Rhoda Yar Reports Results

Rhoda reports: Thank you for your encouragement and prayers to me and my country mates.I have just received my results this afternoon and I thank God for the good results and I really thank you for your prayers and support to complete this course.May God bless your church and you in advance to continue to serve God people.This are my results you can see them for your great work.God Blessings to you all.Thank you a lots,Rhoda Yar.

Prayer Expanding...

A member of Christ Church who is unable to make it to the regular gatherings for prayer of the Sudan Communion prayer group reports that she prays every for for the Sudan, and for those who are blind or visually impaired there. She herself is blind. We have provided her a copy of the collect to have recorded so that she may pray that along with us.
If you are Sudanese, you are invited to pass along word to your blind and visually impaired friends in the Sudan.

Praying and Responding to Recent Tragedy

Johnson Ruach, of CRADA (Christian Relief and Development Agency) sent us this picture from Akobo. Johnson shared: "People waiting for food distribution ṭhe ratio is always one bag per 10 people. its very serious situation"

In the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Akobo (approx. 200 killed in one attack recently) some members of the Sudan Communion Prayer Group have felt led to respond by gathering t-shirts, yard goods (fabric), thread, sewing needles and fishing line, hooks and nets as these were the needs expressed by CRADA. If you have any of these items that you are willing to donate, please bring them to Christ Church or see Martha Holden, Sara Baker or Deborah Jerard. Sara can be emailed at saracoyote@gmail.com for more information. Due to the climate in Sudan, it is preferable that all clothing and fabric be 100% cotton. If you feel led to contribute financially, funds will first go to shipping costs and the remainder will be spent on purchasing the requested items.

In addition to possibly donating items, the Sudan Communion group asks for you to consider praying for the Sudanese people. Our Collect asks us to pray for the "Sudanese, in the land of their birth and spread among the nations". If you feel led to join us in prayer, please join us at 9am on August 31st in the Geer Garden. If the weather does not cooperate, we will meet in the meditation room.

In their own words

I returned from a short trip to PA to visit Danielle's family and these emails awaited me from our friends in the Sudan. We meet at 9am this coming Sunday - please come and pray with us if you feel led to do so...

From Bishop Peter:

Dear Sarah Greeting and Thank for your concern for Sudanese problem since last Wednesday we were been mourning my own people had been killed by Nuer who came and attack the innocent people at Wangulei living 6 dead and other 30 wounded this people are from one section only this was before Akobo was attack on Sunday by Murle tribe which killed more than 185 including women and children it is very sad before the peace was signed in 2005 we were praying for peace hoping that the Country will be calm but the so call peace turn to worse our people are being divided by the politician.Please keep praying for us.With Thank God BlessBishop Peter Arok

From Rhoda Yar:

Dear Sister Sara,Thank you for the condolence you send to us and your prayers for the innocence people who have been killed in Akoba.I was in the examination that is why I did not reply you but I have finished now.I can said again thank you for your support for paying my course and God bless you.Jonson is near to the people he will tell you how you can help them.And I think the people have nothing to wear and no food .God bless you,Thank You,Rhoda Yar.

From Johnson of CRADA (Christian Relief and Development Agency)

Dear sarah,

I know and its very hard to put in place some of the requests. We (CRADA) with a support from our donors we are trying to move to Akobo for emergency intervention. You know the prolem in Akobo is not a single thing that can be eradicated in a time, but accumulative implications ranging from shortage of water and sanitation, lack of sleeping materials, and insecurity. All these are there and made it so hard to know which area to start with.

Currently we are working in taking in NFI, fishing kits to Akobo for the idps and we will see what other thing God will provide. Your contribution is a blessing, and may depend on what capacity and wht you feel so important in this situation especially if you shoulld provide used clothes, tents, fishing kits( ready silk) and any other support

The Burmath/Nyadit attack earlier this year made the community to move with nothing at all. You can see their house were burnt down, they walk without clothes to cover themselves and they lost all their properties. They are out in Akobo under tree without tukkuls. I may only aqsk God, if you should be allowed by your government to pay a visit and see by your eyes before deciding what support you should offer to these IDPS. Your prayer is more important too

Thanks,

Johnson
PED CRADA

Akobo Update from Johnson of CRADA

Dear Sara,
Its really true that the killing in Akobo became massive. What is haappening in Akobo this year have never been happening in the fast year. Ạmost 1000 or more have died both starvation and gunshot. The mareng killing is so innocent and mostly children and women who are armless dependless. The numberis now coming to 207 yesterday and people still searcching for the restby beating drums and blowing horns and trumphets.

