BGC Principal Reaches Kampala

Dear BGC Prayer Partners,

Our Principal
Our principal, Samuel Galuak, was reunited with his wife in Kampala just before Christmas. They have been apart for many months as Stella continues her studies in the Netherlands. It is very good that they are together and safe.  Samuel's intention is to take a well earned annual leave (he didn't manage any in June or July) and remain for some weeks in Uganda.



The Situation in Juba
The general situation in South Sudan has now commanded a slot in the main BBC news broadcasts in the UK, CNN in the USA, France 24 in France and Al Jazeera and their worldwide audiences. Although these reports are accurate they cannot fully describe what it must feel like to live in a place that at one moment was a great hive of development with millions of dollars of investments and thousands of expats from around the world, to one in which everything is quiet except the stories of death, sporadic sound of gunfire, the break down of law and order and the rumours and dread of what might yet be. Our reports from Juba are not good although apparently there is some food to be had in Konjakonja market and coordination between the aid agencies that remain to try and protect the most vulnerable.
The introduction of more UN troops to police the IDP camps around the UN bases creates some stability.



Books Delivery
We have heard that, remarkably, the delivery of books from the Theological Book Network which had reached the Uganda/South Sudan border is now being attempted. The BGC college site is not in the worst hit area. Please pray that the books and transport team arrive safely. Pray for those who will be called upon to unload and deal with the shipment on the BGC New Site.



The Future
The immediate future of the college is, of course, uncertain in the circumstances. It would not be easy, even if advisable, for students to travel unless things improve considerably. Those at home in the states of Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile in particular will not be able to make the journey. However, the college is not due to reconvene until the beginning of February in any case. So there is time for things to change. Please pray that things change for the better between now and then.
The breakdown of security and commerce in Juba is bound to have an effect on the local income which has secured the colleges re-development since 2009. All that is also 'in the air'. We will depend on foreign gifts even more then we have done before.



Hope
What ever happens the impetus we all had from the new beginning of the CPA and the euphoria of the independence only two and a half years ago has now completely gone. BGC has indeed made hay while the sun shone - we now have to be patient as darkness has again covered the land. But this has happened so often that the traumatised South Sudanese know how to pick themselves up and knock off the dust and begin again. Nothing is secure or permanent in this world. Hope can only lie in the presence of God who lives in and among us. Even in the rejoicing of the birth of the Messiah is immediately followed by the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem by someone who was crazy to bolster his own political power. God does not abandon people who are killed, driven from their homes and subjected to unspeakable horrors but is born right in the middle of them. God comes to his people in love, and in peace. One day we will know that peace - even if we have to wait until we enter the next world. Sometimes, as in the case of South Sudan, all we are left with is the knowledge that God loves us and that “nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8.35). Our hope is in God that is present even when nothing or no-one else is. Please pray that those in the greatest sufferings will hear and know this.
Above all, pray that those who can stop this – those who have to power to rein in the terror - will do so without conditions. Nothing can justify another war – this time between peoples who have everything to lose and everything to gain if peace prevailed, as the vast majority of them know.


Trevor
 

Call to prayer from Bishop of Wau

Dear Prayer Partners, 

1. Bishop Moses of Wau has sent a letter urging us to pray (See below). The main areas of conflict seem to be in Jonglei  and Unity States. These have been areas of unrest for years and the present emergency has fanned the flames.
2. Juba appears to be relatively calm and the airport is open for scheduled flights to Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.  The American and European governments are encouraging all their nationals to leave the country and have advised that no-one should travel into the country.  This is painful for expats dedicated to working in South Sudan, many of whom have been there for years and whose home it has become. Please pray them and all those forced to leave there homes just before Christmas.
3. BGC is closed for Christmas.  The principal, Samuel Galuak, hopes to travel on Monday and meet his wife in Uganda as she arrives from Holland where she is studying. Them being together for Christmas has long been planned but the earlier disruption to scheduled flights means he is only on stand-by. Pray that he may get to Kampala to join his wife in time for Christmas after many months apart.

Blessings,
Trevor

ECSSS Diocese of Wau

You may know that very sad things are happening here in South Sudan
and many people fear for the future. This should be a time of peace,
we should not be fighting and killing each other. My brother in faith,
Bishop Abraham has put out a message asking for prayers, I want to
share this with you and encourage you support his request.

" Please may you, your family, and your Church join us on this coming
Sunday on December 22 to pray for peace, wisdom to our leaders, those
who lost their lives, and families affected who to be comforted by
God. Please keep me in your prayers and all the Bishops so that we can
deliver God's message to His people at this time. Thank you all for
your prayers. God bless you all and Merry Christmas."

We thank you all for your kind care and support for us in Wau and for
all of South Sudan. Our nation needs your prayers at this difficult
time, please keep us in your hearts and join with us in prayer on
Sunday. If you are able please pray for us that God may guide us back
to peace this Christmas, it would be a present worth having.

Blessings for Christmas  +Moses

Communiqué from Churches in South Sudan

 The reports this morning, 19th December, are that Juba has been relatively calm overnight although gunfire is being heard constantly. Criminals are taking advantage of the situation to loot and rob. There is a strict nighttime curfew in place and there are many security forces on the street.  Most of the offices are closed but not all. The banks have been open for a short period I understand. People are getting out to do regular shopping. 

