastors, soldiers and the entire Christian population in Mapel area including invited guests from neighbouring counties of Tonj and
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Wau. All of these were present, indeed the attendance in total was counted as 2345 people. In our recent history, Mapel became the first SPLA chaplaincy to build a church in the diocese of Wau and the first SPLA chaplaincy church blessed by the Bishop of Wau, Moses Deng Bol, as built by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Malual Majok, Makanas division commander in chief with his staff. This church is also now the second chaplaincy church built in the diocese of Wau, the first was built by the UNMISS Kanya Battalion under the leadership of Gitogo in Raja county and now another in Mapel under our own national army the SPLA;
praise be to the Lord. This church was funded by the SPLA Soldiers under the authority of Maj.Gen. Malual Majok as the proposal was written by Joseph Lual Deng and approved by Maj. Gen. Malual Majok. The Rt. Rev. Moses Deng Bol very much appreciates the work done by the SPLA leadership in Mapel as this proves them to be God fearing Soldiers. He also encouraged them to continue to work with local civilians and
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maintain good relations with civilians. Having a good relationship with local citizens is most important to both sides because soldiers with civilians are like water with fish you can’t separate fish from water. Just the same you can’t separate soldiers from civilians and live normally. In the celebration, the Choir from Nyariya, Dakum and Gargar entertained the gathering by presenting songs in their own local language; this interlude was introduced in welcoming the Maj. Gen. Malual Majok. Maj. Gen. Joseph Malual Majok, told the gathering that “we SPLA leaders trust God in many things, during the liberation struggle and even now we still trust Him more than anything. For this, people should not wonder for this little thing that we have constructed here in Dakum training centre, we expect more to be built”. He added, “where ever we go we shall be in a good relationship with our civilians in this nation of South Sudan because these civilians were our source of power and that power was not of their own making. It was God who really empowered people through prayers to contribute to our victory.” However, Maj. Gen. Malual called for Bishop Moses Deng Bol to pray for the soldiers of South Sudan because issues connected with too much alcohol are arising from day to day. Therefore, we need help from God to at least make them reduce from this disease.
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Brig. Malueth the head of academic training in Mapel, addressed the congregation as well as the invited guests to note in their mind there is nothing more important than God and to all soldiers present the need to adjust themselves from the past translation into new translation because you were said to be the poorest people
world, the same as our situation in defending our nation we die for our people and we proud of that. Here, we need not to behave wrongly in this nation.
who usually rob and rape women, that’s how the people defined us then but now, are we not the national army?
See more images of this event on our website at:
Therefore, I am telling you one thing that needs your understanding, we the Soldiers we are like Jesus who died for Human sin all over the
In conclusion, Bishop Moses told the gathering, especially the soldiers, to have a good relationship with civilians as this will help them a lot. He also assured the civilians to respect them before God; they left their families because of you. Indeed, Bishop Moses Deng Bol encouraged each and every person to come to the church to build-up a good image to outside world and also within our nation.
http://www.wau.anglican.org/index.php?PageID =mapel
Abyei Displaced People in Wau Need Humanitarian Assistance Daniel Machar Dhieu
After decades of conflict and displacement, returnees from Sudan and Abyei to South Sudan are facing huge difficulties to restart their lives. According to the pastor Deng Ajack who
represents the Abyei people on behalf of Greenty deanery asked the Bishop of Wau diocese, Rt Rev Moses Deng to at least connect them to a charitable community.
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These people are also in search of the Organisation of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan and abroad to help them in they’re need. He added that, around 1270 people from Abyei are now here.
to their villages, or towns of origin. However, as many of them had lived in Khartoum and Abyei for a long time, over a period of their existence of war, they do not seem to know this area of Wau.
Bishop Moses Deng told the congregation to commits their lives to God after doing this you will receive whatever you want. Therefore, we need to pray together and ask God to give us what we are in-need of.
The diocese of Wau is asking for support to help South Sudanese and Abyei returnees who are in urgent need. They are planning to build the church and they are asking for the following:
Also, despite the raising of hope for going back home, the situation for Abyei is very fragile and in much need of assistance. The relief and development coordinator of the Diocese of Wau in the Episcopal Church of Sudan, Rev Andrew Apiny, explained that returnees could not bring along their things, as they were flown from Sudan especially from Abyei to Wau so they arrive with minimum personal belongings. They have been temporarily accommodated in a transit camp at Bilpam Wau, at the outskirts of Wau town near arm centre. The returnees are expected to continue their journey and go back
• They need to be provided with building materials for them to build their church in time. • They also, need canvas and hand tools for each of the returnees and Abyei families to enable them resettle in this land or on their own plots allocated by the government of Western Bahr-el-ghazal State.