We kknow that you have been in the forefront and you have been supporting and comforying us through pray, we hope there still room for the people of Akobo to settle ans be calm. Currently there is no food, no enough water to drink and the sanitation is worseninng and the killing at the outskirt, its terrible, Oh God have mercy on us!

Peace and Love

Johnson

Please Pray - reports of 161 people killed in Akobo

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General notes with extreme concern the 2 August attack in Akobo, Jonglei State, Southern Sudan, and condemns the reported killing of 161 people, including 100 women and children, 50 men and 11 Sudan People’s Liberation Army soldiers.
The Secretary-General has directed the United Nations Mission in Sudan, UNMIS, to extend all possible assistance to those affected by this heinous act and work with local authorities to restore calm.
The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the Government of Southern Sudan and the bereaved families. He calls upon the Government of Southern Sudan to bring to justice those responsible for these events and take the necessary measures to protect civilians across Southern Sudan.

Please, please, please pray for the souls lost and the families left behind. And also for those who are trying to help during the tragic aftermath.

James Mabior, WYDA An Amazing Journey

James Mabior, president of WYDA (Werkok Youth Development Association) came to our Sunday gathering to share about the work that is being done in Werkok, Sudan to "promote clean water, job training, leadership skills and education" (see website at www.wydasudan.org for more information). James was born in Werkok and has a deep desire and commitment to help this community rebuild in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. His journey to his hometown provided the focus on clean water and education - 99% of the population is currently using unclean water. He shared with us that when there is cleaner water available, young girls and women walk 10-20 miles each day to get it and that this prevents them from pursuing other goals such as education. James' passion for his community was evident as he shared his story and his plans for the future.

Prayer Items:
Continued prayer for NESI (see previous post) and for WYDA as they prepare for and carry out their work in the Sudan.

Rhoda Yar: for her education as well as her family/health

Johnson: Continued health, energy and wisdom as he works for CRADA

More to come.... stay tuned -

Atem Deng speaks and inspires...

NESEI

This past Sunday, Atem Deng came to speak to the Sudan Communion Group about the work and vision of NESEI (New Sudan Education Initiative). Atem is the founder of NESEI and a former Sudanese refugee. He spoke eloquently about how important it was to him to know that so many people cared about the situation in the Sudan and that they were "not alone". These were words that nurtured the souls of those present, as the Sudan Communion group has been praying for over two years for our Sudanese brothers and sisters - "in the land of their birth and spread among the nations" (from our Collect).


The current NESEI school serves over 300 girls from a variety of regions and tribal affiliations, teaching them about basic academic skills, vocational training, family planning and hygiene. Atem explained that the fact that the girls come from a wide variety of backgrounds is a key aspect to "promoting peace through education", which is the mission of the group. It is hoped that if students of various tribes develop bonds of affection and respect during their younger years, they will take those experiences forward to build a peaceful and prosperous Sudan in the future. Also, they will be able to take this knowledge, as well as what they have learned about family planning and hygiene, back to their own families and communities, thereby affecting many lives in a positive way.

Thank you, Atem for visiting and sharing and Martha, for organizing.

For more information, check out the NESEI website at: http://www.nesei.org/

Mark your calendars! In two weeks, we will have another guest speaker. On July 19th, after the 10 am service, James Mobier will give a talk about WYDA (Werkok Youth Development Association) which focuses on sanitation efforts in the Sudan - particularly water sanitation as well as personal hygiene. Please join us at 11am - all are welcome!

Joining us in prayer for the Sudan

We have received word that the sisters of the Maryknoll Contemplative Community are joining us in prayer. We welcome them and pray-ers of all faith traditions as we grow our communion to pray more powerfully for the blessings of the Almighty to pour out upon the Sudan and its people

Stay Tuned....

