WORD FROM THE BISHOP

What a great Joy? You are Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12) We can’t thank God enough for His faithfulness and provision. Our situation can best be described in words of Apostle Paul, “But we have this treasure in jar of clay to show that this surpassing power is from God not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned; struck down; but not destroyed” (Corinthians 4:7-8). God gave us the grace of joyful serves to him.

This annual report would not be possible without God’s given friends and partners in the Gospel (Philippians 1:3-11). Very special, deep heartfelt THANKS to CAROLINE LAMB, the founder and CEO of CRESSUK and Trustee for their LOVE for us all. Thank you very much for your generosity that enable us to survive and serve our people in this critical moment in providing healthcare, agriculture, Microfinance, education sponsorship and bush schools. You are truly our Hero in service to humanity.

Our thanks also go to Precept Ministry International, for supporting our discipleship program and training of pastors and leaders. Tearfund South Sudan, thank you for enabling us to serve our people in Internal displaced camp of Korijo and Pure through bridge the gap project and building our capacity in humanitarian response.

 Anglican leadership Institute, under the able visionary leadership of, The very Rev Canon Peter Moore(late) and Sandra, for leadership training. The first after I became bishop. Thank you very much for your love and care and for providing me with leadership tools.  Thanks, and appreciation for GZB for supporting 3 youth leaders of the diocese to attend youth’s leadership conference in Rwanda. You have made a great mark in the history of youth ministry.

Flame International my longest faithful friends and partners, thank you very much for leaders’ conference for healing and deliverance conducted in YWAM, Arua, and for sponsoring canon Charles Kenyi for deeper healing and deliverance training in Kenya.

Madi and West Nile Diocese, Bishop Charles Collins Andaku for your love and granting us freedom to serve our fellow refugees and for partnership in the ministry You are truly a witness of Christ Love.

The diocese of Kajo-keji for spirit of Love and Unity. To all diocesan staffs, clergy, mothers Union, youths thank you so much for your hard work, resilience and team work spirit. Glory be to God!!!

WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY ABOUT THE DIOCESE OF LIWOLO

CRESSUK

It has been my joy and pleasure to have partnered with the Diocese of Liwolo since May 2017

However, I have worked with Bishop Joseph Aba, his staff and people since the foundation of CRESS in 2010. Bishop Joseph has led with integrity, honesty, transparency, faith and hard work for all the 10 years. This example has been followed by his staff and people and has led to the flourishing of the work of CRESS

This relationship resulted from a clear call from the Lord God to myself in September 2009 and I am so delighted that I was able to respond with the words “YES Lord send me”.

The fruit of this work and relationship has been many lives changed through education and training. The amazing Jehovah Rapa clinic has gone from strength to strength each year building on the good work of the previous ones. The agriculture and micro finance groups have been a great success and again attention to detail, faith and hard work has built a firm foundation to this work and outreach teaching in the refugee camps.

The continuous education of the sponsored children has given a visible result of when a relationship and commitment is not broken over a whole decade. The recent graduates securing jobs and we look forward to the current graduates following in their steps and becoming leaders amongst their own people with a strong Christian Faith

During 2019 some 16,000 South Sudanese Refugees and host community were touched by CRESS in some way that has helped them on the path to sustainable life. This is a HUGE achievement and testament to the faithfulness of God.

This work and partnership with the Diocese of Liwolo is summed up by St Paul in Galatians 6:9, NIV: “Let us not become weary in good doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 WE LOOK FORWARD TO REAPING AN EVEN GREATER HARVEST AS WE DO NOT GIVE UP WORKING TOGETHER!

