Apr-June2013-Voice

Word from the Bishop
Rt. Rev’d. Anthony D. Poggo
I had a wonderful time during my sabbatical. While
on sabbatical, I rested and relaxed. I also had time
for reflection. I spent a lot of time reading and
writing on the book of Nehemiah. I chose the book
of Nehemiah because we in South Sudan identify
with Nehemiah as one who lived in exile and
received a call to return to Jerusalem to re-build the
wall of the city.
It was good to spend time at Ridley Hall. I joined
the students and faculty in the daily prayers as well
as the weekly Holy Communion service at the
chapel. I felt welcomed and became part of the
E-staircase family. I would like to thank the Ridley
Hall Community for the warm hospitality that I
experienced.
Rt. Rev’d. Anthony D. Poggo
One of the memorable things was an event that Ridley Hall arranged at Lambeth Palace – there is more on
this in a separate article in the newsletter. A number of former mission partners came for this. I had not
seen some of them for 25 years or so.
During my sabbatical, I visited different many parts of the UK. Most weekends, I was not involved in any
preaching but was either interviewed and was asked to say something on the situation in South Sudan and
also of the church in Kajo-Keji and South Sudan. It was good to be able to go to some services and not to
have responsibility for (part of) the service, a rare thing for me. I was also able to visit CMS Ireland in
Belfast, something that I had wanted to do for a long time. I enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland and met
with a number of new and old friends.
One of the challenges was the weather; it snowed a lot. I understand that it was the coldest March in 50
years! I returned to South Sudan from such a cold weather to a very hot Juba with temperatures around 40
degrees Celsius.
I would like to thank all those who prayed for me during my sabbatical as well as those who offered
hospitality during my visits. I want to thank Rt Rev Hilary Adeba, the Bishop of Yei who was caretaker
Bishop of Kajo-Keji during my sabbatical. I thank my family for allowing me to be away for my sabbatical.
New office
It was good to be back and to start work in our new diocesan office. This new office was build with funds
collected from different donors within South Sudan and elsewhere. We had two fund raising events each in
Kajo-Keji and Juba. Additionally, the United Thanks Offering (UTO) gave us a generous grant through the
Diocese of Bethlehem that made it possible for us to complete the construction within one year. I would
like to thank all those who made this possible and as we say in Bari, tinate losu, meaning: thank you all.
Our finance team informed me that we have a shortfall of US $ 3,766 to pay off the contractor. The
necessary work on a wall and other finishing jobs require an additional amount of US$ 17,100.
Voice of Hope | Issue 3 | May 2013 Page 2