The UK is sending a plane to evacuate its nationals. The US had a plane go yesterday and more due today. Expats are understandably reluctant to leave their South Sudanese colleagues prematurely. They don't want to be seen as letting them down and 'run away' as the South Sudanese call it. "If you really care why do you abandon us so quickly?" is a valid question.  On the other hand relatives and friends just want them home and safe, which is equally understandable. So dedicated expats who feel at home in Juba are torn. If you are either South Sudanese or a relative please try and understand how hard this is. And people on the outside please remember that the vast majority of South Sudanese are victims of all this - ordinary civilian people, men, women and children. They are generous people, loving and caring people and most notably peace-loving who find it just as hard to understand polititians and soldiers on personal power trips as people on the outside.

Sometimes we hear people telling us that all this was inevitable and that we should redirect our efforts elsewhere. Let it be known that we shall never give up on this country. These people and the example that so many of them have set in the midst of so much suffering is an inspiration to the world. Despite all the dysfunctionality of the State, there is a purity in people in South Sudan that is not seen as much in the West. We should never be tempted to be smug - in the end it is the selfishness of the rich and powerful that has caused, and continues to cause most of the world's problems. This emergency should lead us all to repent and return to the One without whom we cannot be truly human.

The church leaders yesterday issued the following communiqué which reflects what the ordinary people are saying.

December 18, 2013

We, the Archbishop, Moderators, Overseer, and clergy from various denominations of the churches in South Sudan, and native members from the Dinka and Nuer Communities:

• Identify ourselves not as representatives of tribes or denominations but as leaders and representatives of one church and one body of Christ.

• We are gathered, united and speaking in one voice that peace and reconciliation must prevail in our country.

• We are saddened of the conflict which has happened in Juba and ongoing in other areas like Bor in Jonglei State. We are concerned about the consequences. It is unfortunate many lives have been lost, many more wounded while many others displaced in their own country. We condole with the families who have lost their loved ones and those separated from their families by the conflict in Juba, Bor and other areas

• We condemn the clash and acts of violence which have happened within the barracks of the Republic of South Sudan.

• We condemn and correct the media statements and reports that refer to the violence as conflict between the Dinka and Nuer tribes. Whatever has happened should not be referred to as ethnic conflict and not between the Dinka and Nuer communities. These are political differences among the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Party, political leaders of the Republic of South Sudan.

• Therefore, we appeal to the two communities of Dinka and Nuer not to accept that the conflict is between the two tribes.

• We appeal to the army and security organs of our Government of South Sudan to take control of the situation and protect its citizens. Our citizens are running for refuge in UN Compounds because they do not feel safe from their own security forces.

• We are concerned about the reports of abuse, harassment and killing of individual citizens based on their ethnic affiliation. These are happening and witnessed for the last three days. Soldiers are asking civilians to identify themselves by tribes and we cannot accept to be identified by our tribes as we are all South Sudanese. We condemn such acts of abuse and hope that no more human lives should be lost.

• We appeal to our Government to ensure safety of leaders under arrest and ensure speedy justice for any criminal act but most importantly reconciliation for political differences.

• We appeal to our political leaders to refrain from hate speeches that may incite and escalate the violence. We urge to initiate dialogues and resolve issues amicably.

• We appeal to the international community to respond fast and positively to the humanitarian crisis which has developed in the last three days particularly in Juba and Bor.

• We appeal to our President of the Republic of South Sudan, His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit to continue to calm and ensure safety for our nation.

Most Reverend Daniel Deng Bul, Archbishop of Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan (ECSS)

Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, Moderator of the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church

Bishop Dr. Isaiah Majok Dau, Overseer, Sudan Pentecostal Church

Rt. Rev. David Akau Kuol, Bishop of Diocese of Awerial, ECSS

Bishop Michael Taban, Chairperson of South Sudan Council of Churches

Rev. Mark Akech Cien, Acting General Secretary of South Sudan Council of Churches

Rev. James Yout Chuol, ECSS, Diocese of Akobo

Rev. Daniel Deng Anhiany, ECSS, Diocese of Malakal

Rev. Samuel Galuak Marial, ECSS Diocese of Twich East

Rev. Peter Adum Deng, ECSS, Diocese of Twich East

Rev. William Mou Deng, ECSS, Diocese of Wau and Aweil

Rev. Philip Aduong Thiong, ECSS Diocese of Juba

Rev. John Chol Daau, ECSS Diocese of Bor

Rev. Yat Michael Ruot, South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church

Rev. Gatkuoth Chuol Bul, South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church

Further Update from our Principal

Yes, we are safe and everyone at BGC is fine. I am still in Juba. Thanks for your prayers. Our situation here might not exactly sound like what media reports. Media is misleading the world and we (church leaders) came out today to correct it and tell the world that it is not ethnic conflict. It is a political problem and they will solve that politically and amicably.
That does not mean that there is no problem; we do have problem but we still have hope that everything well get settled.
Instead of Stella, to come for Christmas to Juba, I will go and have my christmas there in Kampala with her. I will consider to take my annual leave in January instead of taking it in July.
Thanks so much for your care.
Samuel

Update on Situation in South Sudan

Dear BGC Prayer Partners,
Just a few updates from South Sudan.

• I have just heard from Bishop Enock of Rejaf to say that things are calmer. He writes:

The shooting has almost stopped except for some few shots here and there.
Life is returning to normal and shops have started to open. Please
continue to pray so that peace is fully restored to the city of Juba that
has been in turnmoil since the night of Sunday 15, December 2013 until
this morning.

I reside in Mission Area that is relatively safe as there is no military
barracks close by. Our Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul is also safe.

BGC is in the same "Mission Area" a few yards from Bishop Enock's house, and will, therefore, also be relatively safe. This area also includes the Juba Diocesan Model Secondary School, Confident Children out of Conflict, MAF and World Relief etc.