If you think that you can help please contact the diocese of Wau Development Co-ordinator, Rev Andrew Apiny: development@wau.anglican.org
A Report on a Consultative Forum Meeting with the Vice President Dr. Riek Machar of the Republic of South Sudan By Revd Mark Akec Cien - Acting General Secretary, Sudan Council of Churches
On Monday February 04, 2013 the Sudan Council Churches (SCC) and other faith based organizations took part in a consultative forum with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. The consultation meeting which was sanction by the Vice President Dr. Riek Machar was attended by several religious leaders
affiliated to SCC and the South Sudan Islamic Council; among those present were SCC Chairman Bishop Michael Taban and the Acting General Secretary Revd Mark Akec Cien. The consultative forum whose theme was: A journey of Healing for National Reconciliation in
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South Sudan is an initiative by the Government aimed at trying to reduce the rampant violence in South Sudan and the insecurity in Juba itself. H.E. Dr. Machar emphasised that, although it’s a program which was passed by Council of Ministers, the Government in conjunction with an organization known as Initiative of Change International would like to partner with the Church, faith based organization, civil society and political parties so as to disseminate the message of peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. The program is expected to begin by the training of some 200 Peace Mobilizes who will carry sensitization in all the Ten States of South Sudan followed by a national conference on Peace and Reconciliation to be held from 18 – 21 April, 2013 and will be attended by world leaders among them South Africa Prelate and Noble Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd among
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others who will come to share with South Sudanese their experiences on Peace and Reconciliation, Good Governance and how to combat Human Security. The Church leaders and South Sudan Islamic Council leaders present welcomed the initiative but caution the Government not to hijack such important national issue with SCC Chairman Bishop Taban who spoke last, saying what the Church leaders had emphasised was very crucial. Bishop Taban reminded the Government of earlier initiatives on peace like the Kajiko One and Two which were successful because the Church and the Government had worked together. The Vice President welcomed all the views and encouraged the Church to take part in the review of the constitution which is ongoing and promised to send a full document on the Reconciliation and Peace program for everyone to read, requesting that any feedback by the Council or the faith based organizations present are welcome.
Archbishop Daniel Visits Bishop Gwynne College . By Rev Peter Angui Akook
Archbishop Dr. Daniel Deng Bul was asked by the ECS international consultant and the acting principal to come and see the college site in Juba. The Archbishop was given the opportunity of preaching during morning devotion at BGC where the following texts were read: Psalm 10, Jeremiah 4:1931 and John 5:1-18.
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"A message of healing"(John 5:1-18) The Healing at the Pool 1 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" 7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." 8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.' " 12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Life Through the Son 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. 17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." 18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
Archbishop Daniel delivered a message of healing to BGC students by saying that our country is sick for the fact that it has been experiencing the bitterness of war for decades.
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And yet the country as a young nation is again still undergoing another serious sickness of trauma, tribalism, nepotism, rampant killing and cattle raiding etc to mention but few things. Who is our true healer? asked the Archbishop. We need to bring every sickness to Jesus Christ who would heal us from all of these. It is our duty and responsibility to challenge the situation before the situation challenges us, not for the sake of challenging but to rescue, handle and settle the situation before getting into worse situations commented Archbishop Daniel. The Archbishop expressed his fear of our politicians who always say things that bring division among themselves but not what unites them. Politicians always asked this question when things fall apart from their hands, "where is the church?" At this point they want a church then to intervene and reconcile what has gone wrong in the past back to its normal position. A sick person searches for a doctor to be treated in order to get healed. In the process, a patient has to say how it is he/she has been sick with signs and symptoms. Let's come before Jesus with our real signs of trauma, tribalism, nepotism and this rampant killing, Jesus Christ will heal us and let us get rid of them. Archbishop Daniel challenged students to go and make a careful research and study of our people so that we will be able to serve them according to their needs. Rev Peter is currently a student of Bishop Gwynne College and hopes to study further at St Paul’s University in Limuru Kenya. He is actively seeking help to do this and would welcome any support. If you would like to help Rev Peter and help Wau diocese in the process please contact the diocesan secretary on the email below. dio.secretary@wau.anglican.org
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Join Hands to Support the Millennium Development Goals in South Sudan By Rev Nathanial Maral Sudan and South Sudan share a heritage of conflict over two decades, the War was deep seated between the Arab heritage identified with northern Sudan, and African heritages to the south. The two groups divided along linguistic, religious, racial, and economic lines, and the divide has generated ethnic tensions and clashes. The long civil war in the country still affects the new born nation of South Sudan who gained her independence on 9th July 2011. The South Sudanese economy fell apart, resulting in 90% of people living in absolute poverty with numerous challenges including high illiteracy, gender bias, high rates of disease such as HIV/AIDs, Malaria, Cancer, Guinea worm, TB, and more. There is also a high rate of child mortality and mothers dying during pregnancy, birth and just after. The Episcopal Church of Sudan in Wau Diocese experiences this situation on the ground and within local communities. Sustainable development promotes the God given distinction of each person and enhances the capacity of people and communities to be subjects in the shaping of their own future. The importance of sustainability of churches is also recognized as a central issue for our mission as a diocese to promote development in our congregations and nationwide across South Sudan. What are the MDGs? The MDGs are Millennium Development Goals, MDGs are eight international development goals that all 193 United Nations member States, and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. The aim of Millennium Development Goals is to encourage development by improving social and economic conditions in the world's poorest countries. They derive from earlier international development targets and were officially established at the Millennium Summit in 2000, where all world
leaders present adopted the United Nations Millennium Declaration from which the eight goals were promoted. Challenges facing South Sudan in attaining the MDGS There are numerous challenges facing South Sudan in attaining the MDGs by 2015 including: •Weak institutional, institutions
capacity
of
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•Weak coordination among sectors •Political uncertainty and insecurity in large parts of the country •Poor basic infrastructure •Lack of strategy.
