Voice of Hope Newsletter of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji

Transcription

1 Voice of Hope Newsletter of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji Issue 3 May 2013 Editorial Our life together By Jacob Haasnoot This word of St. Paul "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" in 1 Corinthians 3:16 is often used to tell believers that they should live holy lives, not drink and not smoke. The last part may be true but this verse is more likely talking about the Church, the body of Christ in this world. In Paul's time there were many temples for all kinds of gods. But the followers of Jesus symbolize together! the temple of the true God. Why? Because the Holy Spirits lives in them. Are the fruits and gifts of the Spirit visible in our life together? If so, then others will discover the one and only true God. It is our prayer that through all the things we do and say that is true for us as a church in Kajo-Keji, and around the world. In this issue Editorial (Our life together) 1 Word from the Bishop 2 The Fulfilled Dream 3 Funeral of Late Bishop Manasseh Binyi Dawidi 4 Registration of College 5 Graduation at BTTC 5 Strategic Plan yrssalisbury-sudan Link 6 Wheels for Bishop 7 Samaritan s Purse celebrate 7 Lambeth Palace Event 8 Youth Ministry 8 Free HIV/AIDS Testing 9 MU Conference 9 Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 1

2 Word from the Bishop Rt. Rev d. Anthony D. Poggo I had a wonderful time during my sabbatical. While on sabbatical, I rested and relaxed. I also had time for reflection. I spent a lot of time reading and writing on the book of Nehemiah. I chose the book of Nehemiah because we in South Sudan identify with Nehemiah as one who lived in exile and received a call to return to Jerusalem to re-build the wall of the city. It was good to spend time at Ridley Hall. I joined the students and faculty in the daily prayers as well as the weekly Holy Communion service at the chapel. I felt welcomed and became part of the E-staircase family. I would like to thank the Ridley Hall Community for the warm hospitality that I experienced. Rt. Rev d. Anthony D. Poggo One of the memorable things was an event that Ridley Hall arranged at Lambeth Palace there is more on this in a separate article in the newsletter. A number of former mission partners came for this. I had not seen some of them for 25 years or so. During my sabbatical, I visited different many parts of the UK. Most weekends, I was not involved in any preaching but was either interviewed and was asked to say something on the situation in South Sudan and also of the church in Kajo-Keji and South Sudan. It was good to be able to go to some services and not to have responsibility for (part of) the service, a rare thing for me. I was also able to visit CMS Ireland in Belfast, something that I had wanted to do for a long time. I enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland and met with a number of new and old friends. One of the challenges was the weather; it snowed a lot. I understand that it was the coldest March in 50 years! I returned to South Sudan from such a cold weather to a very hot Juba with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. I would like to thank all those who prayed for me during my sabbatical as well as those who offered hospitality during my visits. I want to thank Rt Rev Hilary Adeba, the Bishop of Yei who was caretaker Bishop of Kajo-Keji during my sabbatical. I thank my family for allowing me to be away for my sabbatical. New office It was good to be back and to start work in our new diocesan office. This new office was build with funds collected from different donors within South Sudan and elsewhere. We had two fund raising events each in Kajo-Keji and Juba. Additionally, the United Thanks Offering (UTO) gave us a generous grant through the Diocese of Bethlehem that made it possible for us to complete the construction within one year. I would like to thank all those who made this possible and as we say in Bari, tinate losu, meaning: thank you all. Our finance team informed me that we have a shortfall of US $ 3,766 to pay off the contractor. The necessary work on a wall and other finishing jobs require an additional amount of US$ 17,100. Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 2

