Church of the Brethren Sudan Initiative

Phil and Enten just went with Isaac Nyiding, staff person from the Malakal SCC (Sudan Council of Churches) office, and James Mayay, who used to be an accountant working with Shrocks (and he remembers them with fond memories). They've gone to confirm our flights with World Food Program tomorrow at their office, so I'll start the blog for today. (In this photo, James in to the left, Isaac in the middle, and Rev. Paul to the right.)

We got some money changed at the bank here, then got a taxi (with the kind accompaniment of a Presbyterian church leader) to go to the SCC office. The person we wanted to see was elsewhere in a meeting - telephone communication is not possible to check ahead of time because in November their office was broken into and everything was taken - computer, phone, etc. and they have not had financial means to get new equipment, and that is the story of life here.

We then stopped by the Episcopalian bishop's place and he met with us and shared in a very inspiring way. His name is Hilary Garang Deng. He spoke so openly and got right to important issues for us to hear. He experienced being treated as a foreigner when he first came with the Episcopalian Church because this is such a predominantly Presbyterian area, and there are some Catholics, but now he says things have changed and they have worked at unity in Malakal. Now when there is a problem the churches all come together to discuss what must be done.

He told us that the greatest needs are in Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile regarding the need for the Good News as well as for services. Again and again we've heard about the need for education, especially for girls, since many girls don't have the opportunity to go to school. Health is also important and clean water, as well as food security - training people how to eat a better diet and growing more food.

He said that to start planting churches in Sudan you have to have a good reputation (and the COB does) and to go through SCC. It helps to know people who are trusted also, he said. He thought it best for the church to grow naturally/organically after COB people live with the Sudanese, "become Sudanese," and live the Good News - bring Christ's presence and work with the people, and then they will want to share in what we show them.

Concerning feelings about how welcome the COB would be, we were told that when we are truly a part of Christ then we reinforce each other, rather than cause division. We quite agree!

After our discussion with Bishop Hilary we went for lunch in a little restaurant--again, beans and onion topped with cheese, this time with some greens and a slice of tomato (and we weren't sure we could trust the produce), with bread, then went back to see if Isaac from SCC had come. Since he hadn't, we decided to go back to rest a bit - the humid heat tires us - but Rev. Elizabeth, one of the two ordained Presbyterian women came to talk with us. We were then interrupted by Isaac from SCC who told us some of the struggles of the SCC with people laid off and not getting compensations, and trouble with getting salaries, and not having resources. He admitted that SCC in Malakal "has not been doing effective activities recently," but he shared about the work they had done before these troubles started. Church politics, distance, lack of resources,
communication problems, change in support, the theft and the short but intense war for four days in November all contribute to the challenges of the Sudan Council of Churches here in Malakal. The areas depend so much on the churches for help. - not only in getting necessary resources to people but in reconciliation and peace building. It was the churches here we heard, that made it possible for conflicting tribes to reconcile enough to open up the means for transportation (by river since roads are closed in rainy season) to reach areas to get food to needy people

We heard about the strengths in this area being the fertility of the soil, the river and fish, (and from another church man) the willingness to work hard, for example, to build schools and clinics and the unity of the church. It was very interesting for us to hear the different perspectives from people of different tribes.

When we were able to get back to Rev. Elizabeth she told us of her work with women, educating them about HIV-Aids, the Comprehensive Peace Accord, and trying to help them get on their feet, trying to provide education in language and small business training. She wants help getting sewing machines so the women can learn to sew and start their own small business. The needs of the people here can feel overwhelming. They are. We wish everyone could be here to witness the state of being and living here. Though Phil and I have had quite a bit of experience in Sudan, it still impacts us to realize the needs of the people, and yet also to try to help them find their own solutions. Sometimes an outsider's point of view can open the door to realizing a new solution. Sometimes it can help us realize how little we understand the reality of the whole situation. But overall, we have learned a lot and felt good about our conversations, spending most of our time listening. Again, we have been touched by the strength of faith and wisdom of some we have met. We realize the need for prayer - for the Sudanese people and the ongoing struggles they face and for us Westerners, that we realize our connection with these people and share of ourselves with them.

Phil and Enten are back--they also stopped by the market and were able to get bottled water and some fresh fruit, plus some canned tuna for our meal--and our places on the flight are confirmed. We fly tomorrow to Rumbek where Merv Keeney, Brad Bohrer and Louie traveled last September. We think of so many of you - not knowing who all is reading this - but wishing you all well.

Peace,
Louie - for Phil and Enten too