Rhoda Yar is a young mother who met Martha when she was at the Kakuma refugee camp in January '07. She wrote to request funds to help support her in gaining greater theological education so that she could provide stronger support for the betterment of the lives of the women of her community. Help was found and in response she is keeping all of us informed of her progress:

She has committed to keeping us updated about her studies - please read ~


Receives my warmly greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.I am doing well with my family and my studies are going well.I have recieved the money this afternoon and I am going to pay the school fee today.
Thank you very much for your Love and kindness you and your Church and the sisters who have been helping you, have shown to me.I have never seen such a Lovely people who sacrifice them selves to help the needy people of God in the world,although the economic is bad you have given me all your money.I can only says that God Bless You and fill in your pockets and give you good Health and Bless your families AMEN.I have nothing to reward you with but God is going to reward you.
Thank you very much and I am very glad.I will only request your prayers that God will give me understanding in my studies.I will be intach with you to tell you how my studies are going on.
Thank you a lots,
Rhoda Yar.

The Invitation Has Arrived!

Martha received this email from Ven.Canon John Jock Chol, Martha's host in 2007 in the Sudan:

Dear Martha Holden,the daughter after God's heart,Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.The news of invitation has reached all Archdeaconries,Parishes and Congregations of the Area of Akimbo.It came as a joyous day break to end the long day of loneliness.And we all know that your visit to Akobo 2007 was not in van.It was purposely done by God.Akobo is not longer a lone, the faith fullness of the King of peace and source of life, the Divine son of God Jesus Christ has connected us with Christians family of believers through you our dear sister.The simplicity of disciples made the message of the Gospel truth to reach the dying world with God's word full of life and hope and your visit to Akobo would indeed change the situation of the Episcopal Church in AKobo.Your visit to Akobo has created a channel of hope for lonely Christian of Akobo.and they see the unity of God people.The war had cut off Akobo from the Sudan mother Church and the world for many years.Now reunification has began and God Holy keys will open every doors for His people in Akobo.I would like to greet your Bishop,The House Clergy,Sudan prayer Group,Laity,Mother Union,Choirs and Congregation of the Episcopal Church of America,May the Lord God bless America and her people.May the Lord opens the door for us to meet you there in US.Please pray for to God so that we get visas for our trip to your Country.May the Lord gives you sound health happy mind and heart to God's children.Best RegardsVen.Canon John Jock Chol

Request for Support

Rhoda has been introduced to us through our dear friend Bp. Peter Bol Arok, Suffragen Bishop for the Sudanese in Kenya. The Sudan Communion is not a fund-raising enterprise: our ministry is prayer -- and to respond as our prayer life leads us. Through prayer, members of the Sudan Communion have been led to offer some of the funds Rhoda needs. If you feel led to contribute , please e-mail sudancommunion@gmail.com .

Here is her original email to us:

Received my warmly greeting to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.It may be amazing to you, by writing to you.I got your address in Kakuma refugee camp when you visit the church in Kakuma.I Was one of the women in the Mothers Union and you gave us some money that time to buy tailoring machines.I am 25 years Old woman and I am serving in my church as a counselor for the women,I am A Sudanese.Please I am requesting to you if you can assist me for my short course of pre university which I am doing in may 2009,It will only take me three months to complete so that I can do adegree in Bible and Counselling.I got addimition in Methodist University but I had no money to start.The amount needed is 800 U S Dollas once.I no that economic is bad but I am applealing to you to assist me because I want to work with women in my Church in Sudan when I finish my course.We the women in Sudan are left behind in everything and we are suffering.I want to be counselling women and also help in the development.I have a heart for serving the people of God but I have no power.May Almight God bless you and provide you so that you will be helping the needy.I will send you my addmition letter if you want.I am hoping that God is able in everything.I will be happy with anything that you help me with.God Blessings to you,Thank You,Sister in Christ Rhoda Yar Bol.