a
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and anti-poverty
•Weak civil society organizations and limited resources for development. However, since South Sudan is a signatory to the MDGS which were initiated by United Nations in 2000, the Church of South Sudan has a big roles to share the MDGs with the stakeholders and all the development actors, to support the local community by empowering the health Sector, Agriculture, Primary Education, promote gender equality, and to give awareness to the people on Environmental sustainability. Today South Sudan has among the highest child mortality rates anywhere in the world, large numbers of women die during pregnancy, birth and post natally. Patriarchs have affected women’s participation in society’s affairs, such as education, employment, decision making, HIV/AIDS infection, malaria, other diseases and poverty. What is the role of the Church to Achieve the MDGs?
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The Church Can Initiate Capacity Building (Participation and Empowerment) In many Countries, church sponsored development strategies based on the need of the local people’s needs by oriented development plans and activities of government and global economic forces. Although, the diocese of Wau is lacking financial capacity to sponsor the development process in terms of the above mentioned scenarios the diocese has proposed to work with the poor villages and marginalized communities to empower them, and give them more skills to help themselves in these scenarios. The community needs to be educated on how to control and use their own natural resources (land, forests, water) and thereby control their own sustainable development to improve their living conditions. Development is a process of change by which an individual’s basic needs such as food, clean water, shelter, health, education and the human rights of individuals or communities in any given society are realized while, at the same time, protecting the basic needs and human rights of other communities and future generations. Our support as a Church to international development goals, (the MDGs) is through joint advocacy with an ecumenical network that can stand together for the rights of the poor and marginalized people of South Sudan. It can also strengthen local communities by promoting awareness of human rights and supporting local advocacy initiatives, such as education, health, empowering women, ending hunger and poverty. As a church, we urge our diocesan friends, regional government, national government and global partners, to support these initiatives and work hand in hand to support these goals in the
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new nation of South Sudan. The MDGs reach beyond particular projects or programs and we are much concerned to point out the need for the whole spiritual union of brothers and sisters to work together, mutually supporting, so that we can help the marginalized people of South Sudan. We urge our diocesan partners to support us on the following initiatives: •Build up Peace and development in the grassroots community •Endorse Primary Education in the region •Improve health systems in the region •Empower women from regional standards to the grassroots community •Build agricultural systems in the region, to reducing hunger •To fight HIV/AIDS infection in region as standard •Develop the youth for the future of the nation
For your support on the above projects, contact the following people for more information:
Bishop: Rt. Rev Moses Deng Bol Bishop@wau.anglican.org General Secretary: Rev. Peter Yuol dio.secretary@wau.anglican.org Development Coordinator: Rev. Andrew Apiny development@wau.anglican.org
C.A.R.D. is the development wing of the Diocese of Wau and works hard to restore hope, inspire action and transform lives. Contact Development@wau.anglican.org for more information
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The Status of the Seven Most Relevant Millennium Development Goals Affecting the People of South Sudan are shown in the following
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty Target 1. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than USD 1 a day Target 2. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger Status: Although chronic hunger has been reduced from 48 to 33% between 1995 and 2006, more than 90% of the populations in South Sudan currently live on less than USD 1 dollar a day. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education Target 3. Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling Status: Although 1.3 million children are enrolled in primary school, only 1.9% completes the level. The ratio of pupils per teacher stands at a staggering 1,030. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women Target 4. Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015 Status: In South Sudan girls make up only 27% of primary school enrolment. More than 90% of women are illiterate. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
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Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Target 5. Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate Status: Although the under-five mortality rate decreased from 250 (per 1000 live births) in 2001 to 135 in 2006, one in eight children dies before their fifth birthday. Under current budget plans, this goal will not be achieved by 2015.