• I have also heard from Bishop Abraham of Aweil who writes:

As I am sending you this email to pray for us, we already lost 12 people, more then 130 people are wounded, many are still missing and many people are been displaced. No one believe what has happened in South Sudan because South Sudan is a nation just came out from the longest suffering but our politicians are already forgotten what we went through, very sad.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, so that we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ peacefully. God bless you all!

• The following is a message from all the church leaders who remain united and oppossed to all forms tribalism.  The churches remain a beacon of hope.

MESSAGE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION FROM CHURCH LEADERS IN JUBA, 17th DECEMBER 2013

"So the king said, ‘Bring me a sword’, and they brought a sword before the king. The king said, ‘Divide the living boy in two; then give half to one, and half to the other.’ But the woman whose son was alive said to the king—because compassion for her son burned within her—‘Please, my lord, give her the living boy; certainly do not kill him!’ The other said, ‘It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it.’Then the king responded: ‘Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother.’All Israel heard of the judgement that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice. (1 Kings 3:24-28) "

Whatever has happened in Juba over the last few days, we are concerned about the consequences. There is a political problem between leaders within the SPLM. This should not be turned into an ethnic problem. Sadly, on the ground it is developing into tribalism. This must be defused urgently before it spreads. Reconciliation is needed between the political leaders. Violence is not an acceptable way of resolving disputes. This must be done in a peaceful and civilised manner. Reconciliation is at the heart of the Church's ministry, a key Gospel value, and so we offer ourselves as mediators.

The way this incident is handled will have an effect on the future of our nation, whether positive or negative, both internally and in terms of international relations. We are concerned about ongoing insecurity. Today was supposed to be a normal business day, but that was not the case. Fighting, killing and looting continued. The army must be controlled. We appeal to the security forces, who are our brothers, our sons and our parishioners, to exercise restraint and responsibility and to respect civilians. We urge the civilians to remain calm and to stay somewhere safe. The government should give information to civilians when there are security operations and direct them where to go for safety.

We wish to see assurances for the safety of our international friends, including those from neighbouring countries, who are here to help us. We urge the government, UN and NGOs to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced civilians in Juba, and to ensure that water and food are available for the population.

We are in the season leading up to Christmas. This year's Christmas may not be what we expected, but it is what we have been given and we must accept it as it is. As we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, let us remember that God is with us, and pray for the strength and courage to bring peace, reconciliation and healing to our new nation. 

Text of message given to TV and radio media on 17th December 2013 by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro on behalf of the following Church leaders:
Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, (Catholic Church)
Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, ECSSS (Anglican)
Bishop Arkangelo Wani Lemi, AIC Moderator (Africa Inland Mission)
Rev Tut Kony Nyang, SSPEC  (Presbyterian)
Rev John Yor Nyiker, Secretary General PCOSS (Pentecostal)
Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban, (Catholic Church)
Bishop Michael Taban Toro, Chair SSCC (South Sudan Coucil of Churches)
Rev Mark Akec Cien, Acting Secretary General SSCC (South Sudan Coucil of Churches)

Merry Christmas from BGC

Bishop Gwynne College Prayer Partners

• Special Christmas greetings to all our partners around the world. Thank you all you who have opted in to our partners list. There are 139 people getting these updates so you can understand that we needed to get it right. I loved some of you responses with much encouragement. Those of you who watch Dr. Who will know the expression “delete” as the thing the sibermen say before they zap you. So calls like “Please don't delete me!” sound like the pleas of those facing a sad end. I can assure you that the purpose of the exercise was not to delete anyone. You are all very important.

It is always possible to opt in or out of the list. There are a number who have not responded that will no longer be on the list so if you come across anyone who complains that they are missing out just get them to email me.

Prayer points in the emailings will be brief. Expanded news can be found on this blog

Students: We give thanks for their diligence, hard work and patience through the past semester. The special prayers for the finishing of Joseph Taban's engaged the students attention and work for the whole of one weekend and two weeks later the graduation meant a lot more was going on. As usual at BGC the site is a changing one. The building of the new library block has meant there has been workmen on the site for most of the time. But the greatest distraction has been the construction of the hotels next to the site. The hotel rising to twelve stories has meant constant noise. The lecture room is within a very few metres of the place where all the concrete is mixed. Yet, amazingly the students carry on do well.

Pray that they may have a profitable Christmastime with their families and all find the travel money to return on time at the end of January.

The shortage of money to travel, or even pay their fees, is a major problem for the students – and therefore also for the principal who is left with a problem. It costs four times more to educate, feed, house and provide health care for a student than we ask him or her pay. The fees we ask are very reasonable compared with any other institution, including other ECS theological colleges, and it is right to ask sending dioceses to contribute to a student who is committed to work back in the diocese – often without any stipend. Yet, there are so many demands on local resources that often students have to find their own fares as well as be breadwinners for their own families. The demands and commitments are enormous. The dedication to their vocation is second to none in the world.

Staff: Pray for the speedy appointment of a good person as Academic Dean to replace John Malesh who is leaving. Sadly John Malesh has decided to take up a new appointment after only a term as academic dean. It is sad that we should lose such an able man. However, we wish him well. Finding someone of the calibre we require at the salary and accommodation we can offer is a challenge. But we believe God has the right person for us. For someone with a vocation for the work, BGC is a very rewarding place.