Caroline Lamb

Founder and Chair of Trustees CRESS

Precept Ministry International

Just want you know that from the time God brought us together in 2017, we have never looked back. Working particularly with you Bishop Joseph and the Dioceses of Liwolo in general has surpassed our dreams and expectations. Through you we have been able to train and impact leaders and through them we have reached hundreds and thousands. Your leadership, your leadership structure, the corporation and the heart and love for your people that has trickled down to the men and women you work with has been a great to challenge that we rarely see in the different parts of the world. Thank for giving us an opportunity and making our partnership one of the healthiest one. I pray you be well by the grace of the Lord. Shalom

Tear fund Recommendation

This is to certify that Tear fund South Sudan has worked in partnership with the Diocese of Liwolo (DOL) for a Period of a year implementing a Belgian Government funded project entitled Bridging the Gap: the role of local faith Actors in humanitarian response.

Under the above project, we trained DOL staff on humanitarian response project design, implementation and reporting. Subsequently, we supported DOL to implement a successful education-in-emergency project in Pure and Korijo IDP camps along the South Sudan – Uganda border. Unfortunately, we could not continue to support DOL as the Bridging the Gap project ended in December 2019. Nonetheless, we look forward to working with DOL when a similar opportunity arises.

I therefore recommend DOL for any support from individuals, institutions or organizations

Thank you

INTRODUCTION

Diocese of Liwolo (DOL) is a newly born diocese on 15^th January, 2017 in the Western part of Kajo-keji County. It borders Morobu County to the West, Lainya County to the North and Yumbe district in Uganda to the South. The first Bishop of the diocese of Liwolo was elected and consecrated at All Saints Cathedral in Juba on 21^st May 2017. DOL was inaugurated as full diocese on 9^th April, 2019, and on 14^th April 2019 the first bishop was enthroned.

Due to the war in South Sudan, the DOL and her people sought refuge in Uganda and her office is currently in Arua Town next to Abiricaku Church of Uganda. The diocese oversees the displaced people in the different refugee settlements and those in the IDP camps in South Sudan from its coordination office in Arua.

Vision

DOL envision Christ centred, Holy Spirit filled and holistically transformed lives and communities.

Mission statement

DOL exists to honour God and loving His people (Hurting world) through making disciples and delivery selfless services restore human dignity.

Core values

DOL is firmly and deeply embed on the following core values as her identity and guiding principles:

1. Love
2. Integrity
3. Selfless service
4. Social Justice
5. Accountability and transparency

HEALTH

Jehovah Rapha Clinic

The health clinic project is located in Kerwa Sub County, Yumbe district which is run by two qualified senior clinical officers, two nurses, a laboratory technician, a cleaner and two watchmen.

A total of 7,862 patients have been seen so far from January 2019 to December 2019 in the Clinic.

1000 women were trained in Family spacing, Malaria prevention and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Imvepi, Matu, Gobor, Mijale, Bulomoni and Yangani of the Refugee Settlements and self-settled areas. 1000 Mosquito nets were distributed during the trainings and 50 water filters to the most vulnerable.

Comments about the Clinic

Word from the Yumbe District Local Government

‘’Hello I am Hon. Amule Jackson (Social worker + Counsellor) in for L.C. 5 Yumbe district local government, I am really very Happy with all these machines donated to help my people. I am so happy that the presence of this medical equipment will help our young generations and the Pregnant mothers because I even show a delivery bed here with a GOOD STANDARD that has met the standard required for a health setting. I really pray for more support to upgrade this great clinic to help my people here in Kerwa because before the arrival of these medical equipment, we used to refer our patients and pregnant mothers up to Arua, Kampala and sometimes up to Kenya which is really very expensive for a very poor community like this! So, I am VERY Happy and may God bless you’’

Case stories from the Clinic

Mr. Boboya James, a resident of Korijo IDP – South Sudan (Appx 15km away from the CRESS UK/Diocese of Liwolo funded Clinic located in Mijale trading center) and a father of Nakato Sibili Poni, eight months old baby girl who were delivered twins has to narrate this story!

‘Nakato and her late sister, Barbire were delivered twins early this year BUT sadly after 6months, Barbire died of severe anaemia secondary to severe malaria in protein energy malnutrition while in the camp due to NO proper medical help. I completely had no money and a week after her burial, the mother resorted to excessive drinking of alcohol and seemed not interested in taking a good care of Nakato – she can hardly find time to breastfeed– she decided to run away and a neighbor used to help Nakato with cow’s milk in order for her to survive.

