Voice of Hope

Voice of Hope
Newsletter of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji
Issue # 16 | September | 2016
www.kajokeji.anglican.org
Ordinands prepare for ordination
Word from the Bishop
Rt. Rev’d Anthony D. Poggo
The month of July 2016 was a dark month for the people of South Sudan
and those who love South Sudan. This was because of the conflict which
once again started in Juba a few days to the 5th anniversary of South
Sudan’s independence which was to be celebrated on 9th July 2016. This
celebration came not to be due to armed confrontation that occurred at the
Presidential Palace known as J1 which led to the death of hundreds of
lives. This was then followed by two days of intense fighting in Juba City
from 10th to 11th July 2016.
Issue # 16
Word from the Bishop 1
Bicycles for Clergy 2
FAL Literacy Teachers 3
Fundraising for KKCC 3
Romogi Clinis 4
Tribute to Bishop Lugor 5
Visit to Canada 6
2016 ordination (pictures) 7
This two days armed conflict in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan,
dashed any hopes that South Sudanese had for the implementation of the
signed Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South
Sudan (ARCSS) following the welcome return of Dr Riek Machar, the
leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition to
Juba on 26 April 2016.
The Voice of Hope Issue # 16, Sept 2016
Voice of Hope | Issue # 16 | Sept 2016 www.kajokeji.anglican.org Page 1

The second week of July and subsequent weeks were
not an easy time for most people in South Sudan due
to the killings, displacement, inflation, trauma and all
the things that the South Sudanese people went
through and may also be going through.
As I write this piece, a number of places in the former
Central Equatoria State are experiencing insecurity
resulting to displacement, hunger, fear and panic of the
people. Many people from various parts of South
Sudan have crossed to the neighboring countries as
refugees with many more displaced internally.
During this period, my message to the people of Kajo-
Keji and other places is to pray, pray and pray. In
addition to this, it is important for all stakeholders to do
what they can to encourage leaders at all levels to
engage and find solutions to the problems that affect
our 5-year-old nation.
Prophetic role of Church
It is of paramount importance for the church and other
religious leaders to meet and discuss on the issues
that affect our nation; they will then need to engage our
political leaders so as to play their prophetic role in
speaking the truth in love even if it may hurt. In Kajo-
Keji we will continue to meet for prayers and to
additionally engage the political leaders and others
leaders to find ways to some of the killings and arrests
that have happened in Kajo-Keji, which has now been
subdivide into four counties.
As such a time like this, it is important to not to loose
hope. I am reminded of the saying: ”I do not know what
the future holds but I do know who holds the future.”
Another sad thing that happened that happened
in July was the death of Rt. Rev Michael Sokiri
Lugor, the former Bishop of the Diocese of
Rejaf. Bishop Lugor died on the 25th July 2016
in Nairobi after a long illness.
On hearing of his death, I pondered over the
great contribution that Bishop Lugor made to the
Church in the then Sudan and also to South
Sudan. I wrote a tribute which was read at his
memorial service and may appear elsewhere in
this issue of the newsletter.
God bless South Sudan
Bishop Anthony Poggo
Bicycles for Clergy
Bishop Anthony Poggo
We had a wonderful ordination service on
Sunday 24 July which went on for about 5 hours.
At this service, 10 deacons were priested and 1
deacon who was ordained.
South Sudan Map
After the service we were asked to go for lunch
at Kajo-Keji Christian College. As I was leaving
for my house after lunch, I saw one of the newly
ordained priests (Isaac) from Kala
Archdeaconry, who was about to leave for his
home. I asked why he was leaving at 4 pm when
Kala is a long way from Romoggi. I also saw that
the front tyre of his bicycle was worn out and I
commented on whether this would not give him
any problems on the way.
Voice of Hope | Issue # 16 | Sept 2016 www.kajokeji.anglican.org Page 2

Bicycles for Clergy – Cont.
His response was that the bicycle did not belong to
him and that he had hired it for 30 SSP. He was
asked by the owner that he must return it by
Monday so that he is not charged more money. He
was therefore starting early so as to spend the night
in Liwolo and be in Kala on Monday.
Teachers' training for Literacy
Jackson Taban Wojo, FAL officer
This story made me think of clergy like Isaac who
ensured that he must come to Romoggi by all
means. It also induced the commitment of clergy in
many parts of rural South Sudan who carry on
doing God’s ministry even with little resources
available.
I would like Isaac and the other 9 other clergy who
were ordained on Sunday to get their own bicycles
to enable them in their ministry. I know there are
many other clergy who also would need bicycles,
but for now I am thinking of the 10 newly ordained
clergy. It is worth mentioning that one of our
partners helped us buy some bicycles for a few of
our clergy early this year for which we were
grateful.
In the meantime, one of our partners has donated
the amount to purchase a bicycle for Rev. Isaac
(see picture). A brand new Phoenix bicycle would
cost around US$ 125. If you would like to
participate in this scheme, let us know so that we
can give you more information.
