Coming Together in One Faith in the ECS Diocese of Wau
A Word from the Diocesan Bishop of Wau Rt, Rev, Moses Deng. “Be Honest where you are with what you have”. Lack of integrity and creditability in our current society has now become the subject matter, men and women of integrity are in short supply. Lack of integrity is now flying off the handle: immorality is no longer big news, scandals become part of daily life. Just about everywhere you go you are in shock, the morale of leaders and finance has drastically broken down. Creditability has no place in our nation today, it is no longer preferable. In spite of that, the need for integrity remains the most wanted item today in this nation. As long as we live, we cannot deny our integrity. John C. Maxwell said, “The need for integrity today is perhaps as great as it has even been. It is absolutely essential for anyone who desires to become a person of influence”. But in our current situation today credibility and integrity have deteriorated, just snap the radio on, tune into any station, listen to any church news, world news, pick any magazine on the street and what you will be likely to hear or read is nothing other than scandal in the churches and the State, there is no safe place. At first church was viewed as a pillar of transparency but now that is questionable, immoral behaviour has infiltrated into our churches but we were exempted from the mess at first. I think the problem could be that many Christians think that stealing a small thing, in a small place is not considered to be dishonest, but it is a fundamental fact of life that if you cannot be honest in a small thing where you are; nobody will ever be able to trust you wherever you go, at any time.
Page Index A Word From the Bishop......................................2 University Students Graduate..............................3 St John’s Theological College Progresses.............5 My Spiritual and Academic Walk.........................6 A New Vehicle .....................................................8 New Pastors in Tonj South ...............................10 SOMA Reflections..............................................12 God’s Work in Raja.............................................13 Standing Committee Meeting............................16 Who is Daniel? ..................................................17 No Agenda for Disability....................................19 A Hesitant Man..................................................21 Global Food Day................................................23 Hope for a New Nation..................................... 25 Contact Us ........................................................27 A Short Christmas Message..............................27 Please Pray with us ..........................................28 Because trust is built up and broken down in the small things in one moment of life, if someone cannot trust you with the little thing you have, he/she will never trust you at any point, in all things, any time. Be honest with the little things you have now and here. Luke 16:1012 made it clear that, “whoever can be trusted with every little can also be trusted with much. And whoever is dishonest in very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property. Who will give you property of your own?” When you read this scripture, it’s not when you have big money and a big position, its when you
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will be faithful, a thief is thief whether it’s a portion of something or the whole of it, it’s stealing there is no small thief or small sin. So if you are not trusted here and now then who and when and where will you be trusted? “In order to be trusted with a big thing and big leadership a man must be first be trusted with little things and in a small job, hence if a man fails there and now he has also failed everywhere in life all the time” you see, my fellow Christians! A journey of twenty miles begin with just one step, once
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you break one moral principle you have created room for mistrust. The book of Isaiah 30:15 says, in quietness and trust is your strength- but you have none of it”. So be honest where you are with what you have, and you will be trusted and put in a bigger position.
Every Blessing Bishop Moses Deng.
Over three hundred students graduated from the University of Bahr el Ghazal By Andrew Apiny Macham On 15th Sept 2012 the University of Bahr el Ghazal graduated over three hundred students from different faculties the vast majority were from the faculty of economics. Tagging along
were the college of Education and Public Health respectively. This is the first graduation to take place in an independent South Sudan. The graduation ceremony was attended by several
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VIPs which included his Excellency the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal state, Bridger Rizik Zacharia Hassan, State Legislative Assemble, Andrea Mayor Acho, Lakes State Government Representative and Guest of Honour Andrew Makur Thau the former Governor of Greater Bahr el Ghazal. Numerous other State government officials, Ministers, MPs and hundreds of people all friends, relatives and parents showed up to witness this flowery and colourful graduation ceremonial day at Wau stadium Ground. His Excellency State Governor Bridger Rizik Zacharia appealed to graduates to translate their knowledge and skills into actions, He said, “Giving you a certificate is one way to get job but it’s not a warrant for you to stay in the position, holding a position is another thing, it’s not determined by the high grade you scored in school but your hard work, commitment, good character and flexibility. These skills are essential and important ingredients to allow you to get a job and hold it for many years. His Excellency challenged students that, it’s not how much you had learnt that matters but your productiveness that counts in the end. People don’t know whether you are a learner or not until they test your fruits, therefore, be productive and creative”. On the other hand, Dr Ambrose Samuel, Dean of the University spelled out that “the big challenge facing university students is lack of funds, special private students who are either self sponsored or sponsored by others, some of these candidates may not graduate because they have not cleared their school fees,” he said, “it’s compulsory here in this institution each student has to pay all school fees on time so that we may be able graduate them. Without this it’s impossible for us to proceed. I am appealing to all of you parents, church leaders, friends and relatives who have their children in this university, if you have not seen them in gowns, it’s not because they have not
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finished but simply they have not cleared their school fees, they have to pay first so that the university administration can graduate them and issue them with certificates, therefore you need to pay graduation fees and tuition fees for us to graduate your children”. This is a real challenge to Wau Diocesan staff who are studying in this institution, one of whom was unable to graduate due to financial constraints, meanwhile others are in and out of the campus for the same reason. He also added “Economically and educationally our nation is in arrears, as a result such factors have contributed badly to a dramatic collapse of our economic and education system. It’s our hope that the graduated will go on and make a positive impact wherever they get an opportunity to work to recover our system”. Andrew Makur Thau addressed the audience he also added
that, “Today you have been commissioned to go and make new things through competitive enterprise, innovative solutions and the creative
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open-minded process of participating in project development; social, interactive and transparent as one nation working for the common interest. Above all of these be a hard working person, this is the next task without forgetting the need to prepare to face the challenges ahead and working together as team. This is how we will transform the jingling disharmony of our country into a beautiful work of art of brotherhood and sisterhood”. He continuing saying,
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swallowed up by our communities”, Andrew Makur said “this has led citizens to develop mistrust among each other as a result we have not been able to achieve our goals in a timely way and effectively.” Andrew further threw down the question, “if not now and us, then when and who can transform this illiteracy and tribal attitude, overturning it radically into literacy, brotherhood and sisterhood. Is it now and you, this is the question we need to answer honestly, here and now”.
