Notes from the Front Line

Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2009
From: Kevin & Donna Steckline
Subject: Update From Maridi
Dear Bp. Bill, Torre and Linda,
      Attached is the latest correspondence from Bp. Justin in Maridi. As Jane of CMS-I writes us below, he is in deep despair. Please continue to pray. FHS, Donna
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From: Jane Corbett
Sent: Tuesday, February 03
Subject: Fwd: UPDATE FROM MARIDI
      News just received form Maridi.
      Please keep praying that more aid will come and that we can all really respond adequately.
God Bless, In His Mission. Jane
P.S. Really feel his despair, have never seen his writing so distracted.
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Subject: UPDATE FROM MARIDI
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009
Dear brother Bishop Harold [Miller]
      Greetings from Maridi, South Sudan to you and all Christians in the Diocese. I would like to let you know that from mid January to date the situation is still calm but fears and rumors continues to increase amongst the people. There is a big presence of both the SPLA and the Uganda army in and around Maridi. The number of the displaced had increased to 1,218 heads of families.32 people were killed at the spot and 18 other people slaughtered in the forest bringing the total to 50 people killed. 87 people wounded , out of this 7 people were hospitalized and two later died .
      The only practical help which has reached the suffering people on the ground now is from CMS Ireland. They quickly had to sent the amount of US 21,560 dollars. With this money the emergency committee was able to purchase 200 bags of sorghum and maize, 800 pieces of blankets,700 pieces of plastic plates and cups each and distributed to the most affected families.
      We are looking forward to distribute Jerry cans for fetching water, cooking poys and some more blankets and food items
Medicines are urgently needed.
      Some UN Agencies have come to see the situation and take some photos, we do not know when they will come to help.
      Dear brother Bishop allow me again to say thank you for your prayers and the quick response from your people. I will not be able to come for the Dedication of the extention of Comber Parish due to the Bishop’s retreat which has been organized for us here as from 11th February to 18th. The situation also requires me to be with the children at home and with the christians in the Diocese.
      We wish you all God’s blessings
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Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2009
From: Linda Stevens
Subject: Re: Fw: UPDATE FROM MARIDI
      The Albany Diocese Mission Board voted at its meeting 1/25 to send $5,000 from the Maridi Fund and $1,500 from the Maria Fenty Fund to CMS Ireland’s Emergency Fund for Maridi. Funds are in the process of being sent.
      We grieve and pray for our friends.
Faithfully, Linda
Linda F. Stevens, Albany Episcopal Diocese Missions Coordinator
St. John’s Church, Troy, NY 12180
home: 13 Robin Lane, Troy, NY 12180
home phone: 518-279-9612
cell phone: 518-265-3721
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If you would like to send help to either the Diocese of Maridi in the Sudan or the Diocese of Jos in Nigeria, make out a check to the “Episcopal Diocese of Albany” and on the memo line indicate the diocese(s) you wish the money to be sent to. You can mail the check to:
      Episcopal Diocese of Albany
      Christ the King Spiritual Life Center
      575 Burton Road
      Greenwich, New York 12834

Albany Intercessor