2014 Annual Report Sudanese Reformed Churches (SRC) General Synod P.O. Box 412 Juba, South Sudan South Sudan Back to War Again

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1 2014 Annual Report Sudanese Reformed Churches (SRC) General Synod P.O. Box 412 Juba, South Sudan Sudanese Reformed Churches (SRC) started as a small house fellowship in Khartoum, Sudan in February1992. It was time of great Christian persecution in Sudan. In God s grace SRC has now grown into sixteen (16) churches twelve (12) in South Sudan and four (4) in Sudan with total membership of 3000 members. South Sudan Back to War Again South Sudan before 2005 was in war with Sudan for five decades in which three million people were lost to war, disease and famine. Unexpectedly, it is back again to days of war, displacement, misery, and famine just two years and half after its independence from Sudan. It started in December 15 th, 2013 as a political difference within the SPLM ruling part and turned quickly into brutal UN protected IPDs camp in Juba tribal war and subsequently dividing the country between government and armed opposition. At the outbreak of war thousands of Nuers were targeted and killed in Juba on the basis of their ethnicity and Dinka were also killed on their ethnicity in other towns north of the country. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people have died so far and more than 1.5 million have been displaced from their original houses, villages and towns. And according to UN data, it has been estimated that 450,000 people have fled to refuge in the neighboring countries (Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda) and more than 4.9 million will face famine if violence escalates. The number of internal displaced people (IDPs) within South Sudan is estimated at 916,900 including those who are under UN eights protection camps across the country. Ceasefire Juba SRC worship shade dismantled at the outbreak of war

2 has been signed, however military clashes are still continuing in number of places across the country. War Effect on SRC SRC has been greatly affected by the current civil war in the country. Seven churches out of 16 churches have been affected. It is also likely that another three churches will be affected if the war continues. Some of our church members in Juba (110), Malakal (73), Bor (36) and Bentiu (64) are living in United Nation Mission in South Sudan Elder David with his family at UN IDPs camp in Juba (UNMISS) protection camps for their safety and protection. Other 316 members have fled to refuge in the neighboring countries (Sudan 85; Ethiopia 110; Kenya 53; Uganda 65). In term of death SRC has lost 27 members including 2 pastors, 5 evangelists, 4 elders and 1 deacon. SRC members in the areas affected by war have lost all their property and houses. The humanitarian situation in those areas is bad and it will be worse if the violence continues. Three church buildings (made from local materials) have been completely burnt down. Church properties such as chairs, forms, pulpits, cupboards, tables, musical instruments and etc have been looted. The SRC eight year of labor in South Sudan has been disrupted and devastated. In term of infrastructure, the conflict has ravaged SRC key structures laid on the ground particularly in Juba, Malakal, Bor and Bentiu. Psychologically, as church we are deeply traumatized by this merciless and devastating violence. Spiritually, we are encouraged that God is in control. Humanitarian Crisis The one year war and now in its second year, has created a huge and catastrophic humanitarian crisis, displacement and miserable situation in South Sudan which need international attention and engagement. Living condition in those UN protection sites is miserable as health, water, sanitation and hygiene are concerned. It is worth mentioning that UN and International Aid organizations have responded and operations are going on mainly through airdrops and airlifts because supply routes have been heavily affected. Thousands of people in Juba fled to UN compounds at the outbreak of war for protection and safety

3 Diaconal Response In the early months of the crisis, Christian Reformed World Mission (CRWM) Eastern and Southern Africa Region promptly instructed SRC leadership to use sum of US$7000 (originally meant for shops ministry projects in Malakal and Juba) to provide immediate diaconal assistance to the SRC displaced persons. At least 865 SRC displaced persons were provided with basic food items such as (beans, rice, edible oil, wheat flour, sugar and milk-powder for children) between months of January and February, This was the first diaconal response. The second diaconal response was echoed by Reformed Churches in South Africa (GKSA) and Christ s Children Foundation, each donating sum of US$15000 totaling to sum of US$ This relief fund is being used to purchase basic food items and non-food items (blankets, plastic sheets and used cloths for children under age nine). At least 1140 SRC displaced members including children are being reached with basic food items. It is a provision estimated to last for three months as from January to March, Rev. Malan Van Rhyn s Visit to South Sudan Two widows and their orphans whose husbands were killed during the December, 2013 incident in Juba Pastor Malan is a Minister and Syndical deputy of Ecumenical Relations of Reformed Churches in South Africa (GKSA). Courageously, in late October, 2013 he paid a fraternal visit to SRC members who are in Juba, South Sudan. He was intending to visit the most affected areas such as Malakal, Bor and Bentiu but the intensity and unpredictability of security situation halted his visit. In Juba he visited three UNMISS IPDs camps. His faith and sacrifice to visit South Sudan at this difficult time is highly commendable and worthy of appreciation. May the good LORD bless him greatly in the service of GKSA, Africa and indeed around the globe! Rev. Malan with some Juba SRC consistory members during his visit to Juba, October, 2014