“but due to high illiteracy and tribalism the aweinspiring new evolution we hoped for has been
St. John’s Theological College Progresses By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham The Wau Diocese Theological College began with big hopes and just three students in 2011, but due to a lack of lecturers to teach as full time teachers there was a major threat to keeping the college open. But now with coming of Rev Joseph Mamer as a full time lecturer has come a definite improvement in student enrolments, with now at least nine students studying at St John’s Theological College. Seven of these are studying a Diploma in Theology while the other two are studying for a certificate. There is hope now that very soon the eight Anglican ECS Dioceses from the Greater Bahr el Ghazal Regional cluster and other local denominations when they hear about this school will also make good use of it. St John’s is the only Anglican Bible College in the cluster of
the eight dioceses in the Region. Educational statistics indicated that there are not any other Bible school centres in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal cluster which covers four States, Warrap State, Lakes State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, Western Bahr el Ghazal state itself and Western Equatoria State. The demands for Christian education in this region
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are high and because of its affordability and being in the centre of the region it is hoped that the college can grow and grow. It is the intention that the college will grow very fast and attract huge numbers of students. Rev. Joseph Mamer Manot is the first Principal of St, John’s Theological College. Joseph explained that, “the challenges that are facing St, John’s Theological College are: lack of learning materials, there are no theological books for the students available in school, this becomes a major threat to the students and lecturers as well, however, we are trying as much as possible to do research online and download some learning materials to teach” He added that, “this is the only way, but it’s not as factual, for such an institution like this to rely on purely online materials however, we will put up with that condition for a while until God opens the door. He also added that “another drawback is the lack of desks and chairs for the lecturers. There is not even one single cupboard, table or chair for the college, it’s very challenging for us where to keep the files for school and other important documents. Once again there is a lack of learning space, given the fact that the college is in the centre of the region with thousands and thousands of people living in Wau town not to mention the neighbouring countries, such as the Democratic
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Republic of Congo, Western Africa and Sudan which are all in need of this kind of education and the fact of being the first offering Christian higher education will definitely catch the attention of the people in the near future. The college will create a centre of attention. Unfortunately the college doesn’t own its own premises but is currently using the El- Salama Private International Secondary Schools’ premises. The hope is to shift somewhere else later if all goes well. This is the same dismal point to the student’s accommodation, as I mentioned earlier, the college reclines in the heart of the region and the few students who are learning in this college come from neighbouring states and combine their feeding. This became a major threat to the school, the challenge now is how to address the issues at hand, this been left in the hands of Wau Diocese with the friends who generously offer support. Regardless of all these challenges facing the school Rev Joseph Mamer is still determined and optimistic, he said “we are determined to teach, we will not quit teaching, simply because there are no chairs to sit on, classes to teach in or tables to write on or cupboards to keep the documents in, with time and hard work all these things will come.” Finally he said. “One thing that impressed me is the fact that my lecturers and students are very committed despite the fact they are not paid; they teach and this gives me great courage and hope for the future.
My Spiritual and Academic Walk By Rev Joseph Mamer Through God’s help, my Christian and academic life has been a mixture of both the rough and the smooth. A journey in which life has given many challenges especially when one strives to achieve his or her aspiration in life. I began my ministry with a very humble beginning; I was ordained and served in the
Episcopal church of Sudan from 1998 and at the same time pursued my studies in South Sudan at a school held in the open under the trees. This was to many unbelievable for an ordained minister to study with young children in a primary school but because of my determination and zeal for learning I was not ashamed to go to school and intermingle with young children.
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Because I was serving in a certain parish as a parish priest which was very far away from the school, I had to walk for 4 hours to school and back to my parish so that I could attend to church needs and services. That was not an easy task but I enjoyed being in school and serving in the church at the same time.
In 2000 I travelled to the Kakuma Refugee Camp where I also studied at the Malek Bible School. In 2002 I graduated with a Diploma in leadership from the Timothy Training Institute in South Africa In year 2003 I joined St. Andrew’s College of Theology and Development which is an affiliated college to St. Paul's University where I was awarded a Diploma in Theology in 2006. After I completed a three year diploma course from St. Andrew's I went back to South Sudan where I worked with an International NGOs, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and then worked with Mercy Corps as a Project Manager in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. In year 2010 although I did not have any Scholarship, I resigned from my work and enrolled at St. Paul's University, Limuru in Kenya just through faith. I was so determined to return back to school whether I had funds or not. When I registered in 2010 for a Bachelor of Divinity Degree at St. Paul's University I personally did not know that I would one day finish my three year course because I had no scholarship or financial support. My Diocese does not have the financial capacity to pay for my course but through God’s grace many
individuals, friends and colleagues considerately opened their personal wallet for my course and financed it. I will always be grateful for that. Also I want to thank two Bishops, Bishop Moses Deng of Wau Diocese and Bishop Abraham Yel of Aweil Diocese who were so supportive towards my studies. They once in awhile helped through other friends and partners of those two Dioceses. On 5th October I graduated with Bachelor of Divinity (BD) Degree from St. Paul's University, Limuru Kenya, it was not only a great day in my life but a joyous day I will always remember forever. The Bachelor of Divinity Degree covers many areas of studies, such as Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, History of the Church and Pastoral and Practical Studies. There are so many courses designed for theological students to study. I was very much encouraged by these words St. Paul says in Philippians 4:4 -6 “rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all----”
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My vision even before I graduated was to help others through teaching and prepare them for God’s work and service for humanity. This gift and talent was also noticed by my bishops who immediately appointed me as the Principal at St. John's Theological College even before I was graduated. It was not an easy task to establish a theological school from nothing but because of the high demand for training from our local pastors we had to begin by faith whether we have funds and other essentials for running the college or not. As I'm the first Principal in the first College in greater Bahr el Ghazal it’s my obligation to establish this college on a solid foundation and this must not overlook efforts done by our partners. I am very optimistic that St. John's shall soon excel in providing quality education to its students in a conducive environment before I again go back to school.