Thank God for the work of Dr. Ellen Hanckel now back in the USA. Pray for Mary Schmitt who is commencing teaching in January for a semester. We are very grateful to our American and European friends who come and work under relatively harsh conditions to teach at BGC. Please continue to pray that the right people will continue to come forward. Jesse Zink who did a short placement at the college in 2010 has gone on to be ordained in the States. He has authored a second book. This one is called “Backpacking the Anglican Communion” which goes on sale from January. Apparently the whole of chapter five is about BGC. You can pre-order your copy from any major book distributor on either side of the pond. (If you are in the UK you donate the BGC by going to the regular online booksellers through Easyfundraising. See below for instructions.)

Library: Give thanks that after a difficult passage the books from the Theological Book Network have arrived in South Sudan. Pray for librarian Abraham as he sets about cataloguing them. There is a whole container full of these books. They have been nearly four months on the high seas and then travelling through Kenya and Uganda. We are very grateful indeed for the TBN for sending these books. They are not just for BGC but for many theological libraries around South Sudan. The huge number of new books is going to pose a large logistical demand on Abraham. We pray that he will get the help he requires. I doubt whether this will come free – voluntarism is not part of the culture in South Sudan where everyone expects an 'incentive' for anything. (Unless you are an ordained pastor of course!)

Pray also for a smooth transfer of the library into the new building. This is also a huge task. The existing and new books have all to be carried across the site and up the stairs of the new building. The right kind of shelves are under construction (the gift of the Slavanka Trust) and then simply arranging all the books in a proper order is no mean feat!

General News: The ECS has now officially become the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan. This recognises the great role it has in supporting an expanding church on both sides of the South Sudan/Sudan border.

STOP PRESS fro Larry Duffee in Juba.

Dear Friends:

     You may hear on the news reports of fighting in Juba.  I woke-up just after 6am for my morning run to hear explosions and gun-fire coming from across town.  Fortunately for me the area of the fighting was actually in a part of town we had only last month moved out of to new apartments.  We are lucky to have 24-hour generator power and good internet.

     The fighting seems to be between factions within the army and thus far civilians are not being targeted, though these things are hard to predict.  We are also lucky in that a number of our staff are out of town on assignment so our Juba presence is not too great.  We have advised all of our staff to remain at home until further notice.  We seem to be safe and sound for the moment and hope to remain that way.

     I ask all people to say prayers for South Sudan, that this baby nation not split itself apart but can hang together.  Please pray that cooler heads prevail and that people learn that violence is not the way forward, and pray for the victims of this violence.

    If the situation changes I will let you know.

           Larry

–---------------------------------------------

Buying Online through Easyfundraising.

BGC have an account with Easyfundraising. Whatever you want to buy online from ebooks to music, TVs to car insurance, and item no matter how big of small if you go though Easyfundraising will enable a percentage of you purchase will go to BGC. When you access their website you will be given a choice of online retailers for the product you are looking for who support the cause with anything from one to even eight percent. (W.H.Smith, for example, currently offer 5%).

1. Start at easyfundraising

Let's say you want to buy a book from Amazon. Instead of going to amazon.co.uk, you go to easyfundraising.org.uk first <http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bishopgwynne/?tag=%28KEY:TFFM%29> for the BGC account. Then enter your product or retailer, in this case Amazon.

You click from the easyfundraising website through to Amazon to make your purchase.

2. Make a purchase
The price of the book is exactly the same as if you'd visited Amazon directly.

3. Get a donation
After you have bought your book, Amazon will make a donation to our cause as a thank you for shopping with them. Easyfundraising collect these donations for us, and it costs nothing!



It's as easy as that! So far we have raised nearly £50 for BGC this way.

Twitter

So, I am now on Twitter.  Within half a day I have already been found by three people in three continents!  @TrevorNStubbs
This is in preparation for my first novel being published by Orca Books called The Kicking Tree. I'll put something more on the blog about it in due course.

We are having a great time here in Juba and looking forward to the first graduation of the students of the new era (those who began new with us in 2010) on Saturday, 26th October. There are 9 graduates all who have earned very good diplomas from St Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya.  In addition we have 11 women who came to do a theological refreshment course for two months between June to July. These ladies already have good qualifications in other areas.
Trevor

Bishop Gwynne College

REPORT OF PROGRESS

OCTOBER 2013

The history of Bishop Gwynne College has been beset with a series setbacks ever since its beginning in the 1940s. The way to fulfilling the dream of Bishop Llewellyn Gwynne and Revd Fred Carpenter in 1945 of training South Sudanese men for the ordained ministry has encountered many obstacles. Some have been because of government opposition and some because of war (it was the last civil war in 1987 that drove BGC out of Mundri where it had been since 1948). Then there was the tragic death of Canon Benaiah in 1992. Then finally we had the problems that resulted in the suspension of the college in 2009. But after its re-opening in 2010 we hoped for a smoother passage. The CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) of 2005 was holding and the referendum due for 2011 actually took place. International support for the college was increasing.

It was a real joy to announce we had found an excellent man to be the new principal. Joseph Taban Lasuba was experienced, well qualified academically and someone who was passionate for the Gospel and the formation of theological students. He understood humility and service. He was once asked how his training of future church leaders was progressing. He replied that he did not seek to train leaders but servants. The respondent retorted, “Servant Leaders.”“No,”returned Joseph, “just servants. The rest is up to God ...” The nation became independent in July 2011, Joseph Taban took the college into its next stages in September of the same year.

