Sudan Communion

In 2007, at the invitation of the Rev. John Jock Chol (a Sudanese clergy friend of Spencer Potter+), Martha Holden, a Christ Church parishioner, traveled to the village of Akobo, Sudan. Akobo sits along the banks of the Blue Nile, across from the country of Ethiopia. Martha was hosted by the people of St. John's, the main Episcopal presence in the region.

Upon Martha's return, the Sudan Communion Prayer Group was formed to pray for the people of the Sudan and for further guidance about our involvement. Deborah Jerard, another parishioner and a pediatrician, feeling a call to do something in the wider world, soon joined the group also. 

In response to an invitation from St John's, in 2013, after much prayer and discernment, Martha and Deborah traveled to Akobo, in what was by then the country of South Sudan.  This journey was done with faith, love, patience and humor. Deborah held medical education sessions for the Mothers Union while Martha met with the clergy and other church leaders to pray and strengthen the Communion.  By our second visit in 2018, Akobo had become a Diocese, and our first connection, John Jock, the first Bishop.  Follow-up on the medical education was offered and relationships were deepened.

At this time, we have ongoing relationships with the current bishop, Bishop Joseph Yoal Yuol, and others, including a refugee family in Ethiopia that we assist with prayers and financial support. We have raised funds that helped facilitate the acquisition of an outboard motor for a boat (yet to be bought) so that the Bishop, clergy and other church members can travel more easily up and down the Nile spreading the good word of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Martha and Deborah continue to meet for prayer and discernment to affirm our communion with our brothers and sisters of Akobo Diocese and to see what next steps we are called to in order to bring the Beloved Community into the world.

Sudan Communion Opening Prayer:

Blessing God, we come together now to serve you and the people of South Sudan. Open us to you and to your presence in your word, in each other, and in ourselves; that we may be more closely formed as your children. Guide us to pray and to respond as you would have us; in Christ’s name. Amen 

We will be glad to share with you our other prayers, if you would care to join us in this facet of the ministry.