Wau Diocese is Blessed with a New Vehicle Andrew Apiny Macham The Diocese of Wau has been blessed with a new car. The car was bought with money donated by friends of Wau Diocese in the UK.. This includes Baroness Caroline Cox, who is a member of the British House of Lords. Baroness Cox is also the founder and of the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) along with other friends. It is a truly marvellous phenomenon that the Diocese of Wau is
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to get a new vehicle at just the right time. Bishop Moses, since his enthronement as the Diocesan Bishop of Wau has always faced, as possibly the biggest challenge to his spiritual activities a lack of transport to visit the various Archdeaconries of Wau. The diocese is truly large and covers two states in
Southern Sudan with over 300 parishes. So for Bishop Moses to travel to the farthest parts of the diocese and perform services of ordination, confirmation and blessing new structures has been almost impossible. But the issue has been addressed by the friends of the Diocese of Wau who heartily contributed some money to support Wau. It has to be said that a completely new car suitable to use in the rough terrain of Warrap or Bahr el Ghazel would cost a great deal of money indeed. So it is a great blessing that at the time the Friends of Wau Diocese offered their donation a government official offered his car to the diocese. Needless to say this car cost a great deal less, although it is is very good condition and very suitable to the work it will be needed for. This is a real
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blessing to the diocese of Wau and we really give thanks to God for that. Bishop Moses really enjoyed this miraculous moment and took pictures with his staff outside the Cathedral to show how pleased and grateful he was. Then not standing on
ceremony the car was put straight to work. On a very much needed spur-of-the moment, Bishop Moses visited the town of Raja where he has not been since his enthronement. The people there with help from the SPLA and UN had built a church which he blessed, consecrated and opened to his and everyone’s great delight. Now empowered to visit places he has never gone to, Moses intends to use this card to expand the mission of Wau diocese further into the depths of the land and help those who have long been isolated by distance. Of course there will be routine journeys for the car such as collection people and equipment from the local airport and transporting goods needed in a hurry.
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This car is now the prize possession of the diocese and will be carefully looked after to ensure that they get the most out of it. Each diocesan user wanting to make use of the car must ensure that they can afford the fuel first and pay toward the regular maintenance of the car which is necessary to ensure it’s effective use. According to many diocesan staff, they said, we had much sympathy for our bishop’s condition. It is obvious to anyone living here to see the need for a car, by virtue of Wau Diocese being the largest diocese in South Sudan covering two states, the need to
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have car was really indisputable. There are some archdeaconries that no bishop has ever gone to since Wau became an Anglican diocese simply because there was no means of transport to reach these archdeaconries. From today the bishop will visit all his archdeaconries, especially those he has never gone to. Thank you to the people who donated this money to help Wau diocese to do God’s work and to reach the lost ones with the Gospel of Christ. It’s such a great relief and peace of mind brought to us by our dears friends of Wau. You really have blessed us with your kindness.
Wau Diocese gratefully acknowledges the help it receives from its partners and friends in meeting the many ongoing challenges in its mission. God bless you for all that you give!
New Pastors Graduate in Tonj South By Daniel Machar Dhieu
Twelve disciples of the Diocese of Wau graduated from the Bible School in Tonj South County through the Indeed and Truth ministry, a ministry that concerns itself with theological training centres and with pastors. The graduates have studied for the last three years for their diploma courses. The graduation ceremony was officially opened by words of prayer from Bishop Moses Deng Bol after hearing the South Sudan national anthem played by the Don Bosco band. The function was attended by the duty Governor of Warrap State Hon. Akech Tong Aleu with his delegations, Bishop Moses Deng bol with the Diocesan Secretary Peter Yuol Gur, the Tonj
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police commissioner, a delegation from the USA led by Pastor Jim and the entire population of Tonj South County. While continuing with the graduation functions the ECS local churches performed welcoming songs followed by a team
community. He admitted that, our team from USA came here to teach many things to you. Therefore, our delegation from USA will now treat common diseases such as malaria, dysentery and sleeping sickness. We will start
from the Bible Study College and the Clinic Choir performed a song entitled NHIALIC APUↃTH APƐƐI or NHIALIC ANHIAAR WUↃK the English translation for this is “GOD IS GOOD AT ALL or GOD LOVES US.
here and look to extend in to other communities in Warrap state as whole.
Joe and Nancy the college teacher’s representatives appreciated the pastors for their tireless commitment to complete the course within three years and encouraged them to take what they learnt from their study time everywhere they go.