3 The fulfilled dream By Canon Emmanuel Murye Staffs are now attracted to working even up to late hours because of conducive working environment. Many people do dream but the question is: Is your dream from God and for God s kingdom and is your heart prepared to accomplish your dream for the glory of God or it is for your personal gain? In Diocesan Synod of 2005, the Diocese of Kajo-Keji had a vision of six things to do. Those were: the building of house for the Bishop, a Cathedral, a new Diocesan office, the construction of eight primary schools and one secondary school in Romogi and a guest house with modern facilities. The vision was presented first to God through prayers. One of the strategies for fulfilling this dream is what Bishop Manasseh called "preparation of the hearts of people for the greater work of God s kingdom". The current Bishop of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji said: if the vision is of God, He will provide. These great men of God all focus on transformation of the people of Kajo-Keji and focus on God, the provider. New Diocesan office at Romogi Through the help of many, the Diocese of Kajo-Keji was able to construct this beautiful new office. We now have an encouraging working environment, with adequate solar power. Without the peace that the Lord has given to this nation, the Diocese would have not attained this building. The presence of peace provides an environment for social, economic and infrastructural development. Therefore whatever you have given, you gave it to the Lord and for the extension of his kingdom and for his glory in Kajo-Keji. May the Lord bless you and your charity or organisation. I once again would like to thank the Diocesan partners, UTO and the Diocese of Bethlehem, our government, individuals, our Kuku 'sons and daughters' both overseas and within the country. We also thank the Diocesan staff and the Christians from various parishes in the Diocese. We also acknowledge the Twins Company for beginning the construction without deposit. They started by faith trusting that the church will pay them later. If the hearts are prepared for God s work, they will do greater things for God and the nation. Indeed with God all things are possible. Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 3

4 Funeral of late Bishop Manasseh The news of the passing of the first Bishop of Kajo- Kaji, Manasseh Binyi Dawidi, on 19 April 2013 in Kampala came as a shock for many. He was buried next to the Cathedral in Kajo-Keji on 24 April Many people came to pay their respect to a great servant of God. Bishop Anthony said at the occasion: "Let us not mourn as people without faith but let us celebrate the life and ministry of Bishop Manasseh in Kajo-Keji and other parts of the world. May God's name be praised!". Late Bishop Manasseh Coffin entering South Sudan Coffin arrives the Cathedral The Most Rev Dr. Daniel Deng Bul preaching at the funeral service Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 4

5 Registration of College By the Editor We talked to Rev. John Mono, the principal of Canon Benaiah Poggo College (CBPC), about the College and the process of registration with the government. How are things at CBPC? It is well. We have just finished the first semester of this year with twelve students in Theology. This year we don't have a Special Pastoral Training group in the local language, simply because we have trained all those who needed this kind of training. We are also a distance learning center for Juba University and 13 students are enrolled in that programme. You have been busy trying to register the College with the Ministry of Higher Education in Juba. How is that going? Well, we have submitted the application and paid our application fee. We still have to submit a land lease document and give proof of our working capital. These last months we have been working hard to get a title deed for the land we have. The area was surveyed and documented and it took a lot of discussions with the land lords. But it is almost done! The other issue, proof of working capital, is quite a challenge. The Ministry requires us to have one million SSP (approx. 330,000 thousand US$) in an account, which we don't have. We don't know yet how to solve this. I would like to ask the readers of this newsletter to pray with us for this matter. I have heard rumours that the College has a new name... Yes, after registration we will continue as Kajo-Keji Christian College. We also want to add more study programmes and it is our hope that we can train more people to build up the Church and our society. Graduation BTTC Rev. Mono John, CBPC Principal By Stephen Tomor Kenyi On 19 April 2013, the first graduation ever of Bethlehem Tailors Training Centre (BTTC) took place in Kajo-Keji. BTTC started in The event was attended by the County Commissioner, Bishop Anthony and many others. The Commissioner handed out 39 certificates in Tailoring and Dress making and 5 Diplomas in Designing. We thank God for making this possible BTTC Graduates and Guests Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 5

