Peace and Reconciliation through Partnerships

Team member Patti Johnson, from Albany Diocese, shares her thoughts from the Peace and Reconciliation Conference. The team are spending the next few days in Rhino Camp observing the different Madi West Nile projects; Days for Girls, Prayer ministry, Medical and Educational teams.

“Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

(Photo from: Patti Johnson, showing signing of Partnership Agreements between South Sudan, Diocese of Albany (USA) and Down and Dromore Diocese.)

Friday 19th October began with devotions from the Bishop of Maridi, Moses Zungo. He reminded us that God never forgets us and engraves us on the palm of his hand. The morning session was on the importance of personal healing when praying with people who have been traumatized.

Reverend Donna Steckline (Albany) talked about the global church and how actions of one part can affect the others. How do we love and support each other when we disagree? Kevin Steckline (Albany) shared the “Ministry of Presence”; how to be present with people who are grieving or sharing a story of trauma. Rev. Patti Johnson (Albany) offered a personal testimony of abuse and healing: “a new creation in Christ“.

Each leadership track is moving under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is evident as we watch, in awe, all the programs and presentations which were prepared separately, build upon each other. Conversations are still intense, but respectful, open and honest as participants humbly open themselves to new ideas and concepts. Resources are valuable. Plans are being put into place. Proposals are being written. Honest conversations about wellness and health issues are occurring.

Joy is the word of the day! We’ve heard laughter and singing through the compound. Praise be to God!