TRISHA WICK'S NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER

Greetings to you all and thank you for your prayers.

JUBA VISIT
I have just returned from a visit to Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan. We were able to get various documents we needed, plus spent time in the Provincial Office with the Archbishop and his staff. At present they are unable to give further funding for the TEE programme and are unable to replace my Assistant Manager who died in July. Pray that God sees the TEE through these difficult times.
HOW SHOULD A CAT DIE?
The cat in the compound next to mine has been stealing chickens for a long time now. I have lost at least 20. The owner wished to kill the cat but didn't know how to as there are no vet here. Last week while I was away, my watchman killed it with his bow and arrow and then cut its head off with a machete (sharp knife). I was glad it was done in my absence as it was originally one of my kittens from about five years ago, The chickens are very happy.
DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING
Every parish in the Diocese (58 altogether) will start to use the Following Jesus Course I have written from September 18th for three months. Please pray for that. I praise God that CMS is able to help with funding.
MA STUDIES
These are going well and I am on target with assignments at present. But no good library within 500 miles.
ELECTIONS
These are due in April 2010 but there are may problems ahead. There is also a Referendum in 2011 when the Southerners will vote as to whether to stay united with the North, or to secede and become independent. Troublesome times are ahead. Pray we do not return to war.
SECURITY
This has been good in Maridi for the past six months. Pray that the LRA rebels do not return.
PARENTS
Please pray for the health of both of them. They seem to be reasonably OK at present.
WILSON
My driver Wilson is now also Diocesan Youth Leader and is loving the work, and we are seeing increasing numbers. My next CMS Link Letter will focus on Youth Work in Maridi Diocese. Wilson still needs funding so pray for a positive response to his project proposals.
CAR
It is getting old and needs more and more repairs. We hope to replace it during the next two years. I now need to buy six new tyres as the old ones are giving us punctures which is a nuisance.
KITTENS
I have five adorable ones including a little ginger one who is the runt of the litter. He is very small but has a huge character. He has one abnormal eye. I have called him Pickles. He sleeps on my shoulder. I am very tempted to keep him but can I cope with three cats?
BIRTHDAY
Many thanks to those of you who remembered my birthday on September 4th.
CARETAKER BISHOP
Bishop Justin has been asked to be the Caretaker Bishop for a new Diocese called Nzara which is being created out of part of Yambio Diocese. Elections will soon take place for a Bishop of Nzara. Pray for Bishop Justin as he takes on this extra role.
SICKNESS OF ARCHBISHOP DANIEL DENG BOL
Last month our Archbishop was admitted to hospital in Khartoum with bleeding stomach ulcers. He lost a lot of blood. He is now back home in Juba but only working for four hours a day. Pray for his healing.
CMS
Pray for the Headquarters in Oxford as they face severe financial challenges due to the global economic situation.
FAMINE
This year we have had excellent rain in Maridi and we will have two harvests this year. However only 100 miles away going east, the rains have been poor, and huge areas of Southern Sudan are facing the prospect of severe famine. It seems it is only Western Equatoria, which covers Maridi, Ibba, Yambio and Ezo which will escape the famine. No food is now entering Sudan from Uganda due to the problem of famine in Northern Uganda. Food is being sent from Khartoum but it is very expensive. I love this time of year with a mixture of sun and rain. It is very green and lush here.

God bless you all and thank you for your ongoing support.

Trisha Wick