Training of teachers for Literacy
Programme
From 17 to 20 May 2016, we conducted a training
for Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) teachers at
Kajo-Keji Christian College in Romoggi. The
training was facilitated by the FAL officer and
seven teachers from the seven FAL centers were
trained. The main goal of this training was to
enable participants to understand the concept of
Functional Adult Literacy and how to teach it well.
On the closing day, Rev. John Mono, the Diocesan
Education Coordinator encouraged the participants
to put into practice the new skills they have
acquired and encouraged the synergy process to
be strong in all the different interventions
implemented by the Diocese of Kajo-Keji.
Fundraising for KKCC
Rev. Lule James, Principal KKCC
Rev. Isaac Duku
Kajo-Keji Christian College is (KCC) a Christian
based private institution owned by the Diocese of
Kajo-Keji. The College has undertaken a process
of registration by the National Council of Higher
Education of South Sudan. The College has been
granted preliminary approval to operate by this
Council.
The College was able to meet some of their
conditions such as land lease, permanent
structures, prescribed curriculum. So far the
College has five disciplines in operation such as
Theology, Education, Business Administration,
Development studies and Information Technology.
For the final stage of the approval KCC needs to
have a reserve fund of one million South Sudanese
pound (1,000,000 SSP).
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College fundraising for KKCC Cont.
Medical Equipment for Romoggi
Clinic
Bishop Anthony Poggo
Medic Assist International is a UK Christian
medical charity that has enabled us to build a
Primary Health Care Clinic in Romoggi,
including solar panels and a borehole with
water pumping and storage. I have visited the
UK to help with their fundraising which has
gone well. However, after the recent
referendum, the value of sterling has fallen by
10%. This has meant that the funds they had
raised have lessened in value against the
dollar.
Rev. James Lule - Principal
In the last board meeting (July, 21 st , 2016) a
committee was formed to spearhead a fundraising
drive to enable the College to raise such amount.
This money is to be a minimum reserve fund that
should be maintained on the college account to
guarantee smooth running of the College. And, as
mentioned, this fund is a requirement for the final
issuance of the certificate of registration and
recognition by the National Council of High
Education.
Therefore, I would like to request all people of
Kajo-Keji and our partners to support us in prayer
and with donations to enable us to acquire the
accreditation of Kajo-Keji Christian College. This
will enable our young people to acquire quality
education with Christian values.
So, as the building is nearing completion, they
have issued a crowd funding appeal to raise at
least £20,000 for medical equipment and
furniture to enable the Centre to open soon. If
you could help MAI to help us, please go to
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/romogi-primaryhealth-care-centre
and give what you can.
Our intention was to have the clinic opened at
the end of October for use, this will now depend
on us raising the funds for the medical
equipment.
Romogi Primary Health Care Centre
Kajo-Keji Christian College
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Tribute to the Rt Rev Michael Sokiri
Lugor
By Bishop Anthony Poggo
On the 25th July 2016 I was informed of the
shocking news of the demise of Bishop Michael
Lugor. I have pondered over the great contribution
that this man of God has made to the Church of
God and also to the nation of the then Sudan and
also to South Sudan.
Family friend - Bishop Michael Lugor and my late
father Canon Benaiah Duku Poggo were great
friends and contemporaries. He has time and
again reminded me that he and my late father
were brothers.
When my father died in January 1992 in Juba,
Bishop Michael Lugor was away from Juba. When
he returned and came to comfort us. I could tell
that he had indeed lost a friend from the way he
mourned my Dad. He was not happy with the way
the issue of my Dad’s burial was handled. There
was a controversy of his burial site, until a solution
was found that where he would buried in Juba.
This would be temporary and his remains would
later be exhumed and reburied in Kajo-Keji. I am
glad that thus was done in 2011.
Time and again Bishop Lugor has wished to see
my Dad’s final reburial site in Kajo-Keji. In fact
when Bishop Enock and I went to visit him in
Nairobi in 2012, he reminded me that he was still
keen to fulfill that wish.
I informed him that when he gets better we
would arrange for a flight for him to travel to
Kajo-Keji for this. This was not to be when the
sudden hand of death took our spiritual father.
The reality is that instead of seeing my Dad’s
reburial site here on earth, they have now met
face to face in glory.
My enthronement - Bishop Michael Lugor
officiated at the enthronement in Kajo-Keji on 3
June 2007 on behalf of the then Archbishop
Joseph Marona. I am glad that this great man of
God played an important part in my Episcopal
ministry. This has significance in cementing the
strong relationship that we have had as he used
to refer to me as “my son” or “nguro” in Bari.
