A few updates from the Nuba Mountains

It’s definitely rainy season! 
May-October it is rainy season in the Nuba Mts, but July-September are really the time of torrential downfalls, making travel difficult and changing day-to-day life. 
Grace Secondary School and the Diocese Offices have good facilities and are able to stay open throughout the rainy season, but the primary schools celebrated their closing ceremonies early July. Diocese Evangelists sent off the students and their families with prayers and encouraging messages, looking forward to welcoming them back to school in a few months.

Welcoming a new Assistant Bishop
In 2024 Methodist Bishop Armya “Jeremiah” Khamis joined the Diocese of Kadugli along with many Methodist congregations and clergy who chose to integrate their churches into the Anglican Church under Bp. Andudu’s leadership. After a review process, Archbishop Ezekiel in Khartoum officially appointed Armya to be an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Kadugli alongside current fellow Assistant Bp. Hassan James.

The Sudanese Church is Growing
In July, thousands from both dioceses of the Nuba Mts. gathered in a refugee camp at the South Sudanese border to celebrate the growing church. Bp. Andudu (Kadugli) and Bp. Elsir (Heiban) worked together to confirm 132 people, ordain 3 priests and 1 deacon, and license 7 new lay pastors and 8 new Mother’s Union members. Additionally, Bp. Hassan and Bp. Armya visited the churches and Katcha Primary School in Tobo County, a formerly unreached region but where the church is growing rapidly. It was reported that there were 188 baptisms this year so far, mostly of new converts. This is just a small glimpse of how the church is growing in spite of the war.

Two- Day Peace Workshop in Andulu
The tribal conflict in the Nuba Mts. which started in March continues to rage as a major crisis throughout the region. Bp Andudu and other leaders brought together reps from 14 different tribes, including tribes at the heart of the conflict.  The workshop included both teaching on reconciliation and trauma as well as collaborative work towards understanding the root causes of the conflict and developing constructive ways to promote a return to sustainable peace.  This was a vital space for working towards restoring tense relationships in the midst of incredible division. Bp. Andudu continues to chair the multi-denominational Peace and Reconciliation Initiative which is leading a coordinated response to the conflict.

Pastor Adel Idris Jongool Killed and Others Kidnapped
In the midst of ongoing violence, we received devastating news this week that Anglican priest, Adel Idris Jongool, was murdered in an attack on Debi near Korkel Theological College. Others, including church members, were kidnapped and are being held hostage by the attackers. We learned that 32 of the hostages were released after successful negotiations, facilitated by pastors from the tribe of the attackers. However, many others continue to be held captive. Pray for the families of Pastor Adel and the other victims, especially for the immediate release of hostages. SCP sent a letter this week to the Diocese of Heiban in an attempt to express our shared grief and support for all affected as they grieve this horrific attack. It can be read here.

Humanitarian Relief for Displaced Families at Enbal IDP Camp
Diocese leaders continue to build off of the momentum of the recent project facilitated by the Anglican Relief & Development Fund (ARDF) in March, distributing vital relief for displaced families settled at the new refugee camp near diocesan offices. Leaders initiated a multi-phase relief project which will take place over the next few months and which includes a cash voucher assistance program as well as the distribution of plastic tarps, mosquito nets, and sorghum for over 100 households most in need at the most underdeveloped section of the camp. Most receiving relief are Muslims with the work creating new trust in the church and opening new doors to share the love of Christ.

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