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health Target 6. Reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio Status: South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world – 2,054 per 100,000 live births. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases Target 7. Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS Target 8. Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases Status: Although there is limited information on HIV/AIDS in South Sudan, reports show yearly increases in the prevalence rate and limited knowledge among the population about prevention. In South Sudan, malaria is considered hyper-endemic. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
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Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability Target 9. Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources Target 10. Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation Target 11. Have achieved by 2020 a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers Status: 48.3% of the population in South Sudan has access to improved drinking water, while only 6.4% has access to improved sanitation. Under current budget plans, this goal will never be achieved.
The eighth Millennium Development Goal is to develop a Global Partnership for Development Here are the five targets for this goal: 1. Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system 2. Address the special needs of least developed countries, landlocked countries and small island developing states 3. Deal comprehensively with developing countries’ debt 4. In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable, essential drugs in developing countries 5. In cooperation with the private sector, make available benefits of new technologies, especially ICTs
Learn More on the United Nations website: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
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A Baby Boy for Rev Paul Lueth and His Wife Regina By Dave Lewis Rev Paul Lueth left Wau diocese some time ago to study in Kenya. He had not long married the girl of his dreams Regina. Since leaving Wau Regina had become pregnant and moved to Juba in anticipation of the birth. On Sunday 17th February Regina gave birth to a healthy baby boy. They have decided to call him Deng Paul. Here is what Rev Paul said about the birth of his son. “We give thanks to God, very much for his mercy on us, He has blessed us with a baby boy that we will call Deng Paul. Pray for us and the challenge we face now.” I am sure that you will want to join with us in giving thanks to God for a safe birth and the good health of both Regina and Deng Paul. Please remember these new parents with all new parents in South Sudan. Rev Paul has a prayer request which he puts forward next.
Prayer Need “I would like you to pray for my child he cries at night, his mother Regina has a problem breast feeding and this is her first time giving birth. Our child has now had three days in his first week without breastfeeding. This is a challenge to me and I hope by the mercy of God hearing our prayers together, that the assistance we need will come. Our government and Church here in South Sudan have not the capacity to support our child’s needs. Please pray for my family’s situation.”
Rev Paul and Regina know how important it is to breast feed a new born baby as mother’s milk contains colostrum which has all the nutrient and goodness that a new baby needs to start life as healthy and well as possible. Here the Mothers Union can be seen helping her with Deng Paul. The World Health Organisation also supports this view and encourages all South Sudanese mothers to breast feed their new babies with mother’s milk where they can.
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Contacting Us:
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By E-mail Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol : bishop@wau.anglican.org Diocesan Secretary Rev Peter Yuol Gur : dio.secretary@wau.anglican.org General Enquiries Mr Daniel Machar : communications@wau.anglican.org Mother’s Union Mrs Clarice Achieng : mothersunion@wau.anglican.org A full list of diocesan staff with contacts can be viewed on our website. By Post: Hai Mozephin, Opposite Wau Teaching Hospital, C/o ECS Provincial Office, P O BOX 110, Juba, South Sudan By Telephone: Tel +211 926954187 or +211 955602769 +254 716641233
The Right Reverend Bishop Moses Deng Bol and all the hardworking staff of Wau Diocese would very much like to wish all our friends and partners a very peaceful Lent with a blessed and joyful Easter celebration. He is risen !
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Please Pray With Us Pray for the hardworking clergy and volunteers of Wau Diocese who work without pay in difficult conditions.
Pray for lasting peace in the border lands between Sudan and South Sudan, in Abyei, Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains. Pray for innocent people returning from Sudan to uncertain futures and starting over. Pray for the ongoing situation in South Sudan and those working to achieve the Millennium Development Goals that will make life better for everyone. Give thanks to God for the partners who come to us and share in helping us, improving life generally. Pray for those affected by food insecurity and struggling to get enough to eat every day. Pray for the health and wellbeing of the people of our diocese, especially mothers and babies. Pray for all tribal based fighting and killing to stop. Give thanks to God for the recent birth of a baby boy for Rev Paul Lueth and his wife Regina. Please pray for them as they face the challenge of being parents. Pray for South Sudanese people living in other parts of the world
Church prayers needs Pray for our Bishop the Rt. Rev Moses Deng Bol, he has a lot of work to in the Diocese, pray that God will help him to do what needs to be done. Pray for our two cathedrals one in Wau and one in Kuacjok, give thanks for our partners who help us and pray that all the work may be completed. Pray for our theological college called St John’s and its Principal, Rev Joseph Mamer. Pray for the priests and Pastors of Wau diocese struggling to bring God’s word to the people of Warrap and Western Bhar El Ghazal states. Pray for all the work of the Mother’s Union. Give thanks for the new Dinka Rek language New Testaments, pray for those who will use them. Pray for the new chaplaincy parish of Dakum it’s pastors and laity. Give thanks to God for those from Kuajok recently made Evangelists and Lay Readers. Pray for them as they take their place in the future of the mission of Wau Diocese.