Graham Whitley June 11th 2017 ~ South Sudan

Last week’s pewsheet article ‘Pray for the Persecuted Church ‘ was timely!  Many will remember the support this parish offered to those Sudanese who found themselves stuck in camps in Kenya following the long civil war in their country.Through the WAKIMBIZI GROUP St Philips provided clothes, bibles, English classes and spiritual support over the desperate years 2008-2012.  We also sponsored the training of several community leaders and pastors with the intention of helping to rebuild South Sudan when it was safe to return.Alas, the hopes of a peaceful South Sudan have yet to eventuate.  Poor governance, tribal conflict and a severe drought continue to  beleaguer this young nation.Recently, a young pastor whose training we  supported, wrote to St Philips seeking assistance to establish a Christian ministry in the bleak and isolated UNHCRR camp at Kalobeyei where he finds himself with his young family.  He wants to bring hope and encouragement to a dispairing community through the gospel.In response, a small team led by Graham Whitley is co-ordinating with the Anglican Diocese of Kitale (Kenya) and CMS-Africa to establish a church within the camp.This is not a building project, simply the very basics of a place of prayer, fellowship and teaching: some bibles, MP3 player for those who cannot read, a few plastic chairs, a keyboard and amplifier, speakers and a generator.  As well, maybe, a small refrigerator to chill the bottled water so desperately needed.Approximately $3,000 will fund these modest requirements and it is proposed to enlist support from the S. Sudanese communities both within Australia and the USA.So, in addition to your prayers for the Persecuted Church, please consider contributing in this tangible way to the spread of the Gospel in the camp at Kalobeyei.  Or perhaps you can think of other ways in which you could support this outreach.  If so, we would love to hear from you.Graham Whitley 0401 530 909John Pearman 9336 5510 andSherilee Macready 0419 337 251