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 -
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
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!
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!
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