Johnson Ruach, Executive Director of CRADA-Sudan (Christian Recovery and Development Agency) gives us a news update of the Akobo-Pibor region (Southeastern Southern Sudan) and a request for prayers. There is a history of tribal tensions in that area, which has been exacerbated by the arms imported during the recent conflict. A unified Christian outreach offers the best visible hope for the region. Johnson met Martha from our Christ Church prayer group in January, 07 in Akobo and has been our main correspondent in that area since then. Here is his request, in his own words:

Dear Everybody,I am asking you (the prayer group) to continue praying for the people of south sudan and particularly the people of Akobo. A recent fight that killed 170, 15,000 displaced between people of Akobo and Pibor posted a great burden on local NGOs working in Akobo and specially on CRADA (Christian Recovery and Development Agency) trying to participate in bringing emergency assistant to the IDPs. CRADA with help from UNFAO will distribute 30mtns of fishing kits, seeds, tools and NFIs to the IDPs (2000HHs) in akobo (Akobo West) and Akobo East 2000HHs. Its becoming great concern in rescueing and sustaining the lives of the people who are still alive. Getting food in Akobo is one of the hardest thing in this world as far as from Durban to Port Sudan. we have appealed for emergency food assistance to UNWFP and agreed to provide 300mtn of food for Akobo west that hosting 8200 individuals IDPs and returnees. The food that has reahed is only 16mts. We are not sure whether there will be another food to come.I am asking you to pray for the innocent lives lost AND THE PEOPLE who are still alive to settle well in their new homes.I am asking Rt. Rev. Peter to pray for the people who lost their ones and be conforted and to pray so hard that nothing may happen again.

A Request for Support and Updated Collect

Request for Support:

Rhoda, a young Sudanese woman who was at Kakuma refugee camp at the time of Martha Holden's visit there in January, 2007, is looking for support to further her theological and religious education so that she may help other women in her region to strengthen their faith and better their lives. She is highly recommended by her bishop, the Rt. Rev. Peter Bol Arok, a close companion of US Church missionary Marc Nikkels. The SuCom prayer group at Christ Church Montpelier will be considering raising some funds to support her endeavor, and would appreciate your prayers and support.

Updated Collect:

Gracious One, fountain of all mercy, lover of all humanity, fulfillment of all hope: we bring before you the Sudan and its people, in the land of their birth and spread among the nations. Strengthen and sustain the Sudanese people and all of us, Sudanese by birth and Sudanese by affection who labor and pray on their behalf. Bring us into communion with each other that we may pray with one heart, that others may join us and your blessing pour out upon the Sudan and its people, in the name of all that is holy, Amen.

New Email Address

Hi everyone - our new email address is: is sudancommunion@gmail.com

Please feel free to email us with news, questions, concerns, and of course, especially with items of prayer or information related to our Sudanese brothers and sisters.

Email from Bishop Peter Arok

Dear Sara Baker greeting in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. how are you doing? I just arrived this morning form Southern Sudan How is Martha Holden doing? otherwise am still praying for Church of Christ unity.
please pass my greeting to your praying group.

with thank God bless you.

The Rt. Rev. Peter Arok

Revised Collect and a Prayer Request

Prayer Request: Please continue to pray for our Sudanese brothers and sisters and their potential of visiting us in the U.S. Martha is starting the process and working out the details with Johnson who is our contact with CRADA (Christian Relief and Development Agency).

From Johnson's email: Ask the communion group to go on praying for the church in Akobo to be built and to progress. May Almighty Lord guide you in everything you are doing and give you an insight for the people of Akobo.

Revised Collect: Gracious One, fountain of all mercy, lover of all humanity, fulfillment of all hope: we bring before you the Sudan and its people, in the land of their birth and spread among the nations. Strengthen and sustain the Sudanese people and all of us, Sudanese by birth and Sudanese by affection, who labor and pray on their behalf. Bring us into communion with each other that we may pray with one heart that your blessing may pour out upon the Sudan and its people; in the name of all that is holy, Amen.

Prayer Request from Alex Lokotyang

Alex contacted Martha recently. Alex is Sudanese, but currently lives in Australia. He had returned to the Sudan after his brother's tragic death, leaving him to care for his brother's ten children and widow.

His words: I would like if she can include Pastor Chaplain Leju in the prayer network list. He is very active and have set up a church and the members are the one who struggle for the Nursery school. It's abit of time to start gradually to forget the impact of the tragic dead that rocked our family. The children still of the late remain without words but only pray for their lives. Their mother is with limited education with any source of income. This result they always ring me and express their grief in education and not sure whether they will have better future. They like to finish their secondary and look for job. I am sponsoring two children. one son in institution studying building. He will finish next year, and the other started Nursing. I am stranded to help three children (two girls and a boy) to finish their secondary two years school in Uganda. Each term cost $250 for three month. I am requesting sonsorship and i would be happy if you can discuss with the Rector.