The Bishop of Wau Diocese appreciated the support given by the Indeed and Truth Ministry as this is a gift from the Lord to his diocese. This diocese is very young as you know, the word of God especially in this region was just at hand. Bishop Moses told the gathering that his Diocese will try to train more pastors. He encouraged the rest to join them in the process of development toward the diocese planning.
In relation to the above, the USA delegation leader pastor Jim told the gathering of twelve pastors, just graduated that they were the vision in Tonj South County. Jim congratulated mama Suzy and Sebit for their tireless work in this
Bishop Moses, told the duty governor to at least solve the problem connected to the land given to church premises. He noted that, currently we have a land problem in Tonj, Wau, Warrap and Kuajok. In connection the duty governor
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admitted that his office will talk to the county
commissioner
to
calm
this
situation.
SOMA Reflections – Such Encouragement ! With Kind thanks to Stephen Dinsmore of SOMA UK
From 11th July -17th 2012 SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) conducted a five day HIV/AIDS and Bible sharing conference at the Good shepherd Cathedral Wau. Following are two reflections from SOMA UK team members that attended and led that event. SOMA Team leader Philip Kirk tells how the delegates repeatedly saw God’s hand on the missions in Wau and Tonj. God’s leading - We returned one evening from a session held under a tree and found on the computer an email declaring fruit hidden in a tree under which God was ministering to us. Such encouragement! Hungry participants - In both conferences participants were eager to learn. In Tonj especially, they were very hungry for the Word. To see participants in both venues who had been in session for long periods absorbed in copying the many flipchart sheets pasted to the walls was so encouraging to us. Pastoral visits - One afternoon during the HIV/AIDS workshops, participants were given a choice: to receive HIV/AIDS testing or go on a pastoral visit where they could pray with people. In Wau, 27 people joined the two of us. We broke into groups of five or six and walked to the hospital, where we prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to lead each group to pray for the sick, either in the wards or outside in the grounds resting under the shade of trees. The groups returned with their faith built up and the walk home was a march of God’s army, with much joyful singing and thanksgiving.
Fire - On the night before teaching on repentance and the Holy Spirit, our suitcase caught fire in our tent at around 3am. Thankfully, we woke and were able to smother the flames with clothing and get outside, away from the heavy smell of burning plastic. Our rucksack inside the case had melted, the gifts we had taken were burned, Jean’s purse, house keys and some of her clothes destroyed, and the clock was a melted lump! But we were safe. Thank you, Lord. On our return we learned that two of our intercessors could not sleep that night and had been praying for us. Death - A gang of cattle-rustling spies from another state were spotted near our compound and one of them was caught and very badly beaten. He was one of the people we prayed over on our visit to the clinic. He had a massive head wound. That night he died. The community were preparing themselves for a revenge attack which they believed would come within weeks. This was all happening while we were teaching about renewal in the community, peacemaking and the need to break cultural patterns of violence and retribution.
SOMA UK Team member Wyclef Rushaju reflects: ‘I couldn’t have wished for more. The transport for me was the best. For starters I had never travelled in a plane I was even scared, that’s why I had wanted to use a bus but also because the bus is cheaper and the security these days is not as bad between Nimule and Juba. Thank you so much for my transport and helping me make history.
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The previous SOMA mission opened my eyes to the fact that church need to lead and disciple this new nation before the reverse takes root. In prayer, we need to humble ourselves and get rid of the debris in our lives and keep leaning on Him instead of our own understanding. I remembered the inscription in Evans’ house that I saw on the first and last days of mission, “With God all things are possible”.’ There were many delegates waiting to give testimony about how God had touched them during the conferences in Wau. Here are a few:
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A pastor said, “There was malaria in my village. The Bishop prayed with me. I went back to my village to see a child that was dying. Today that child is well.” A man named John said that bitterness in his life had caused all pain in his body. “I forgave and now all the pain has gone.” A delegate said that when he received the Holy Spirit, he knew that he would not do wrong again. He was relying on the Holy
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Spirit, he said. This was particularly true for him in the area of sexual immorality. •
A lady with the Youth Team spoke of an incident when several men attacked her hut. The police came and drove the men away. She said that because of the Holy Spirit she was able to forgive the man who had tried to spear her.
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Daniel said that after receiving the Holy Spirit he had a vision in which he saw scattered villages. God woke him up and he said to God, “What you want me to do, I will. Before this the Word was hidden from me.”
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Another Daniel said he had a nasty, open wound on his side. The hospital said there was not enough medicine, and he felt he was going to die. “I am now healed”, he said, “and my child is better too.”
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A man said he had a choice: go to school, go to the clinic, or come here to the conference. He chose the conference, and found he received teaching and medicine for himself and his wife, and that God has forgiven him.
God’s Work Being Done in Raja By Daniel Machar Dhieu
This was a historical day for the people of Raja County to witness the presence of the Bishop of Wau Diocese for the first time since the formation of the Diocese early in 1986. Truly, His Lordship Bishop Moses Deng Bol arrived in Raja County on Friday evening for first time in the history of Wau as mentioned above. The
tour was designed officially for the opening of a new church constructed by the UNMISS chaplaincy in Raja County. The St. Barnabas protestant church was officially opened on Sunday 30th September 2012 by His Lordship Bishop Moses Deng Bol.