Things were not easy. Much had to be negotiated and many challenges faced but, by the grace of God, the new principal overcame them. Within two semesters new buildings had emerged, the educational standards increased and the college made noticeable progress. Under Joseph's influence local income soared and the institution became financially stable for the first time for decades. In September 2012 Joseph put in hand a new building programme that involved the hotel development adjacent to the site. When we negotiated the least of the site we had no idea that their plans included two hotels – one of six storeys and one of twelve! As these building began shooting to the sky we came to an agreement for the construction of a two storey building in exchange for our former dormitory. It is just now approaching completion. Joseph embarked on claiming the college site back from the workshop that had used the site during the war. He renovated buildings for the students to use as dormitories and a common room. The budgeting was tight but sound. It contained contingencies of 10% and we thought that would be sufficient to see us through. Sadly we did not anticipate what happened next.

On the final day of the 2012 term Joseph became very ill. Realising how sick he was he drove himself to Juba Hospital. The problem was located in the brain. Various ideas were suggested and treatment given for infection. When he continued to deteriorate he was rushed to Nairobi where a brain tumour was detected and operated on. He made a remarkable recovery and underwent a course of radiotherapy, but in May 2013 he developed complications and died in Nairobi hospital at the end of that month.

For the five months that preceded Joseph's death, the college had to continue without a principal. The students still had to be taught, the decisions still had to be taken and expenses had to be met. A great deal of finance had to go into the support of Joseph and his family while he was undergoing treatment in Nairobi. BGC is grateful to those who helped bear the burden. The absence of a member of staff meant new teachers had to be brought in and Samuel Galuak who had been sharing out his time with a government job decided to put everything into the college. This was a brave decision because he gave up a good income and a government car. A small second-hand vehicle was bought and Samuel took up the role of acting principal.

A review of the finances revealed a looming shortfall in the months of May to August when the new rents and fees were due to come in. An appeal to our international partners was launched and, as always, they came good at the right time. A combination of good management under Samuel Galuak, the generosity of people both inside and outside the country, a favourable dollar exchange rate and the grace of God has seen the college through. (By the end of September 2013 the college had 23,000 SSP in hand. Although the provident fund remained to be paid, the projected income for October will see that put right. The crisis has been averted. A budget for the current academic year is attached to this report.)

The death of the principal came just as the exams were due to take place. They had to be delayed. Joseph Taban Lasuba was laid to rest on 22^nd May 2013 on the New Site of his beloved BGC. The college ceased its normal activities for one week. The students were magnificent in supporting the family and an enormous number of people came to All Saints' Cathedral and down to the New Site. A magnificent tomb has been erected over the grave –a feature that was not envisaged in Joseph's plans for BGC development. The students sat their exams in the following weeks and they have done the college proud. Everyone passed including those who were sitting their finals.

The graduation of the first cohort of students who began in the new era of the college and studied for the Limuru Diploma is due to take place on 26^th October 2013.

So once again, BGC has overcome yet another setback and emerged even stronger and an even greater witness of the grace of God. Some people in the West, though not here in South Sudan, have posed the question of why God seems to work in this way. Why could he not have just intervened and cured Joseph or even prevented the illness in the first place? All we can say is that for Christ nothing ran smoothly. There had to be a cross. God replied with a resurrection –this is the way of things. (For those who are interested, I have put together a short dissertation, Suffering and the Presence of God, triggered by these questions and which incorporates some the South Sudanese approaches. It is directed at those who think critically but who may not have had any theological training. If you want it, I will be happy to send you an electronic copy.)

The new building is due to be finished in the next few weeks. The upstairs will become the library. We have money from the Slavanka Trust in the UK ($7500) to purchase some of the new furniture needed. Chairs are being bought by donations from the staff who are each putting in 150 SSP. Even some students are contributing. The Theological Book Network in the USA are sending us a container load of books which is already on the high seas and is due to arrive next month. The new full-time librarian will have his work cut out moving the existing library and shelving all the new ones. A new working relationship has been set up with World Vision, our neighbours at the Old Building, who are resourcing even more books as well as seeking to help us in other ways.

The Prayer Partners list continues to grow. And we are pleased to report more of you coming this way. Jesse Zink made a very welcome visit last month. You might like to read his new book Backpacking the Anglican Communion due out in January which is currently available for pre-order. He tells us that the whole of Chapter Five is devoted to BGC! Thanks Jesse – can't wait!

May God bless you all as you keep us in your prayers.

Trevor Stubbs

BGC International Consultant

PS Pictures to come. They take too long to upload from a simple dongle!

Dear Prayer Partners,

Many, many thanks for your continued prayer over the past few months. You have served us well during a difficult period. I now right with much positive news an several fronts.

We give thanks for the successful BGC Board of Governors meeting at the beginning of this month which has worked to address the well-being and future needs of the college.

First they have appointed Samuel Galuak as the Principal of the college. He has been working as acting principal since January and now, with the sad parting of Joseph Taban, after due consideration it has been decided to appoint him as the college principal. Samuel has shown excellent qualities that will forward the vision that he shared with Joseph since September 2011. His experience, combined with his academic ability, make him the ideal candidate for the post. We praise God that we have found such a person for BGC when suitable people are so hard to find in South Sudan.

Secondly, the governors have appointed Revd. John Malesh as Academic Dean. John has MAs in two subjects and has been a visiting lecturer at the college since he returned to Juba in 2011. Before that he was the ECS liaison officer in Kampala where many of us expatriates first met him. John has also worked with Joseph and shared the BGC planning.

Thirdly, after 18 months of searching for the right person for the post of Administrative Secretary, the Board have appointed Mrs Esparanza Emil, Joseph Taban's widow. She is eminently qualified having the right kind of skills and a lot of experience in teaching in a primary school. She is also intimately connected to BGC of course.

