November 2005

Dear Friends,

We returned yesterday with our colleague Milcah Lalam from an eight-day trip to Akobo and wanted to be in touch while the trip is still fresh in our minds. Akobo is in the Upper Nile region of Sudan and is headquarters of the southern part of the Presbyterian Church of Sudan (PCOS). It is one of the areas hit hardest by the war. The physical devastation was readily apparent, building after building destroyed by bombs. It was especially sobering to view the bombed Presbyterian Hospital buildings, but heartening to see that, with the support of PC(USA) and RCA, PCOS is getting its health ministry rolling again. The church leaders estimated that over the past five years of the 22-year war Akobo, a town of about 7,000, experienced 1,000 casualties; virtually all its residents have been deeply traumatized. Although the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in January, most Akobo folk are not familiar with its contents. They are particularly unaware of their civic responsibilities and rights, as they have lived under military rule throughout this extremely brutal civil war.

We also touched on democracy and good governance ( reviewing requirements for leaders, Micah 6:8) and presented topics called “Understanding the Dynamics of Trauma: unresolved trauma often leads to violence,” “Trauma Transformation: Becoming a survivor through social and spiritual support,” and “The Wounded Healers’ Role, Including Self-care” ( Mark 6:30-32, Matt. 11:28, Gal. 6:2).

Although the topics were heavy, the atmosphere of the workshop was not! Every day began with a time of devotions and singing—the faith of these Nuer believers was an inspiration to us! We found them to be some of the warmest, most fun-loving people we have ever met. The workshop was very interactive—we did role-plays and group exercises such as trust falls, and we shared stories of trauma and brainstormed about insuring good governance. Everyone participated with great eagerness—they could hardly wait to share their stories, and their dramas had us in stitches! It seemed as though people were simply aching for the material presented. Some of the comments included: “We are happy for the new words we have heard from you on forgiveness and healing others’ trauma.” “I am excited for this wonderful workshop that has healed my wounds and created a sense of forgiveness that Jesus has shown by being crucified on the cross.” “I was brought into feeling normal again—I was wounded.”

Prayer requests

• For a halt to the aggression of the Lord’s Resistance Army, which is causing setbacks to security in northern Uganda and southern Sudan.
• That our upcoming workshops meet the needs of church and community leaders.
• For Del as he works to initiate the construction of RECONCILE’s training center.
• For us to find a good church home here in Kampala.
• For Bethany as she is applying to colleges for the fall of 2006.

We would also ask you to consider becoming a member of Sudan Advocacy Action Forum. Sudanese church leaders continually remind us of the importance of continued international advocacy to keep the government of Sudan true to its commitments made in the peace agreement.

As you receive this the holidays will be upon us, and we want to extend our warm wishes for a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the presence of Christ’s love.

In Christ,

Del, Debbie, Stephen, Michael, Bethany and Daniel

P.S. If you would like a report of the Akobo workshop let us know—we can email it!