Stepping into the future with Maridi diocese
Bishop Justin Badi of Maridi Diocese in Southern Sudan, one of Down and Dromore's link dioceses, recently celebrated ten years of Episcopacy. This joyful anniversary at the end of April was crowned the next day by the arrival of a new vehicle which will help to start the second phase of his ministry in the diocese.
The much needed 13 seater Land Cruiser will be used for routine journeys but can also double as an ambulance or, indeed a hearse. It was provided through generous gifts from parishes, dioceses and individuals working in a unique partnership across three continents; Down and Dromore and Albany USA, sharing together in mission with the Church in Southern Sudan through CMS Ireland.
The diocese under Bishop Justin’s leadership, is playing a pivotal role in the rebuilding of Maridi after the civil war. It has become involved in providing primary and secondary level education, ensuring basic healthcare and enabling HIV/AIDS awareness training.
Over the years both Down and Dromore and Albany have responded generously to these very genuine needs. Chaima Bible School, initially operating under trees, moved into new buildings funded by Holywood Parish in 2005. It was relaunched as Chaima Christian Institute in 2009 and now provides tertiary training in addition to theological education.
Bicycles for clergy, new primary schools, a new health clinic and medicines and a refurbished Guest House have also been provided through the partnership. St Galls Parish, Carnalea, has recently confirmed that it will support the training of 2 teachers for the 2 Primary Schools in Maridi. The final block of 3 classrooms at Christ Town Primary in Maridi town is also nearing completion thanks to support from the Basic Services Fund.
The link, whilst practical, is however, primarily about people and building strong relationships. Over the years joint mission teams from Albany and Ireland have visited Maridi and Bishop Justin has visited both Albany and Ireland. In 2010 a small team led by CMS Ireland’s David Gough visited and in March of this year Mrs Jane Corbett (Dromore Cathedral) and Mr Warnock Edmund (Movilla) returned.
Whilst much progress has been made, the needs, and poverty, are still great," says Jane. "The clinic now has HIV and AIDS testing and an antenatal facility but no money for a midwife. More teachers are badly needed, basic food is desperately expensive and development has brought problems with drugs and alcohol. The security situation is also a problem with the constant risk of incursions from the Lord’s Resistance Army.”
Southern Sudan will become independent on July 9 in what is hoped will be a peaceful transition and the future with all its challenges and possibilities beckons.
In a recent letter thanking Bishop Harold and the diocese, Bishop Justin wrote: “As we start the other phase of our struggles in a new situation, it is still our prayer that the good Lord will bring us closer to one another in partnership to face the challenges ahead.”
That too is our prayer in Down and Dromore.
(This article first appeared in the Church of Ireland Gazette issue 10th June).