Offering Esparanza this post also solves the problem of her future. She can continue in the college accommodation and it gives her a reasonable income to buy food and medicine and sufficient to pay the school fees of her three children at present.

These appointments means that Samuel has the support of two new full-time people in the college to add to the very experienced Benjamin Disi as logistic officer.

Eight new students have succeeded in passing the Special Entrance Exam and are ready to begin at the end of this month. Sadly a lot more failed than passed – we were hoping for a bigger intake this year. But the standard of English required is high and it is difficult for students in the remoter centres to get the tuition and practice in English they need.

The national government reshuffle last month seems to have gone off without any trouble. Although it took some people by surprise (especially the scale of it) it has met with fairly broad approval in the country. There is amicability on all sides and all have agreed that the President acted within his constitutional powers. The army in South Sudan, unlike Egypt and elsewhere, appears to keep well out of these kind of politics. The general impression is that South Sudan, despite its being such a young republic, is so far proving to be remarkably democratic despite its history of tribal differences. The churches and Christian message so widely heard in South Sudan is definitely impacting on the mood of the country.

Thank you.

Trevor

The College

1. Staff. Give thanks for the appointment of Samuel Galuak as the new principal and the new full-time appointments among the college staff. Pray for them all including those who continue in full-time positions as logistic officer Benjamin, and his assistant Boniface, librarian Abraham, our cleaner Esther, our cooks Dina, Margaret and Mackeline, and our site management and security staff Lako, Wani, Moses and Frazer. We pray for Simon as he prepares himself to do a one year full-time course in Nairobi at Africa International University.

2. Students. Thank God for eight new students who are to begin their first year at the end of August. Pray for those who were not successful in the SEE exam this time round and pray that they may find it possible to obtain the level of English required and can apply again.

We give thanks for a successful short-term course for potential female ordinands and ask God's blessing those the Archbishop has in mind to study at the college in the future.

We give thanks for those who have completed their three years and return to the college for their graduation in October. We pray for them as they sort out their immediate and longer term futures.

3. We thank God for our Board of Governors under the leadership of chairman Bishop Justin Badi, and we pray for the College Council which meets to help the principal implement the policy of the Board.

4. We thank God for the new two-storey library building erected by the local developers to replace the former dormitory now too close to the enormous hotel under whose shadow the college now finds itself.

The Nation

We praise God for calm and industry at the political level of South Sudan. We pray for the new ministers and their departments. We pray for the continued flow of oil.

We pray for the army and those who lead it.

We continue to pray for an early settlement of the Abyei question.

We earnestly pray for the people of Blue Nile, the Nuba Mountains and Darfur who still suffer so heavily in the Republic of Sudan. May God bless the UN and AU peacekeepers deployed in both countries.

We pray also for Christians who live in Khartoum, Port Sudan and the cities of Sudan.

Prayer Partners' Update

BGC is poised to begin its fourth complete academic year since its reopening in 2010. The first intake of new students that have embarked on the St Paul's, Limuru diploma have now completed their course and await their results. It is amazing how time has passed. In some ways we still see these as “new students”; it doesn't seem possible that we are now awaiting their graduation in October!

South Sudan has now entered its third year of independence and it is two years since the attack on the people of Abyei, South Kordofan and Blue Nile States that has led to the death, displacement and suffering of so many of the people who lived there. The horrors of Darfur drag on and on.

I thank you all who pray for the college and the Sudans (north and south) around the world. Your faithfulness is so encouraging as we move forward.

Those of you who like statistics might find this link of interest: http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2013%20July%2019%20Survey%20of%20South%20Sudan%20Public%20Opinion%2C%20April%2024-May%2022%2C%202013.pdf

May God bless you as you keep the Sudans, the ECS and BGC in your prayers.

Trevor

National Issues

We give thanks to the continued commitment of the UN and African Union to facilitating negotiations and risking their lives to be on the ground to monitor the efforts for peace. We thank God for the many NGOs who so frequently find themselves in dangerous situations. We pray for World Vision and the UN who have recently lost personnel in Darfur, Jonglei and elsewhere. We pray for those working with the Archbishop and his team to bring about peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. We pray for the governments of Salva Kiir in Juba and Al Bashir in Khartoum that each will listen to the voice of God for love, peace and co-operation to allow both nations to develop and care for their most vulnerable citizens. We pray that the agreements already made will be implemented faithfully by both governments.

The College

Students

Since the end of the last semester in June the college has been used for a short-term course for women theological students.

Our acting Principal writes:

The best way to address the issues of gender imbalance and violence in South Sudan is through child (boy/girl) education. The government of Sudan and institutions (such as faith based) are taking that to account. There is no other way to empower women in this country unless they are educated like their fellow brothers.

The government of South Sudan has allocated 25% of public leadership in top positions to women. Of late the government of South Sudan is also considering another 25% to make 50% which is an equal percentage in equation in the process. In ECS women are being ordained as well. Some have been made Dean of Cathedrals, for example in the Diocese of Renk, His Grace Daniel Deng Bul, had managed to develop a competent woman to become a Dean of a Cathedral.

BGC at least has so far managed to get two able ladies to study theology.

Over the break, we are now training at least 10 women BGC for refreshing courses and these women are potential candidates for ordained ministry and that's was His Grace's initiative and he is supporting it.

We give thanks for this initiative and the efforts of the ECS and government to address this issue. We pray for the women involved in this course as they return to their homes. May God bless them as they tell others of their experience. We pray that more female students can be found for the college as we give thanks and pray for God's blessing on our two current women students, Martha and Catherine.

