Sheila Soper, Diocesan Mothers Union trustee and member of the Wimborne Minster congregation, shares her visit to Yambio in South Sudan with us, where she was greeted by over 120 women of the Yambio Diocese. You can read her reflections below:
"My visit to Yambio began with my flight from Heathrow to Entebbe, via Nairobi where I stayed with a friend I had made on a previous visit. As well as taking me to and from the airport, she took me into Kampala to meet the displaced Mothers’ Union members from Yambio and other South Sudanese dioceses.
"It was here that they told me about their work with the grinders, a laborious and physical job that made little money or progress for those in the community. When asked what their ongoing priorities were, they said that they wanted to be able to buy essentials for some of their children to be able to go to school. I gave them $100 to cover this, and have in return received pictures of the money being put to good work.
"My next stop was by Boda Boda (a pillion motorbike) to visit Mama Margret, widow of the late Archbishop Peter Munde, the previous Archbishop of Western Equatoria, and her extended family. With thirty people living together in one house, it was a crowded situation where none of the children have the opportunity to go to school, often go without food, and struggle to make rent payments.
"The MAF flight I was supposed to take to Yambio had been cancelled, and as such, I took a flight to Juba where I stayed overnight before continuing on my journey. We dropped down into Mbolo where we picked up some passengers and went on to Maridi, then finally into Yambio where I was met by Archbishop Samuel Peni & Mama Aide.
"To open the workshop I was hosting, Archbishop Samuel presided over a communion service with the Mothers’ Union members who had arrived for the event. Over 120 ladies had come from across the Yambio Diocese, some by bicycle, some on Boda Boda, and some by many miles on foot. They slept on the floor in the guest house, hall, and cathedral whilst I very graciously and fortunately had my own room and bed.
"The Friday morning started early with praise, dancing and singing before we started the program, working in small groups to listen and discuss our ideas with each other. There was much discussion in the small groups, decision-making activities, and drama workshops where we acted out ‘The Lost Coin’. The groups were most receptive to everything, although I’m not sure if the interpretation was entirely how I had said!
"Early the next morning, the second day of the workshop again started with praise. One of the groups acted the feeding of the five thousand – something they were not used to doing, but had a great laugh doing so! This gave us a lot to talk about regarding the compassion of Jesus before we concluded with praise and a service of thanksgiving.
"It was on the Sunday that we drove to Karika in the southwest area of Yambio where we were greeted in the typically wonderful South Sudanese way. I preached and shared lunch with them, before leaving with a car full of gifts so generously handed over to me.
"The next two days were a repeat of the last as I settled for a moment in Nzara, joined by 80+ Mothers’ Union members from all across the diocese to enjoy the workshops and share in ideas.
"In all these visits, I have been greeted with joy, love and passion, unlike anything I have ever received back home in the UK. They have so few possessions or even food, yet their faith in God is HUGE!
"There is much we can do to help these generous and deserving communities, and all aid is graciously and thankfully accepted. The items that they vitally need are as follows:
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Help with transport – e.g. bikes & motorbikes.
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Iron corrugated sheets to replace the grass roofs which catch fire very easily, have to be replaced every year and are now scarce or expensive to buy if they cannot be harvested.
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Clean water or a borehole.
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A decent church building.
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Hospitals or clinics.
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School fees for orphans and young people.
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Education for women.
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Pads for menstruation.
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Raincoats.
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Instruments for the youth to praise the Lord.
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MU uniforms.
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A new grinding machine for maize and groundnuts.
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Income-generating supplies.
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Hymn books, bibles & prayer books.
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Partnership with the Salisbury Diocese Deanery like Sheila has with Yambio and Nnzara.
I will be returning in 2025 to celebrate the centenary of Yambio Cathedral, the first one ever built in Sudan. For then, I will be fundraising for new toilets and washrooms for the Guest House. Who’s coming with me?!"