Three weeks later, Nakato developed a sudden episode of on and off high-grade fever associated with severe vomiting, passing loose watery stool, and general body weakness and refusal to feed. I decided to take her to the main health center in Korijo IDP (appx 1km) – she was tested using Malaria rapid diagnostic test strip (MRDT) because the health facility had no microscope and the laboratory test strip reported positive result for malaria – but this test cannot tell the stage (grade) of the malaria parasites in the blood stream and also it is associated with false positive and negative results. So, the clinician prescribed some oral medications for malaria, diarrhea and to subside fever. 

I gave her all the prescribed doses of the medications but noticed no improvement – I became confused. So, I started giving her some oral local herbs for one week. But her condition continued to deteriorate and worsen on daily basis.

A day passed by, and time came for us to receive our irregular food ratio in the camp – a friend earlier informed me about the coming of the members of the Baptist church of Mijale. I decided to carry Nakato along as weak as she was. Everybody was concerned about her condition. So, we were escorted up to the D.O.L/CRESS UK funded clinic in the heart of Mijale trading Centre that took us almost 4 hours walking. We found more other sick people in the clinic who immediately allowed us to be seen first due to the worst condition of my daughter – I guess. But the staffs were so kind and kept reassuring us.

So, this clinic was quite different. My child was immediately assessed and blood sample removed for malaria test using a rare Microscope, sugar level tested, Hemoglobin level estimated and also stool sample tested and my daughter was diagnosed with moderate anaemia secondary to severe malaria in severe dehydration.

We were admitted and my daughter was initiated on appropriate medications based on her bad condition. Four days later, I was able to RESTORE the lost hope for my lovely baby girl, Nakato. He concluded by APPRECIATING the clinic staff for saving the life of her only baby girl and also gave a HUGE word of thanks to the Diocese of Liwolo for the existence of this GREAT Clinic and the members of Baptist church of Mijale for taking care of all the treatment bills when there was nobody to help’.

Thank you for reading and may God bless you!

Lulu

Case stories
Ms. Doru Cicilia is a 35yrs old peasant farmer from Mijale village who is weeks of amenorrhea 32 and 2days in her 8th pregnancy with 6 live births and one miscarriage presented in the new Cress clinic at 3:05am with the history of a labor like pain which started at around 11:00am associated with lower abdominal pain, watery vaginal discharges and general body weakness. She had to say this:

“I used to visit Kerwa government Health center III for my antenatal care services but when yesterday I went for my last visit, I reported complaints of lower abdominal pain, watery vaginal discharges and severe back pain and then the midwife told me to travel to Yumbe town (appx 50km away) so that I can be scanned – but I didn’t have any money for referral expenses not even my husband. So, I had to return home with no help though in pain. At around 2:00am, the pain became worse and unbearable, my neighbor Ms. Jane whose child was once treated in the old Cress clinic suggested for my husband and relatives to take me to the new Cress clinic which has just being opened with maternity services. On arrival, we were welcomed by the gate man which relieved my pain a little and then Nurse/Midwife Bethy was called who responded within 15 minutes to save my live and that of my baby boy AJE. Adding without this clinic, she would have lost her baby or both of them as they could not fulfil the referral plans. Concluded by saying – I am very delighted to deliver a live baby boy without being scanned”.

Eunice Yoture is a 1yr and 10 months old baby girl of Ms. Vila Nyongale and a granddaughter of our clinic accountant Mr. Morris who leaves in a small village of Pacific was rushed in the clinic at 03:05am EST escorted by 7 very sad and worried looking women. Eunice had a sudden episode of persistently high-grade fever, severe and persistent projectile vomiting (yellow in color), passing loose watery stool with blood and mucoid spots, total collapse, respiratory distress and refusal to feed. She was assessed briefly and because of the availability of 24/7hrs power for our Electronic Microscope, she was tested and diagnosed with Severe Malaria, Giardiasis and acute diarrhea – and initiated on appropriate treatment. She responded very fast on the prescribed medications that left Smile, Joy and hope for her relatives including our own clinic accountant. The relatives appreciated the existence of Cress/Diocese of Liwolo funded clinic here in Mijale and thank the staff for their expertise in always responding very fast in emergency cases. God bless!