We thank God that the Special Entrance Exams for the new intake have recently taken place. We look forward to hearing the results and the make up of the student body for September. We pray for all those who have sat the exam and those who are engaged at Limuru in marking the papers. We pray for our existing students who are due to continue their studies at the beginning of September. We pray for those who took their final exams in June and are awaiting results.

Staff

We pray for Simon Lual, a member of staff since 2010, now working for the college in Theological Education by Extension in Malakal. We thank God that he has procured a grant of up to $5000 to help him study for a one year advanced degree in Biblical Studies at Africa International University in Nairobi. This will enhance the value of the work that he is so ably gifted for in Malakal on the front-line of need close to the border with the north. We thank God for the gift of faith he is anxious to share and his valuable language skills in English, Arabic and the tribal languages of the region. We rejoice in the growing ability of BGC to share learning with other parts of the country.

We continue to pray for Samuel Galuak who continues as acting Principal of BGC now knowing that Joseph is not coming back. We thank God for his hard work and dedication and pray that he will manage to get a little rest time before the new semester starts up. We pray for his wife studying in the Netherlands.

Governance

We pray for the Board of Governors as they come together to review the progress of the college and make the decisions necessary for its continued growth. We thank God for our chairman, Bishop Justin Badi and all the members. We also pray and give thanks for the very effective College Council who meets on a regular basis to support the work of the principal and provide for the on-going practical needs of the college.

Finance

We thank God for the wonderful response of our international partners who have ensured that our cash-flow crisis, following the unexpected expenses necessary because of principal's illness and death, has been overcome. We rejoice that grants and donations have ensured we can continue to pay our way until the new semester brings in new income. We thank God that we have so many wonderful people who help us. (We have received contributions from four continents but chiefly from the UK through the Diocese of Salisbury and the USA through AFRECS (American Friends of the ECS)). We also give thanks for the various contributions that are being made to Joseph Taban's family.

We pray that the bishops of our new students and those who continue at the college will find the necessary funds to pay their fees and help them with transport. We thank God for those who have sponsored and continue to sponsor our students.

Joseph Taban

Joseph Taban Lasuba - died 20th May 2013

It is with real sadness that we have to let Joseph go.  He has been such a blessing to us all, and is so important to his family.

Sarah Goldsmith recalls his funeral at All Saint's Cathedral on 24th May:

The burial service for Joseph Taban took place on Friday 24th May at 9am at all Saints Cathedral Juba.  Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects - many people had to stand outside the church for lack of space.
Dean Jackson led the service and Bishop Enock Tombe gave the sermon.Joseph's body was laid to rest at BGC afterwards - the procession of mourners was so large that it closed the roads and needed an escort to clear the way.  It was clear from the range of ages and people present that Joseph had touched many many people's lives in a very direct way.  Young and old from all walks of life wept for his loss. 
Bishop Enock gave a very thought provoking address, speaking about the deaths of three people.  He spoke about the deaths of Lazarus, Jesus and finally Joseph Taban.  He described how all of these deaths glorified God,even though they were incomprehensible to those affected by them.  Jesus stayed where he was for two days before going back to Judea - something that must have completely frustrated those around him.  Bishop Enock reminded us that in the same way, many people prayed for Joseph including the many people overseas who support the college in prayer and receive email prayer letters.   Bishop Enock reminded us that despite the fact that Joseph's death is completely incomprehensible to us now, that we must trust that it will glorify God, even though we do not understand how currently.  For that reason we can be thankful and celebrate all that Joseph contributed by serving God so faithfully in his lifetime.
Two years ago, in one of the BGC prayer letters, Trevor Stubbs made the following comment on a challenge the college was facing (which in fact Joseph was later instrumental in solving).  "In this new country, we have to be prepared for the unexpected with a huge amount of patience without anger or despair, because they, too, are weapons of evil. A lot of things will happen in South Sudan which may be incomprehensible. We keep loving and being faithful and never give up - just as Jesus didn't and God still doesn't". 

Esparanza

Although Joseph's parents were Kakwa from Yei, he was born in Juba, spent fifteen years
working for the church in Khartoum and, since 2010, has been an integral part of the inter-tribal Bishop Gwynne College community. So he is claimed as their own by all four places. As such he was able to bring people together better than most. He spoke Bari, English and Arabic (he did his first degree in Beirut). But in his heart he belonged first and foremost to God.


Joseph was a man with a mission. He lived what he taught and preached. He was the Lord's
servant.  Servant-hood was central to his vision. When people spoke of him training leaders for the future, he claimed he did not teach how to lead but how to serve, and when they replied with expressions like 'ah yes, servant leaders', his response was, 'no, just servants'.  He loved the students, but he did not put up with any arrogance that they may have come with. He contested the culture of distinction and superiority which exalts 'big men' and makes women possessions. His wife was his companion – they loved each other deeply. They missed each other very much when they had to be apart, which sadly, was too often over the past few years.  It is good that
at least they have been together all the time of the few months of Joseph's illness.

Joseph's faults centred on too things. He would not plan time off, and he would not say 'no'. When anyone is as gifted as he was, everyone wants a part of them. He was no good at getting a proper work- life balance.  He had taken no holiday in decades, and although through encouragement and cajoling he had at last agreed to go to Uganda to visit family, he
never made it. The day before he was due to leave he was in Juba hospital and then instead of Kampala, he was on a plane to a hospital in Nairobi where, apart from a few weeks back home in Juba, he died.

