Voice of Hope

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