Children Accelerated Trauma Treatment (CATT)

Mission: To see children healed from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and living productive lives.

1. Trained 20 CATT Counsellors with knowledge of identifying children with PTSD and therapy among others. Out of which 15 are South Sudanese refugees and 5 are Ugandans from the host-community.

As a result, a total of 327 children received the therapy.

A CATT Case story

A 10yrs old South Sudanese, Godfrey Ngulo said, “I lost my father to the war”. This came as a result of the investigation made by CATT volunteer inquiring the cause of his trauma that makes him sit alone in school and could cry. According to him, at night while sleeping with both his parents and the siblings, armed men (Rebels) ordered the father to come out. He was then arrested, whipped terribly and took him away from them-telling never to see him again! Who after two weeks was got dead near a stream of river.

Not long enough he said, “two armed men attempted to rape my mother”. According to him, this happened on their way to an IDP camp in the border of Uganda and South Sudan as they flee from the war. When they saw the men biting and uncovering my mother, I and my brother cried out for a help which made them to leave her. They settled in the camp for a short time and when the war intensifies, they were forced to come to Uganda for refugee.

Worse, “my mother left me and my brother to our grandmother and went to their parents”. The day I lost all my parents, was when my mother decided to leave us in the care of our grandmother. Since then, I have unstable emotions. I could cry after receiving unfair treatment from grandmother and any other person especially in school when my friends mistreat me. It reminds me of the good love and care I used to get from my parents who are no more. No more visits from mum ever she left us.

Ngulo said, “I appreciate the support given to me by Rev. Gale (CATT Volunteer)”. He has treated me like a father. I was encouraged by his care through the visits he made to my school and home”. He said, ” I was encouraged by counsel and I have attained good relieve”.

Reusable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs)

RUMPS – Reusable Menstrual Pads program was started in Uganda- Mijale in Kerwa sub county – Yumbe district.

This project starts in 2018 in Mijale, Matu and Imvepi, and later it was rolled out to Bulomoni and Gobor in 2019. This has been supported by CRESS-UK and implemented by the Diocese of Liwolo through the technical staff of the Diocese, the RUMPs trainer and the Health coordinator

The program aims to:

• Ø Introduce personal Hygiene education to reduce some infections and diseases
• Ø Improve the social economic status of women and School girls
• Ø Reduce School girl’s dropout
• Ø Provide understanding of Reusable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs)to women and girls
• Ø Enable women and girls make their own cheap Menstrual Pads from local materials
• Ø To enable Women and the School girls to understand their reproductive system.

From the beginning of this program since 2018, the following impacts were realized;

• Trained 1063 Girls and Women on RUMPs in Gobor, Matu, Imvepi, Bulomoni, Mijale, Pure and Korijo.
• The project has reduced school dropout from these respective schools by 80 per cent. 10 women were able to make their own pads for sale

Case Story

Gerisa Mary, 17 years old from Bulomoni, a pupil said, “I cannot get diseases because I can now keep myself clean, I prepare myself ready before going to School and will be free from fear of sudden blood flow that disturb me and brings fear of not attending to School that can result to School dropout. So now no fear of School dropout. I feel fresh when I put on the RUMPs I prepare.”

EDUCATION

Our aim is to improve the quality and access to Education for IDPs and refugee children. As a result;

• Six nursery teachers, twenty-one primary teachers and four management committee members from Gobor, Ajio and Pure benefited from teacher training programs
• 736 children benefited from school feeding programs, provision of learning and playing materials in the IDP schools of Pure and Korijo.
• Running a sponsorship program with 4 students achieving a university degree with 6 others on course to complete their bachelor courses; access to quality education for 80 that includes 35 pupils attending primary school & 30 students attending secondary school; supporting 7 vocational training students
• 7 semi-permanent classrooms {7 classes} and office space constructed in Korijo Primary school to provide a conducive learning environment.