6 Strategic plan : Reaching the vision By Rev. Alex Aciga The Diocese of Kajo-Keji produced a strategic plan for with the vision to see a faithful, committed, capable and self-sustaining community. In the period we had three areas of focus: Evangelism and Discipleship, Institutional and Community Development, and Stewardship of Resources. For the new plan we are using 4 E's: Evangelism and discipleship (ED), Education (E), Empowerment (E) and Establishment and organizational development (EOD). The plan was developed in a 3-day participatory workshop attended by the Diocesan staff and volunteers including the Bishop, all Archdeacons, heads of developmental units in the Diocese, Mothers' Union leaders and the youth. The process was facilitated by Mr Moses Monday John, an independent consultant. We thank Tear Fund UK for sponsoring this workshop. This plan is a dynamic document that may be reviewed in response to changes in our context. It also forms the basis for fundraising and utilization of resources to move the Diocese forward. Pictures from the Strategic planning workshop 40 years Salisbury-Sudan Link This June the 40th anniversary of the Salisbury - Sudan Link, which is the relationship between ECS and the Diocese of Salisbury, will be celebrated in Salisbury. Bishop Anthony Poggo is one of the 14 Bishops from South Sudan that will travel to the UK for this occasion. In a Partners Conference the participants will reflect on what has been achieved together during the past 40 years as well as think about how the Link can best move forward. Bishop Anthony will spend some time with the Deanery of Devizes and Rural Dean Jonathan Triffitt, who visited Kajo-Keji last year. Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 6

7 Wheels for Bishop By the Editor On the 3 June 2013, at a service to mark the 6 th anniversary of the enthronement of Bishop Anthony Poggo as Bishop of Kajo-Keji, the Dicocese will launch a fundraising campaign for a new car for the bishop. We ask the Bishop why he needs new wheels. Bishop Anthony: "In one of the overseas trips I did last year, I was asked as to what was the most difficult thing to raise funds for, without any further though, I immediately replied, a vehicle. We have been unsuccessful in the past but it is a real need. I can't do my ministry without a reliable vehicle. The present vehicle, which was bought second hand in 2007, is now experiencing mechanical problems after 6 years of service and it needs to be replaced. In order to buy a vehicle that is reliable and fit for the road conditions in South Sudan, we will need to raise at least US$ 40,000 or 120,000 SSP". At the time of going to press, the total amount received in the Bishop's Vehicle account is US$ 765 and 3,200 SSP (equivalent to US$ 1,067). We have received a pledge of 1,000 SSP plus another pledge of US$ 1,000. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Bishop Anthony directly for details. We will also advise those outside South Sudan on the best way of sending money without incurring high bank transfer charges. The Diocese is hoping to purchase the vehicle within three months so we would appreciate it if you could send your contribution before the end of July. Celebration Samaritan's Purse On 19 May 2013, Bishop Anthony Poggo represented the Archbishop in Akuem at a celebration of Samaritan's Purse to mark the end of the construction of 512 churches in South Sudan and Nuba Mountains. Many church leaders from different parts of South Sudan and Nuba Mountains were in attendance. Bishop Anthony: "One of the exciting things for me as a new Bishop was to go around dedicating the 39 churches and the 1 Cathedral built as a collaborative venture between Samaritan s Purse (SP) and the local churches of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji. Apart from the churches built for the ECS, there were 16 churches built for the Sudan Pentecostal Churches in Kajo-Keji. Thank you very much SP and your supporters for what you have done to help our people with better Churches!". Emmanuel Cathedral, Kajo-Keji Diocese Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 7

8 Lambeth Palace Event Supports Diocese of Kajo-Keji By Rev d. Jason Ingalls (Ridley Hall) Ridley Hall, Cambridge On 4 March 2013, nearly 150 people filled Lambeth Palace s Guard Room for an event in support of Bishop Anthony Poggo and the Diocese of Kajo-Keji. Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge, sponsored and organised the event. The event enriched relationships between the Church of England and the Episcopal Province of Sudan by raising money for student bursaries and a new female dormitory related to Kajo-Keji s Canon Benaiah Poggo College, named after Bishop Anthony s late father. The event raised 7,250 GBP (approximately $11,200 USD). Bishop Anthony took sabbatical at Ridley from January to March He is the second generation of his family to study at the College, as Canon Benaiah Poggo was also at Ridley from An evangelical college historically connected to one of the world s finest universities, Ridley regularly attracts sabbatical guests and visiting scholars from around the Anglican Communion. The College believes this global ministry is vital to training missionary priests for an increasingly multicultural United Kingdom and world. Youth Ministry By Rev Joseph Aba The Diocesan youth leader with his team organized a tour to all eight archdeaconries to conduct a seminar for youth leaders and encourage them with the word of God. This training was attended by 2631 young people. The focus of the youth ministry is to strengthen the capacity of youth leaders. From May 2013, St. Luke, one of our parishes, organized a youth conference. The goal is to equip young people and students in all areas of life. Mr Daniel Batatis, originally from Nuba Mountains attending High School in Kajo-Keji, was part of the conference. He says: "The conference addressed all areas of our life as youths and students, not only spiritual. It covered topics like: how to be successful in life, the impact of HIV/AIDS and career guidance. It was very encouraging and I loved it". Daniel Batatis Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 8

