Learning Together

The latest update from the Lisburn Cathedral team as they continue their daily programme at Rhino Refugee Camp

Tuesday 17th

We were at the Clergy Retreat again, and the pastors expressed their thanks for our presence with them.

The pastors appear to be settling in together, are opening up to us, and are telling us their stories of what they went through in South Sudan, and then on their journeys to Arua. This has been a steep learning curve of our knowledge of what these pastors have been through.

Some of the pastors are starting to bridge the gap between the rawness of the journey from Yei, and the place of strength that they need to be in to guide their flocks.

Wednesday 18th

Sam and Denis talked at the retreat again, covering items such as the history of the Anglican Church and the presence of God. Today was a half day, with talks up to lunchtime.

The ladies spent the day preparing for their trips to Rhino Camp on Thursday and Friday to talk to gentlemen in the camp about the 'dignity packs' that had been prepared for the Yei Trip in 2016 (that had to be cancelled in light of the security situation).

Linda spent the time filming videos of some of the pastors as they shared the stories of their escape from Yei in South Sudan, and their journey to Arua in Uganda.

Martin spent time with diocesan and college staff, helping them with develop their use of Word and Excel packages.

The afternoon was spent taking tea with Bishop Hilary, Mama Joyce, and their close staff. Following this we had supper at the home of Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mathers, who are from the Reconcile Peace Institute, and are assisting in the presentation of the retreat. Both of these were most enjoyable times.

Thursday 19th

Sam led the morning devotion at the retreat, and then he and Denis took much of the rest of the day for final preparations for what will be a long Friday for them. They then gave the 4pm to 6pm session on salvation.

The ladies and Linda (with Martin as photographer) joined Mamas Joyce, Joanne, Agnes and Anna from the Mothers' Union, for their first visit to present the Dignity Packs in the Rhino Camp.