4 Recovering from Trauma The brutal violence and terror that erupted in December 2013 have traumatized thousands of South Sudanese including church leaders who were caught up in the conflict. SRC leaders as well as other church leaders have been puzzled, perplexed and traumatized by the high rates of death, injuries, widespread displacement, disrupted livelihoods, suffering, severe food insecurity and a major malnutrition crisis that came as consequences of the conflict. To break free from trauma Christian Reformed World Mission (CRWM) Eastern and Southern Africa Region organized a workshop of trauma healing in early November, 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop was attended by [20] SRC and other denominational leaders. The workshop was facilitated by Rev. Sheila along with Rev. James Staton and Rev. Mwaya We Kataiv the Region Director of CRWM. The participants expressed freely many of their heartbreaking stories of trauma. The workshop was timely, inspiring, uplifting and healing. The leaders went back home recovered from trauma, equipped with skills and action plans that would help others to get recover from their trauma, deep wounds and pains of the violence. SRC Joins Membership of ICRC Some SRC leaders at trauma healing workshop Nairobi, Kenya With great joy and gratitude, SRC has joined ICRC membership in October, 2013 during its eighth meeting that was held in Cardiff Wales, UK. SRC application for ICRC membership was sponsored by ICRC two member churches, that is, Heritage Reformed Church and Reformed Churches in South Africa. During ICRC deliberations Mr. Cornelius Roose presented the SRC report for membership. The recommendation was accepted by the churches. Thus SRC delegate Rev. Patrick Jok Ding Wic was seated as a member. The ICRC is a conference of Reformed Churches that meets every four years. ICRC delegates during 8 th ICRC meeting in Cardiff Wales, UK Sept., 2013

5 The purpose of the conference: 1. To express and promote the unity of faith that the member churches have in Christ; 2. To encourage the fullest ecclesiastical fellowship among the member churches; 3. To encourage cooperation among the member churches in the fulfillment of the missionary and other mandates; 4. To study the common problems and issues that confront the member churches and to aim for recommendations with respect to these matters; The African delegates at ICRC meeting, Cardiff Wales 5. To present a Reformed testimony to the world. (The aforementioned points were quoted from ICRC website) International Ecumenical Relationships SRC is a member of the following International Ecumenical bodies: 1. World Reformed Fellowship (WRF) 2. International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) University Study Opportunity Many schools particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states are completely closed including institutions of higher education because of the conflict. Thousands of students have sat for South Sudan National Certificate but have no access to colleges and universities. By God s grace Nyakouth managed to go to university in Ukraine to study medicine. It is worth mentioning that this opportunity has been availed and made possible by collective efforts of some generous members of Northland, A Church Distributed in Florida USA. Nyakouth sponsored by Northland Her travel and admission to university came to be through (Dr. Dan, Rev. Gus, Dr. Grace, Dr. William, Rev. Marc, Madam Jeneba, Rev. Brad and other members of Northland Church). Northland church through the brethren has pledged to sponsor her studies in Ternopol Medical University, Ukraine. If she succeeds in her studies she will be the first female medical doctor in three counties of greater Akobo of Jonglie state, South Sudan. Due to conflict in South Sudan, there are thousands of students who have good high school certificates but have not access to colleges or universities and because of poverty parents are not able to send their children abroad to study.

6 What is God calling SRC now to do in South Sudan? Although war is still raging on in some parts of the country, SRC is recovering from war trauma and her leaders have been praying and asking what is God calling us to do? Below is what SRC leaders have projected to do at this time of crisis: 1. Gospel witness in IDPs camps and refugee camps in (Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda). 2. Work of mercy and compassion among those affected by war and particularly to SRC members (providing life-saving support, supporting people in re-establishing their lives including children). 3. Providing counseling to those affected so that they get recovered from their trauma, deep wounds and pains of the current war. 4. Rebuilding of Juba Sudanese Reformed Church to become SRC hub. 5. Starting of orphanage center in Juba (the war has dramatically increased the number of orphans in the country). SRC Immediate Needs 1. Diaconal aid (relief) for the needy in South Sudan particularly SRC members who are in UNMISS compounds across the country (it is important to emphasize that even if peace prevails today in South Sudan, the level of need for emergency relief aid is so high). 2. Diaconal support to seventeen (18) displaced pastors & evangelists: Juba (7); Malakal (4); Bentiu (3) Bor (2) and (1) Ethiopia and (1) Kenya. 3. Evangelism in the war affected areas (IDPs camps) and in refugee camps in (Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya and Uganda). 4. Bibles and Reformed Christian literatures. 5. Engagement in the ministry of trauma healing, reconciliation and peace. 6. Provision of used clothes to children, women and elderly. Prayer Requests 1. Violence, and tribal warfare may end in South Sudan and peace prevails again (Peace is needed to end the suffering. The conflict continues to affect the lives of millions of people) 2. Safety of SRC leaders as they labor in IDPs and refugee camps (they are serving in areas of high risks and uncertainty). 3. Provision of relief assistance to IDPs and particularly to SRC members Car (Land-cruiser station) and motorbike for SRC home mission in Juba and the resounding areas. 5. Scholarships for SRC members who completed high schools (major universities in South Sudan are not operational even those that are functioning do not operate well due instability and the political upheaval in the country). SRC Vision To see merging of individuals, families and communities in Sudan and South Sudan that are saved, discipled and integrated into a local church to serve, to worship and to become agents of transformation to exalt the triune God SRC Mission SRC mission is to labor with God s given grace by preaching a holistic gospel to all the abandoned and neglected people in Sudan and South Sudan so that individual, family and community are saved and transformed by Christ through the practical acts of God s love.