9 HIV testing in Kajo-Keji By Rev d. Taban Israel Mothers' Union Conference By Rev Joseph Aba Family and marriage stability is at the heart of God s divine plan for humankind. We are confronted with an alarming number of girls dropping out of school as a result of early pregnancy. HIV Testing The Diocese of Kajo-Keji is providing Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services at Kajo- Keji civil hospital. VCT is the church s stepping stone towards ending the HIV/AIDS in VCT is the only way to know if you are infected with HIV because people who are infected with HIV may not have any symptoms. It is estimated that over one thousand people are now living with HIV in Kajo-Keji but only 535 receive the Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) treatment in the hospital. The Diocesan programme on HIV/AIDS providing information on care, counselling and testing, treatment, preventive practices and nutrition started at the beginning of the year and ends in June From 10 th to 13 th January 2013, Kinyiba parish and the Diocesan Mission office conducted a Mothers' Union conference to address these and other issues. Topics were (among others): family life, parenting, and true love in marriage, forgiveness, trauma recovery and freedom from curse. Almost four thousand people attended the four day conference. Hundreds were newly converted or renewed their faith and thousands prayed for healing and deliverance. Many people testified of physical healings and deliverance from evil spirits. A good number of them, after being counselled and prayed for, restored the joy their marriage. Rt Rev d. Hilary Luate Adeba, Bishop of Yei Diocese, was the main speaker at the conference. Bishop Hilary did this when he was caretaker Bishop during Bishop Anthony s sabbatical. Some of those who were stigmatised in the church and the community because of HIV status are now involved in church programmes, and have become fully involved in fighting stigma and discrimination in Kajo-Keji. One of them confessed: At first I thought that the Bible considers people living with HIV/AIDS as great sinners but now I have discovered that is not true. She was left alone in the hospital when her husband and in-laws learned that she was HIV-positive. Through the Diocesan home care, she started ARV treatment and has become stronger and self-reliant. The Diocese of Kajo-Keji appreciates the support from Christian Aid towards HIV/AIDS awareness programme. Bishop Hilary Luate Adeba (Yei Diocese) Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 9

10 Gaderu Convention By Rev Joseph Aba From 11 th to 14 th April 2013, we conducted an unusual convention in Gaderu Archdeaconry. The focus was not only on winning people for Christ but also to reclaim the wholeness of life in the purpose of God (cf. John 10:11b). This is our third conference in which we seek to bring healing, deliverance, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace to the people of South Sudan. The first convention was in Kiri in 2011 with over 5000 people attending. At that time a lame woman walked and a lady with a chronic illness was healed. The second convention was in Liwolo in 2012 with over 8000 people attending and amazing miracles happening. Pictures from the Gaderu Convention Hundreds of people got saved and delivered and experienced the fullness of life in God. The Executive Chief of Gaderu Boma said: "Real peace has come through the word of God. You can tell from the body language that true peace, joy and deliverance has finally come". We had outreach programmes to all our archdeaconries and we have seen Jesus truly alive in the miracles of salvation, healing and deliverance. We are grateful for Flame International for their prayer and financial support. Diocese of Kajo-keji C/O The Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan P.O. Box 110, Juba, Republic of South Sudan newsletter@kajokeji.anglican.org Website: To subscribe/unsubscribe: newsletter@kajokeji.anglican.org Voice of Hope Issue 3 May 2013 Page 10