ADMINISTRATION

Precept Training:

Precept Ministry international is training pastors and church leaders in diocese of Liwolo since 2018, the training started with 21 learners and now the number had reached to 35. The learners are from different dioceses and from different places like Kerwa sub county in Mijale, Go’bor, Bidi Bidi refugee camp, Imvepi refugee camps and others are within Arua town and the learners are equipped with discipleship materials to forms groups in their churches and give the impact report of their work. The training is done in a way that the learners comes for ten days training, and within this period of time the learners attend to lectures, and are given assignments, tests and examination at the end of each training

Inauguration:

Inauguration of the diocese of Liwolo was on 9^th April 2019 in Juba, Rajaf pro Cathedral, it was officiated by the Chancellor of the Central Equatoria Internal Province and the Archbishop of the Central Equatoria Internal Province, the first bishop of diocese of Liwolo and the Secretary received the Certificate of the diocese as many members of diocese of Liwolo witnessed the exercise.

First Synod:

The first synod of the diocese of Liwolo during the inauguration of the diocese in Juba, it was chaired by the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal Province His Grace Rt. Rev. Paul Yugusuk, only five members from each archdeaconry participated in the synod, and the synod elected the first bishop of diocese of Liwolo, the secretary, diocesan chancellor, diocesan registrar, mission and outreach coordinator, Mothers Union worker, Youth leader. While all members who came for the inauguration were only observers.

Enthronement:

Enthronement of the first bishop of diocese of Liwolo was on the 14^th/April/2019 in Rajaf Pro Cathedral in Juba, following the week of inauguration /first diocesan and the enthronement was done by Archbishop of the Central Equatoria Internal Province His Grace Rt.Rev. Paul Yugusuk as it was witnessed by other bishops, the deputy vice president of the Republic of South Sudan, and many dignitaries’ officials both for the church and government.

AGRICULTURE

Goal: Improved capacity of rural-households on livelihood skills for sustainable food security and financial sufficiency.

• Ø 12 agricultural women farmers’ groups were formed and equipped with agriculture inputs. 192 women farmers educated in sustainable Organic vegetable farming skills as a result improving nutrition of about 2500 refugees in Imvepi Refugee Settlement and Bolomoni in Bidibidi Settlement, Gobor, Mijale, Matu and kilaji of kerwa sub county, Yumbe district, Uganda.
• Ø 7 beneficiaries started micro businesses out of the produce from their organic farms.

MICRO-FINANCE

Goal: Improve the capacity of rural-household on livelihood skills for sustainable food security and financial sufficiency.

• 12 Community Based Facilitators trained holistically on the Village saving and loan association (VSLA) program; 30 refugee household heads in 30 saving groups received saving materials and training.
• 12 community-based facilitators (CBFs) received bicycles to facilitate their movements during coordination and supervision of 30 savings groups of a membership of 30 each.
• 461 businesses have been initiated as a result of the trainings in entrepreneurship, discipleship and saving methodology.
• 5400 people benefited through improved household income from the savings group members

DISCIPLESHIP

The Diocese of Liwolo launched series of Discipleship trainings to Pastors, Leaders, youth and children which has greatly enriched them with knowledge of the Word of God. The church has grown by about 3% within the refugee settlements and in the IDP areas in South Sudan.

This has been possible through support from our partners; CRESS, Precept and Flame and all other individuals who have made a huge financial and moral support and prayer.

The Discipleship training was done in three areas, namely, Kerwa, Bulomoni & Imvepi refugee settlement where 85 leaders from different churches were trained. Discipleship training booklets were distributed to all the participants.