More news from the Sudan - please read and pray

http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSHEA443264

Recent News

Please be in prayer for the overall safety of our sisters and brothers in Sudan, especially the Akobo region in Southern Sudan. The news reports of violence in Juba, are frightening and with the NGO's being forced to leave Sudan, we are very concerned for the safety and well being of all of the Sudanese.

A link to a recent report in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/africa/16sudan.html

Sudan Communion Collect - Newest Version

Gracious One, fountain of all mercy, lover of all humanity, fulfillment of all hope: Strengthen and sustain the Sudanese people and all of us, Sudanese by birth and Sudanese by affection, who labor and pray on their behalf. Bring us into communion so that we may pray with one heart and respond as you would have us. We ask that your peace, justice and well-being come to the Sudan and its people; in the name of all that is holy, Amen.

Prayer List February 14, 2009

SuCom Prayers February 12, 2008

For all those, Sudanese and from other lands, who labor and pray for the benefit of the Sudan and its people, in the land of their birth and spread among that nations.

For the Sudanese in the West who are working, hoping and praying to gain the skills, education and resources to help their people and their country. For Alex, James and James.

For the Sudanese who have been in refugee or IDP camps and are now finding their way back in their home villages and towns. May they bring goodness back home with them. For Bp. Peter and all those under his episcopate. For the Elders and Mothers of the church.For the health and faith of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan as it welcomes the home-comers.

For those who stayed in the their homes, or in their home regions, and are welcoming those who spent the last years away in camps or out of the country. May the adjustments be graced with Your presence. For the church in Akobo, the ministry of the Christian Recovery and Development Agency, and for the Mothers’ Union there and throughout the Sudan.

For those who have taken government jobs in the hopes of realizing the potential for a new nation aligned with God’s Kingdom. For John Jock.

For those called to new jobs or new churches among new people far from their own homes. For Pastor Simon.

Sudan Communion Prayer List
Updated: December 11, 2008
News: Bishop Peter came to the U.S. in mid-November – thanksgiving for his time here with the Lost Boys and his safe journey home.

****UTO Grant to Mothers' Union in Akobo for Guesthouse****
Writing of the grant application - approval of the grant through all stages
Guidance/Energy/Assistance for Martha and Sara as they continue the process
Prayer for Johnson (CRADA) who is gathering documentation.
Bishop Peter (of the Dinka tribe, appointed in Kenya to take care of the pastoral needs of the Sudanese refugees, now returned to the Sudan)
Clarity of vision/Financial Concerns/strength
Health/family/Graced accommodation into Episcopal Church of Sudan
Join him in prayer for Christian Unity in the Church (his request via email)
The Ven. John Jock Chol (Nuer tribe - Episcopal priest, government position as a "troubleshooter"/negotiator, Martha's host)
Work for peace in the Sudan and in the church, /Health/Family
Joseph Yoal, Elizabeth, John Jock (the younger) (Nuer tribe - Priests, seminary in Nairobi, homes are in the Akobo region)
· Sponsor(s) to provide funding for Education and household expenses
Alex (Bari/Kuku tribe)Sudanese man relocated to Australia who wants to build a nursery school/daycare center in his village in Western Equatoria near Uganda
Brother recently died in car accident, leaving 10 children who are now Alex’s responsibility - Alex has left to stay for a month in the Sudan with his family - $500 has been sent to assist with expenses of travel.
Vision/Next Steps/ Resources for Nursery School project
Mothers' Unions throughout Southern Sudan
Akobo Episcopal Church
Thanksgiving for arrival of instruments and shoes
Guidance for further shipments/requests
CRADA (Christian Recovery and Development Agency
Johnson (Director) Ministry/Health/Family
Possible group to come to U.S.
Medical personnel needed in Akobo
Retired person/clergy/recent seminary graduate to go to Akobo and help (requested by Johnson)
River Boat (requested by Johnson via email)
Satellite phone (requested by CRADA via email)
Daniel Deng Bul presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (bishop of the diocese of Renk also)

Next Meeting: December 21st, after 10 am Service Christ Church Montpelier