Excellent Speaker - Bishop Michael Lugor had
an excellent command of the English language
with impeccable grammar that cannot be
matched by any of his contemporaries. His
accent is one of the best by any person whose
first language is Bari. Bishop Michael also had
a witty sense of humor that he would use
appropriately. When he speaks in the Bari
language, one would often desire to continue
listening to him because every word, illustration
or idiom is so rich; leaving an indelible mark in
your memory. When I was growing up, I desired
to speak eloquently like Bishop Michael. May
God raise up more Bishop Michaels in the
Church of God and in our nation.
Contribution to peace - Bishop Michael Lugor
was involved in several meetings, conferences
and trips for peace and reconciliation. I recall
during the time of Archbishop Benjamina
Yugusuk he was appointed as a church envoy
for peace. He also continued to do this when
the CPA was signed. I know that whenever you
met him, he would often remind us to take care
of the Church. Bishop Michael ably represented
the church wherever he was sent.
Education - Bishop Michael's desire to further
his education is something to admire. I first
heard about Queens University in Belfast from
Bishop Michael, which he attended when he
was still a clergy.
Bishop Anthony with Rev. Fred Taban in the UK
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Tribute to Bishop Lugor – Cont.
Bishop Michael pursued a degree course in Kenya
and was even keen to undertake postgraduate
studies. In 1993 he asked me to send him the needed
admission requirements for the postgraduate
institution that I was attending. His love for education
and training encouraged younger clergy to purse
further education.
Mentor - Many of us younger bishops looked to
Bishop Michael Lugor as a mentor. He would often be
willing to share his experience with us. In fact, he has
said several times that he was happy that he had
handed over the baton of church leadership to us. Let
us emulate his life and ministry and carry on doing
what he and other faithful servants of God have left us
to do.
Bishop Michael Sokiri Lugor has fought the good fight
to the end. When I saw him 7 months ago, although
he was frail and unwell, he was still keen to give his
fatherly advice to me. We will miss you dearly, our
father in the Lord.
Visit to Canada
Bishop Anthony Poggo
From 28 July to 4 August 2016 I visited Canada. Here
are some highlights of my trip.
ESSCA Conference
The trip to Canada was at the invitation of Equatoria
South Sudanese Community Association (ESSCA)
Canada to speak at their annual conference. ESSCA
is a non-profit and non-political community association
aimed at bringing the Equatorian community in
Canada together. There is an equivalent organization
in the US. The conference took place from 30 to 31
July 2016 in Edmonton.
Keynote address
The keynote address I gave was on the topic:
Ambassadors of Peace, Unity and Reconciliation. I
encouraged the audience to remain united and work
for peace in South Sudan even from Canada. I
challenged them to be peacemakers and to work
towards building peace and not peace spoilers. I
quoted Matthew 5:9, which says: “Blessed as the
peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.
I also asked the audience to work on
forgiveness and not encourage vengeance,
which exacerbates the war in South Sudan. I
said that once peace is achieved, it would be
good for us all to work on reconciliation. I made
a brief exegesis of 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 with
emphasis on Reconciliation. It was good to
have Bishop Jane Alexander during my talk at
the conference. Bishop Jane is the Anglican
Bishop of Edmonton.
On Sunday 31 July, I preached at an
interdenominational service on the role of the
diaspora in building our nation, based on the
example of Nehemiah. It was good to have the
participation of other church leaders who
included pastor Francis Kenyi and Rev Justin
Laki.
Kuku Community in Edmonton
It was also good to join the Kajo-Keji
Community at an event dedicated to children
from Edmonton and Calgary to encourage them
and pray for them. Many of these children need
such guidance and prayers. The parents also
need encouragement as they bring up their
children in a different environment than they
were brought up.
Bor Community
On the same day, I also joined for a few hours a
thanksgiving function by the Jonglei Community
for Adut Bulgak who joined the Women’s
National Basket Ball Association (WNBA).
Kuku community in Calgary
A day before leaving Canada, we had a
wonderful fellowship with the Kuku Community
in Calgary. It was good to catch up family, old
friends and meet new friends.
Meeting with Archbishop Gregory Kerr-
Wilson
It was also good to link up with Archbishop
Gregory of the Anglican Diocese of Calgary and
Rev Lino Keror, one of the South Sudanese
clergy who is taking care of South Sudanese
congregation in Calgary. We discussed future
partnership between the Diocese of Calgary
and the Diocese of Kajo-Keji.
Appreciation
Thanks Joseph Modi, Mike Lemi, Joseph
Kichere and all those who worked hard in
preparing for the ESSCA conference. Thank
you all for your prayers.
Voice of Hope | Issue # 16 | Sept 2016 www.kajokeji.anglican.org Page 6

2016 Ordination in pictures
Maziina Fred
Bishop and the Clergy
Diocese of Kajo-Keji
C/O The Episcopal Church of South Sudan & Sudan
P.O. Box 110, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
Or P.O. Box 183, Moyo, Uganda, EA.
Email: newsletter@kajokeji.anglican.org
Website: www.kajokeji.anglican.org
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