BISHOP’S PASTORAL MINISTRY

First experience in South Carolina, United State of America

Thanks to Rev Michael Yemba who shared the Link of Anglican Leadership Institute (ALI) with me. His grace, The Most Rev Paul Pitiya Benjamin, the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal (CEIP) gave me the approval. This is my first training after my consecration into new and high calling as Bishop. It was a great experience for me to learn a great deal of lessons on spiritual leadership. I appreciate the hospitality, love, care and above all their Resolute belief in unchanging word of God, priority is focus   on church planting, disciples making, mission and evangelism and the role of church in leading to end extreme poverty. This warms my heart. This is the hope of Anglican church.

ALI #7 all over the globe in South Carolina, USA. I love you all the great army commanders of the Lord.

Confirmation service

• Number of people that confirmed 2,528

Licensing of lay readers and ordination of deacons and priests

The Diocese of Liwolo licensed 26 Lay Readers at Mijuyona Church in Ivempi Refugee Settlement in 2018 by Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Aba

The First Ordination and Priesthood at Pure Mangalotore Archdeaconry in South Sudan for six (6) Deacons who became full Priest and seven (7) Deacons Ordained.

MINISTRY OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Peace is the most precious commodity sought for in South Sudan. Our great and great parents sought for it and died without seeing or smiling bit of it. This is 3th if not the fourth circle of exile life. South Sudan, why you could hold together all the 64 tribes in harmony and Peace?  Yet Jesus said, in Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (NLT), and Apostle Paul added peace making and ministry of reconciliation is the work of his children, his precious church (2Corithian 5:17-19)

This our motivation, prayer and pursue for our precious bride; South Sudan that God will give peace and prosperity like overflowing rive.  justice running down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24). one day the wealth of the nations will flow to every persons. Her children will be nursed at her breasts, carried in her arms, and held on her lap(Isaiah 66: 12, NLT) and every soul will be comforted,

We pursue peace with those in army opposition in bushes and Kampala and everywhere we could find them. We equally pursued the government army forces. Beseeched them for respect of human sanctity/Geneva convention resolutions of 1949 and their additional protocols. We encourage dialogue as the best means to resolve our difference.

The diocese of Liwolo, through the help of Justice Africa, organized the first peace consultation conference of Bishops and elders of Central Equatoria, in white castle hotel, Arua. We together, were able to come out with Powerful resolutions which was shared.

Bishop Joseph Nicanor Aba, because of his passion for peace, was selected and participated in greater Equatoria national dialogue in Juba. He also represents Episcopal church of South Sudan on technical workshop on presidential system of government and federal system of government as being strongly recommended by grassroots consultation all over South Sudan and more so in greater three (3) regional conference of Bahr el Ghazel, Upper Nile and Equatoria.

The bishop was able not only to participate but share the powerful word of God the leaders and policy make of our country. We thank God for this rear opportunity.

MOTHERS UNION

Mission: We aim to show our Christian faith by the transformation of communities worldwide. We can do this through supporting strong relationships within the family and promoting reconciliation at all levels.

• In total 255 mothers from both Imvepi and Mijale have been trained in Christian marriage, parenting, hygiene, sanitation and human nutrition.
• Life skills training in liquid soap making, vegetable growing, catering etc. for 44 women in Bulomoni, Matu & Pajulu.
• Conducted 130 family fellowships where Christians were encouraged, faith built, hope restored and some marriage renewed & strengthened in the process.
• Conducted a Mother’s Union conference which was attended by 2590 persons. This was the first of its kind done in South Sudan by the Diocese of Liwolo. The message of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing & deliverance was powerfully preached. The hearts of the people were broken, they openly asked for forgiveness and forgave one another. Many gave their lives to Christ.

Prayed and fellowshipped with families 30 widows/widowers where they received bibles, and hope and assurance of better life. 115 other widows were also given Bari Bibles to enrich them with the knowledge and word of God.

Diocesan Goals 2019-2030

Diocese of Liwolo 2019 financial Summary

“But we have this treasure in jar of clay to show that this surpassing power is from God not from us”