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The RT. Rev. Moses Deng told the UNMISS Chaplaincy, “congratulations this is God’s Work and my special thanks go to Almighty God and the UNMISS Commander Lt. Col. Gitogo who has allowed his soldiers to work for Christians under his leadership in the County”. Then the chaplaincy under the United Nations in South Sudan (UNMISS) dedicated the St. Barnabas protestant church to the people of Raja county as declared by Bishop Moses Deng. A large crowd of Christians, citizens of Raja County both believers and non-believers gathered to witness a dedication message for the new church of St. Barnabas in the Salaam area “the people of Raja county feel wonderful to get a church in their home county for the first time in history especially the protestant members, after long difficulties and bittersweet times, because it is like a dream to achieve this,” said Bishop Moses, the UNMISS has been a blessing to the community and to the people in
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the community. Over the past two months the organization has built a home for a blind man said Commanding Officer Hon. Kitoro “We are here because of what Jesus taught in Luke, Chapter 10, and one of the many parables he taught about was the one of the Good Samaritan,” said pastor Goalie, program manager for the church building. “The Good Samaritan, we do not know his name, we don’t know much about him except one big thing: he was a man of compassion, and he was a man of compassion for someone he did not know. …That’s what we’ve based this on. This is why we do what we do, to help folks who need help, taking care of the situation and not expecting anything in return.” “It’s wonderful because we really didn’t know what to do,” said Bishop Moses Deng. The Diocesan Bishop of Wau one of the largest dioceses that covers two whole states of South Sudan, “We had this opportunity, we put in for it, we were accepted and it
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was about the happiest we’ve ever been, I think. Believers in their religion they don’t just say they’re Christians, they live their religion, and they really do.” The whole Diocese is pleased for the achievement brought by the UNMISS Chaplaincy in collaboration with local people in the Diocese. He added that he will never be able to give enough gratitude to those who worked on his Diocese development only God will do more. His Lordship explained that the experience of the chaplaincy goes beyond getting a new church in the Diocese and encourages them to continue making charitable work that will always have a special place in the Diocese’s hearts. “We have met so many wonderful things through this, getting the new church is just part of it, but being able to meet all these people and seeing how good the world can be and is—that’s the amazing part,” He said. While closing the celebration for the handing over of the church to the community by UNMISS then Bishop Moses announced the news of the
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renaming the church from being called “St. Barnabas protestant church” a name derived from the St. Barnabas protestant church in the UNMISS camp. Therefore, on 30th September 2012 at 10:00am this will officially be changed to “the All Saints Community church or parish” because this church belong to all the Protestants living here in Raja County. He also formed the council for administration in the church that is now led by William Akok and followed by Daniel, William who is also appointed as pastor in charge.
Bishop Moses also appointed a pastor as the chair lady for the Mothers Union in the church and directed all of them to work for the Christian interest.
Daniel provided four reports from the visit Bishop Moses made to Raja, see the other three on our website: www.wau.anglican.org in the news area.
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Wau Diocese Standing Committee Meeting 2012 By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham
From 16th – 18th Oct 2012 the Episcopal Church of Sudan, Diocese Wau, held a three day Diocesan Standing Committee Meeting at the Good shepherd Cathedral in Wau. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how far the Diocese has grown in terms of spirituality, St, John’s Theological College and plan for next year’s Synod meeting. It was also a chance to
share experiences and challenges among church leaders and how best they can be addressed. The meeting was planned for three people to attend from each of the 18 archdeaconries but due to the long distances and worsened by financial constraints some people didn’t turn up for the meeting. The Diocesan standing committee usually takes place once a year and this is the second time this meeting has been
held since Moses Deng’s enthronement as Bishop of Wau in 2010. The meeting was attended by the professor Machar Kachuol as guest of honor from the University of Bahr el Ghazal. He called upon the Anglican Church leaders in general and in particular Wau Diocese to join in wedlock and work hand in hand in harmony without grumbling against each other. Professor Kachol felt strongly that this will cause disarray in the church of Christ, he further said, “church leaders are the torch of the world”, in this he meant that church leaders should lead the flock of God in the right way so that everyone will follow them “based on their good deeds”. Minister Victoria Titus, the Minister of Social welfare in Warrap state added “Coming together to share your challenges, experiences and planning together as church is an indication that the diocese of Wau is moving on the right pathway” she added “if this continues consecutively! Let me assure you for that in five years time things will be different all together, coming in concert alone is progress, sharing your familiarity is a lesson and planning concurrently is an achievement”. After this the meeting kicked off immediately, and it went on successfully, the following were resolutions passed in the three day Diocesan Standing Committee meetings. It was agreed that each archdeaconry will sponsor at least one person at St, John Theological College, and all those sponsored by
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the church will sign a contract to work in the church for period that will be agreed upon between the two parties. Recommendation from an archdeacon or pastor is required for admission and those who don’t meet the academic qualifications will sit an entrance exam. This will determine whether he or she will sit for a certificate or Diploma. It was also discussed and agreed that the next synod will be held on 21st Oct 2013 in Romic Archdeacony in Greater Tonj. Each archdeaconry is required to sponsor five people each for this meeting so the target number will be one hundred people. The issue of evangelism and mission to start a fresh came out very clearly in the standing committee meeting that pastors should reaffirm their commitments to proclaim the gospel of Christ in order to reach all the communities with the Word of Christ. It was also agreed that ordination for new pastors remains tightly controlled, no person will be ordained until they graduate, at least with a diploma in theology not only that he or she is expected to plant a church. It was also passed in the Diocesan standing committee meeting that any opportunities for scholarship or development will consider three areas that is the greater Western Bahr el Ghazal state, greater Tonj and Greater Gogrial which
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made up Wau Diocese. Only scholarship opportunities will take into account the issue of academic qualifications for the criteria of selection. Once again, the Diocesan Development wing organizations Christian Action for Relief and Development will only expand in to other archdeaconries depending on the availability of funds and concept note, nevertheless it was also passed in the meeting that every pastor should be involved in agricultural activities, to help address food insecurity and it should be preached in all parishes to take note of this. It was discussed that the Diocesan constitution should be reviewed in the course of this year and earlier next year before the next synod and passed in the next generally assemble. After the meeting the Diocesan Bishop Moses Deng acknowledged and thanked everyone who contributed to the success of this meeting in one way or another and those who also who took part in the meeting since the starting point up to the end, despite the fact that there was no proper accommodation and food. Everyone had persevered with the conditions and that was a credit to them. .