Joseph's contribution to the work of Khartoum cathedral and his teaching at Bishop Shokai
Theological College was enormous. After his many years of service there he went to Duke University in North Carolina to do a Master in Theology advanced degree. The people in Durham, both the university and St Lukes's, the church he attended, remember him with great
affection. They were moved by his humility, resilience in poverty (because as a Sudanese he received no money from home towards his keep) and his enormous capacity for hard work.   

Back among his people, this time in Juba with Bishop Gwynne College, Joseph became quickly respected by the students. He had all the qualities needed to take the institution, stuttering out of one of the lowest points of it's history, to a position of financial stability and as the place of theological and spiritual formation it was founded to be. In the short time he was principal (just three active semesters) Joseph was responsible for building lives, ministries, teaching standards and expanding and securing the campus.  Joseph will be remembered as one of the greats in the history of BGC, it is astounding just how much he achieved in so little time.

The college continues in the safe hands of those who have learned from him and who continue
to implement his vision, but our hearts go out to his wife, Esparanza and his three children for whom there is no replacement. We pray that they and his mother and siblings will find a sound basis in which to continue to grow as he would want them to, and that they will be sustained in part by the knowledge that their son, husband, father, or brother has a place in God's heavenly home as well as the history of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, both in the Sudan and the new
nation of South Sudan.




It is an interesting aside that my father's funeral (Peter Stubbs) was on the same day as Joseph in a small but beautiful service in the UK. He was 92, over twice the age of Joseph. There was a sense of completeness about the occasion that we don't feel about Joseph. Our prayers are those of Bishop Enoch that somehow we may discover the way in which God will bless us in Joseph's death.  He will be remembered, as was his illustrious predecessor Canon Benaiah Poggo, as someone who died before his job was done.  But, just as the memory of Benaiah has inspired many in recent years, so will that of Joseph Taban.  I am confident that those currently leading BGC will continue the good work following his example.  Please pray for them.  But I am reminded of something Archbishop Henry Orombi told the ECS bishops in 2009. He said archbishops are replacable but husbands and fathers are not ... it is for Esparanza and the three children aged between 11 and less than 2 for which we chiefly pray.

Prayer Partners - 2/3/2013

Dear Prayer Partners,

Our Principal

I am writing this in Addis Ababa airport transit lounge on our way back to the UK. We have just spent a wonderful afternoon in Nairobi with Joseph Taban and Esparanza. He is far better than we had hoped. He is full of his former energy, talking of everything in the way he always did. His recovery from an illness that had rendered him unable to walk and talk, in some pain, and which at one time left him in a coma has been remarkable. The operation is a resounding success and he seems to be taking the radiotherapy with fewer side effects than most. Joseph and Esparanza are deeply grateful for all your prayers. On the day of his operation he was aware of a cushion of prayer for him from around the world. We are so pleased to report that God has answered our prayer for him, his family and the college in such a powerful way. We thank God for this!

There are just two weeks of treatment left and he will be free to return to Juba possibly at the end of the month. His doctors are recommending that he does not return to work just yet – we would be amazed if their guidance was otherwise. Please pray for the future, asking God for patience for Joseph.

We thank God, too, for the great generosity of those people who have funded Joseph's treatment and other costs in Nairobi with whom he could not have such care. It has all been very worthwhile.

So now we pray that the radiotherapy will do its job of eliminating all possibility of this disease returning. 

Tina, Esparanza, Trevor and Joseph (28/2/2013)

The College

The college is progressing very well. I attach an update. Please continue to pray for Samuel Galuak who is doing so well as acting principal. Pray also for Simon Lual, another member of staff, at a time of change in his ministry. He was hoping to be studying in Nairobi this semester but his admission to Africa International University has been delayed until September. We pray that his future will be now be made clear for him.

The building work next to the college is very noisy, and this, combined with the heat and dust of the dry season, makes for a difficult learning environment. But it is amazing just how resilient and purposeful our students are. We praise God for them.

We pray that potential new students will emerge for the Special Entrance Exam in July (Sat. 17^th). This will require a great effort from the dioceses to fund them because there are not enough sponsorships available from abroad. We are encouraging the dioceses and parishes to plant and farm some of their land and use the income for the payment of fees and transport. We are detecting a new determination to use local resources now that we are getting used to the freedom of independence. This is a healthy development. Please pray for our dioceses and their bishops as they seek to secure the fees and transport costs for their students.

Political Situation

Sudan (as opposed to South Sudan) is still suffering from the ravages of civil war. Despite bombing and other forms of attack in the Nuba mountains and Blue Nile, it is clear that the rebels control a lot of territory outside the towns (in a similar way to how it was in the south before the CPA). Civilians are in constant danger and deprived of food and medical help. Please pray that the government of Sudan abandons its policy of repression and ethnic cleansing.

There has also been an increase in persecution of Christians and other opponents of the regime in Khartoum. We need to pray for our churches and their leaders there.

There also many ordinary people who are finding life extremely hard. The Sudanese Pound is now trading at 7 to the dollar (in 2008 it was just 2) and food is very expensive. Oil revenues have plummeted of course, but it is the north that is suffering the most. Please pray for all there that this situation is soon resolved with freedoms for all the people from these privations.

I apologise to those of you who have missed out over the past few weeks when I was in Juba. I did not have the computer with me that contains the latest contacts and contact addresses. You have not been forgotten!! Now we are back I hope your direct contact will be restored!

I will post all the prayer partner information on our blog (address below).

Accessing the Internet is a challenge when we are in Juba. There is no city power and in any case the college is not online. It means a fifteen minute's walk to the Provincial Office (open only in office hours) but I am enormously grateful to them for accommodating me there.

Please keep up the prayer. It makes such a difference!

Trevor.