Blog Entry - Update #1 from Robin Denney in Sudan

From Robin Denney 24 October - Juba, Capitol of Southern Sudan
I arrived in Juba yesterday, greeted by Bishop Alapayo, and two others, John from the Kampala office, and Simon Peter from the development arm of the church. Everyone has been so welcoming. The bishops of Sudan have been gathered for training in Juba for the last two weeks, so I got to be here for the last two days, and meet the bishops. It has been a wonderful opportunity, having most of them in the same place. I met with the Archbishop and Bishop Alapayo today, and we discussed the details of the assignment. Which will be based in Juba, creating an stratigic plan for the establishment of an agricultural department for the whole province, and begining some projects in different diocses, begining with Rumbek. The rest of the day today, I've been catching each of the bishops for a chat about their diocese and the challenges and gifts they have in the way of agriculture. It has been facinating. Despite all they are facing, there is real positive energy here, among the bishops, and a sence of hope. I have spent the day between overwhelmingly excited about working here, and overwhelmed at the scope of what I am being asked to do. But I was able to speak frankly with the Archbishop about expectations, and what I think can be realistically accomplished in a year. He is very committed to agriculture work, and the other bishops are very pleased to have me. Despite the challenges, I am excited by the energy I have expereinced among the bishops these two days, and I am excited about this job... really amazing job. I spent time today talking with another expat who has lived here many years. He reminds me that we never feel prepared for this work, and that when it comes down to it, no one is prepared to face the challenges Southern Sudan is facing, but something is better than nothing. It is supper time, so I have to run!
love to you all, Robin

Mission Partnership Opportunity Alert

I received the following email from Canon Enock Tombe, Secretary General of the Episcopal Church in Sudan. Robin Denney, an agricultural advisor missionary from the Diocese of El Camino Real, is leaving Sunday from SFO for a two week assessment interview in Sudan, She will be placed as the Agricultural Advisor for the Episcopal Church in the Sudan in January or February. I inquired of Enock if there were any resources she needed to bring. He talked with six bishops who were in Juba, the southern capitol and gave me this response.

If you can do anything in the next 24 hours to make this response, please get back to me.

Thank you

Jerry

Jerry Drino, Executive Director -Hope With Sudan
408-259-2111 office
408-806-4506 cell

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Dear Rev. Jerry W. Drino,

Thanks very much for your message. I have consulted the Bishops who are currently in Juba since 13/10/2008 attending an Organisational Governance course for two weeks. The course is being facilitated by CORAT Africa and organised by SUDRA, the Development and Relief Agency of ECS. The list of items required are as follows:

1. Lui Diocese/Lui Hospital- TB medicines.
2. Malakal Diocese - Sprinkle water pump for irrigation.
3. Lainya Diocese - I-Mate Phone.
4. El Obied Diocese - Lap top computer.
5. Ezo Diocese - Money for purchasing 80 litres of diesel for Bishops tour of his Diocese from mid- November to December 2008.
6. Rejaf Diocese- Lap top computer or Video Camera.

I hope the information will help you support the six Dioceses.

Looking forward to your reply.


Regards,


Rev. Canon Enock Tombe
PS/ECS Juba.

Convention Presentation!

The WMN is putting on a presentation during convention, so mark your calendars: Saturday November 8, Sherwood Hall, Salinas. The presentation will be sometime between 11:30am and 1:00pm. Everyone who has been involved in mission work this year, is invited to join us on stage, to give the delegation an idea of how alive mission work is in our diocese. We will also have a powerpoint presentation going with info and pictures.

Please get information and photos about the specific trips, relationships, or projects your church has supported this year, and email them to Robin Denney: redenney@gmail.com, or mail them to her at: 8620 Piedras Altos Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422.
The deadline for submission is November 3.