Introducing Myself – Who is Daniel? By Daniel Machar Dhieu Daniel, whose name is cropping up ever more regularly, has been appointed by Bishop Moses to work with Wau Diocese communications. Here he introduces himself.
Through God’s grace I greet all of our readers of the Renewal newsletter and the general website for Wau Diocese. I wish you Almighty God’s blessing for this year, trusting that the daily meditations will give you the spiritual support you need and bring you into a closer relationship
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with the saviour of the world, the only son of God lord Jesus Christ. I am South Sudanese by nationality and speak many languages, both international and local dialects including English, Arabic, Dinka, Bari, Madi and Relli. In my church, I was appointed by the Jol-WoLieech Nhialic (it means God look back to us) Youth Ministry as the secretary in the Nimule Torit Diocese in 2011 just for one year. While in Wau Diocese, I’m the chairman of the committee for Helping Youth in Wau Cathedral. Since I was very young I wanted to be a journalist. I have always been fascinated with learning new things and I continue to challenge myself. I was born in Twic East county of Jonglei State South Sudan in 1986 three years after the revolution of the SPLM/A. During the civil war in late 1999 before separation I moved to Uganda for my studies where I completed my high school and qualified for a certificate in mass communication. At the end of my middle school years I again moved from the big city to a small town. During my high school I worked as a semi-tutor for elementary students in computer training and news editor in the Moyo Town secondary school. After high school in Moyo town secondary school in early 2009 I attended Mengo University for Mass communication and received a certificate of mass communication in 2010. I reported news for Moyo town radio in Uganda for nine months in 2009 before finishing my paper and then left to return to South Sudan. While in studying for mass communication in 2010 I was also a reporter for the Juba Post newspaper and the Hero newspaper in 2011. I have since continue my education by taking courses in Bible studies, child development, web
design, and been awarded with a lot of certificates from the East African Christian College. Early this year I joined the University of Bahr-el-Ghazal, college of economic and social studies through a government scholarship, this will take me four years. I am currently a columnist in the “New Times newspaper” Juba South Sudan, a reporter in “the Christians newspaper” South Sudan, a writer in the “New Nation newspaper” South Sudan and also work as a reporter in the “Sudan Tribune”. Therefore, in Wau diocese I was asked to take part in the Diocesan Communication Coordination, which was held by Rev Andrew Apiny. This was due to workload which made him too busy to do all his work. So, I currently work in both the Renewal newsletter and the general news for Wau Diocese in liaison with Dave the Webmaster for Wau Diocese. I would like to thank all those who have shown me love and made it good be with this family of Wau.
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There is no Agenda for People with Disabilities By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham
Joseph Kur Deng is 35 years of age and studies at the Sunday Adult Education programme in class six evening classes. Regretfully Kur is one of those people who are challenged by physical disability, both his legs are paralyzed he a wheel chair bicycle to move himself about. I Asked Kur about his physical conditions and education, this is what he had to say. “I am halted in a special way in the sense that there is some physical work I just cannot do. Regardless of that I am still an incredibly resourcefully person in the community. When it comes to the educational arena my physical disability is not an obstacle for me to learn, I am willing to learn because my mind is not disabled, it’s only my legs which are affected but mentality I am as fit as anyone. The biggest challenge now in my view, is not the problem of my disability but that there is no agenda for people with disability in this country. Our government and the church view those with a disability to be people who are not productive citizens in our society. Hence, there no programme for us in any institution from that perspective, you can see why most people feel that educating people with a disability is a waste of resources and time”. I asked, “Please Joseph can you justify that statement how did you come to the conclusion that there is no agenda for the disabled people in this nation?” Kur replied with this statement “I Am speaking from my own experience, when I joined the Sunday Adult Education programme, I asked my
uncle to finance both my school bursary and stationery materials. I’m sorry to say that he told me you are paralyze person I shouldn’t waste my money on you, instead I would be better educating those who are physically healthy and fit. When I heard this I shed tears, it was a very painful statement, that really hit home and broke my heart. I prayed to God to help me because I really wanted to be somebody in the future of South Sudan to prove that in spite of the fact that I am disabled I can still do something to help myself and others. Looking at this statement, my uncle is not the only person who has a low opinion about disabled persons, there are many others outside in a nation who scrutiny disable us to be useless people in our society. Even though this is what many people believe, I still have hope that one day I will be somebody. I committed myself to finish standard level eight and if finance will allow, I will go as far as secondary school and to university if that is my destination, so that I can proof to my uncle and others that disabled people can also learn like other normal people and be productive people in the community.
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My uncles’ words are a constructive statement in my view. It challenged me to look beyond my present physical disability and compelled me to take steps. I believe one hundred percent that despite the fact that I am challenged physically, I am still productive in one way or another not only for myself but also to my community as a whole. What I really needed was/is somebody to support me financially and the rest of the problem will take care of itself. I tried to work on the farm but it didn’t work out properly because of the nature of my condition. I couldn’t make it as you can see both my legs are ineffectual so I cannot cut down big trees and clear the land.” Even though he was defeated by physical work Joseph refuses to give up, “I will never be overcome by education since I am mentally competent and healthy, I will learn. That was why I went as far as teaming up with beggars on street, hoping that it will solve my problem. I am sorry to say that asking people you don’t know on the street is very stressful and not the best option. I left it after only a few months and came home to begin to think again, what next”.
All these systematic ruthless words pour in to me and this hopeless situation with the need for survival compelled me to start my own project. Repairing bicycles as a business came to me because I realized that when it comes to your future you are the champion of your own dream to make it a reality. In this nation, there are many dreams murderers than revitalizerers. Many people are struggling to bring somebody down instead of building them up. Growing a business in this location is not easy, the government and NGOs don’t have an agenda for disabilities. When seeing this situation I didn’t wait to be told what to do, instead I started repairing bicycles to pay for my own study and of course to be able me to feed myself.” If all disabled people could think as positively as Joseph things would be very different. There would be no more beggars’ today on the streets. This is a challenge for all of us to be proactive and consider the dreams of others in our future. With creativity and initiative these issues can be solved. According to Joseph, “if the government can improve disabled peoples socio- economic positions, more specifically focussing on
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creating and enabling an environment for them to advocate for and improve their own socioeconomic position through strengthening relevant organizations from the private and educational sectors as well as in civil society then groups targeting the disable thing will do much good. Unfortunately, no one is concerned about programs for the disabled or seeking to facilitate the creation of a conducive environment for disabled entrepreneurs to embark on and grow their own business.
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do what my heart desires. The challenge now in front of me is the lack of tools for repairing bicycles, motorbikes, and space with a shade. These are the things that make my work so difficult and are holding me back, otherwise I am close to my dream. Because my plan is to cater for my education first and then food if this collapses my education will end since I do not have any other support from anywhere, I totally depend on this.� Please support Joseph to reach is dream.
Today I am in class six and survive not from my uncle or anybody’s pocket but with the little money I get from my work, that enables me to
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
A hesitant Old Man Becomes a Believer By Rev Peter Akook This is an old man called Deng Akook Majak, from a non christian family background who hadn't even heard of Jesus or who Jesus is. Deng Akook who nicked name himself Deng Tuong saw the issue of believing in Jesus as nonsense and only work the poor, useless and cowardly people would get involved in. It happened that in 1999, his elder son called Kiir Deng went to church to get baptized by Rev.Joseph Mamer Manot and he was actually a bit
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late since he is trained to be a good cattle keeper to go and look after his family's cows. The old man begins to ask his son the following questions: He asked: "Where have you been?" The boy answered: "I have been to the church." The old man again asked: "For what purpose and by who?" The boy answered: "For baptism by Rev.Joseph Mamer Manot." The old man ignorantly asked his son one more silly question: "What then Mamer?" The boy still respectful, wisely told his father "Rev.Joseph Mamer". The old man negatively asked: "Why then do you come and try to take my milking gourd, but what of the pastor's milking gourd?" The boy began to keep silence and left hungry to look after cattle. They were reconciled by elders of the church with his son. This year 2012 - a hesitant old man became a believer. No one in the village knew that this old man would one become a Christian. Deng Tuong has a lot to do with traditional magic in his life. He has medicines, spears, gourds etc that can help him to get riches and to protect him from any danger. He fell sick in April 2012 which was a very serious sickness and could have resulted in his death. He experienced very severe dysentery diarrhoea, becoming deaf (he can
hear but was unable to answer) for the first time, trembling and his whole body was shaken. He was not swallowing any drinks but closed up his mouth so that nothing could pass through. Our Evangelists went out as part of our outreach program and started preaching to him about the Good News and how powerful Jesus is. He responded to them positively by gestures that meant "take me to the church for baptism and burn down all the satanic kinds of things in my house". Deng Akook was baptized and was given the name Micheal Deng Akook. He is now much better but still recovering please pray for him to recover fully. The TEE evangelists were able to reach Michael because they were riding bicycles like the one in the picture. They are strong, easy to mend and locally available. Last year 31 people were trained as TEE evangelists and if there is funding for 2013 we will train even more. With patience we can reach any part of Wau diocese and bring people the good news about Jesus. Please consider helping us with this task.
Rev Peter is the TEE Co-ordinator for Wau diocese and recently completed a course of studies at Bishop Gwynne Theological College in Juba. To learn more about TEE contact Peter: tee@wau.anglican.org
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Western Bahr el Ghazal State Observes Global Food Day By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham
On 16th Oct 2012 Western Bahr el Ghazal State joined the World in celebrating Global Food Day under the theme “Agriculture Cooperative-key to Feeding South Sudan� for the very first time since independence Western Bahr el Ghazal state held an agriculture trade Show. The veneration was attended by hundreds of small farmers drawn from the every corner of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, NGOs representing both national and international organizations and top government officials. Attending included his Excellency Governor Rizik Zacharia Hassan, Speaker of the Legislative Assemble Andrea Mayor Acho, the National Minster of Agriculture, forestry, and
irrigation, the State minister of Agriculture Forestry and Irrigation, Lillian Velantino Riziq. Also attending were Northern Bahr el Ghazal state Minister of Agriculture forestry and irrigation and many other dignitaries. The World Food Day was overwhelmed with lots of different types of food from each different county; each three counties brought five of the best farmers along with their crops products and vegetables crops. In opening the function the State Director General of Agriculture Forestry and Irrigation called upon all farmers to work on their farms and warned those who keep animals to control their animals not to allow them to roam randomly.
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W.F.P Deputy country Director Stephen also told the citizens that the W.F.P is going to redefine its approach in addressing food security, initially W.F.P used to distribute food to the people, but this has worsened condition and encouraged laziness among the farmers. For that reason W.F.P will be supporting farmers with seeds and tools, W.F.P. believes this will create long lasting solutions and a sustainable economy. While the Country Director of FAO said, “The FAO will strengthen the capacity of the farmers across South Sudan to become self-reliant and acknowledges the farmers suffering during the war who worked hard under unbearable conditions in spite of that the farmer didn’t give up. The Director urged all farmers to wake up once more to go to their farms and work.” Her Excellency the State Minister of Agriculture Lillian Velantino called upon all the citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal State to make agriculture their first priority at the state level as a revenue generating income, the minister further said, “there are those citizens who spend one dollar per a day and some go with nothing, in this condition; the minister assured the citizens that the government is committed to do something to boost up agricultural activities to make life better.” His Excellency the governor Riqik Zacharia Hassan called to all citizens to work on their farms, he said, “There is no reason why South Sudan should go hungry when we have enough land, rain and peace. He further said, it’s unfortunate that the government relied on oil in the past, now the government strategy plan is to boost the agricultural sector by supporting small farmers with all that is necessity for farming to be self-reliant and to make the country a better nation”. Lastly the national Minister of Agriculture said, “Hungry families make angry men,
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when there is no food at home there will be no peace of mind in that particular family, everybody at home is unhappy, looking at these scenarios agriculture is not the
second option, for us to make the right thing our stomachs must be filled”. In all the speeches given the government of South Sudan and NGOs who are involved directly or indirectly in addressing food security need to arrange their strategy plans in order to address the food insecurity in better ways which are sustainable. Food insecurity among vulnerable populations exists as a result of the physical unavailability of food, lack of social/ economic access to adequate food and inadequate food utilisation. After the function the committee was appointed to select the best five farmers among the fifteen farmers to attend the upcoming World Food Day at the national level next month in November 2012 in Juba where winning farmers will be awarded.
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Hope for a New Nation Festival At Dr. John Garang Memorial Park, Juba 26th & 27th October 2012 By Rev Peter Akook
The location of the festival was dedicated on 25th October 2012 before hand. This was a well united event and organized as an ecumenical festival. The festival was well equipped with a lot of instruments for praise and worship music such as guitars, drums, loud speakers to mention but few and along with that, very committed and energetic choirs from all over South Sudan in all churches. The festival was attended by high ranking government officials, among the dignitaries were Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan Dr.Riek Machar Teny, Dr.Baranaba Marial Benjamin, Minister for information, SPLA high commanders and UN Diplomats as well.
During the opening ceremony on the 26 October 2012 Bishop Isaiah Daau addressed the gathering by quoting the late Dr. John when he (Dr.John) addressed one of the rallies in Khartoum by saying that a country cannot be governed by two wings i.e. " a political wing and a military wing" only, but it has to be governed by three, such as a "Spiritual wing, political wing, and a military wing". He commented that South Sudan is a blessed country which acknowledges the spiritual wing among others to exercise its freedom of worship at such a festival as this.
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I am happy that the church is well recognized by the government and put in a special place as a key leading institution, setting examples in the areas of peace and reconciliation activities in our country. For instance Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul is appointed a chairman for peace and reconciliation by the president of the Republic of South Sudan. In the delivering process of the gospel to people was Rev.Franklin Graham who preached from the Gospel according to St. Mark 10:4652 under the theme "Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight". The blind man was just a beggar who stood by roadside begging passersby for something to help him survive, but when Jesus arrived at his place he didn't ask for food again but for his sight to recover and he said it in faith. Jesus said "Go, your faith has healed you". Immediately he received his sight.
Rev.Franklin referred to this as "spiritual blindness" that we all have, and therefore we all have the chance to come to Jesus and ask him in faith to restore our "sight" (our spiritual sight). On the second day he preached on Zacchaeus from the Gospel according to St.Luke 19:2-8 who was very short but has a heart to "see" Jesus physically not hearing his voice only. Zacchaeus was a tax collector who cheated many over money deals and he confessed it to Jesus that he would pay back to those he cheated "four times" the amount. Rev Franklin challenged the assembled gathering by saying "let us confess our sins and we will be forgiven�.
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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 and happy Christmas celebration. May 2013 be a year of development, success and joy for us all.
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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 all those trapped in Sudan unable to leave and regarded now as second class citizens. Pray for innocent people returning from Sudan to uncertain futures and starting over. Pray for those living with disabilities in South Sudan, struggling more than most and facing prejudice as well as hardship. Give thanks to God for the partners who come to us and share in helping us such as SOMA and Jump Start Sudan. Give thanks to God for those recently graduated and moving on in their lives. Pray for them as they take their place in the future of South Sudan. Pray for those affected by food insecurity and struggling to get enough to eat every day. Give thanks also for the success of the global food day event and the awareness is brings. Pray for the health and wellbeing of the people of our diocese. Pray for all tribal based fighting and killing to stop. Give thanks to God for the recent festival “Hope for a New Nation” held in Juba and the encouragement given to many.
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 the new 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. Pray for Daniel Machar Dhieu and his work as Communications Co-ordinator. Pray for the new parish of The All Saints Community Church – Raja it’s pastors and laity. Give thanks to God for those recently made Pastors and taking up new posts. Pray for them as they take their place in the future of the mission of Wau Diocese.