Today marks one year since peace was restored between the Nyangatom and the Turkana.

A huge gathering took place in Lokwamunyen, Ethiopia. The youth from both communities danced and sung traditional songs. Everybody was cheerful and joyful.

The meeting was organized by IPC, a local NGO from Nyangatom and supported by African Union and GTZ. Authorities from Jinka Zone and Nyangatom Woreda accompanied the government representatives from Kenya, especially Turkana county and Kibish sub- county.

One culture, one language, one people the Turkana or the Nyangatom.

We continue praying for peace all over the world especially around the missions where MCSPA are working.

Lillian Omari MCSPA

This week, we blessed the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that was placed at the entrance of Source Yubu to protect the area, especially during these difficult times. The Sacred Heart of Jesus movement, the children of the private and the government schools in the area attended the celebration.

Unlike Tombura, in Source Yubu there has been no conflict so far. However, there are more than 3000 internally displaced persons and tight security by the local militias. All roads to Tombura are blocked to prevent any possible attack.

We ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to bring peace to this land and its people.

Lillian Omari MCSPA

We would like to ask you to join us (MCSPA) every day to earnestly pray for peace in South Sudan and more so that our mission of Ave Maria is protected from all the fighting going around its mission territory.

Yesterday the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission coordination office in Ezo County of Western Equatoria state registered 23,550 IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) from Tombura due to the ongoing violence in Tombura County.

The majority of the IDPs are women and children who are in need of humanitarian support. All men who were trying to flee the fighting have been captured and forced to fight, sometimes even against their own people.

As of Tuesday, at least 11 people were reported killed, including the former Commissioner of Tombura County Hon. Babiro Charles Gbamisi.

Things are very difficult and tense, and many children are affected and are in need of food and shelter. Let us join our hands to support them with prayer and in kind.

Thank you!!!

Lillian Omari MCSPA

Bishop Dominic Kimengich visited Kenya Security Personnel in Todonyang and Lobur area. He encouraged them to continue ensuring peace around these areas and the Kenyan border at large.

After the 6th Peace conference that was held in Lodwar a few days ago, Bishop Dominic visited some of the border areas along the Lake Deanery, encouraging Christians to remember that peace starts with disarming our hearts and minds first in order to be able to do away with guns.

The Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) is also trying to build peace in these areas with the different development work carried out for the people along the border areas through dams that provide water for both communities, a health post to provide health and curb malnutrition through the Mother and Child Centres that they run, and all the pastoral activities to constanly speak about peace. Let us go out and be people who bring peace wherever we go.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossian 3:15.

Lillian Omari – MCSPA

The 6th Inter-diocesan Conference on Cross-Border Peace and Evangelization took place in Lodwar with about 80 participants in attendance coming from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. The theme was on “Reflections on Peaceful Disarmament”. The facilitators insisted on the reality of disarmament saying that it is a process which is tedious and with many challenges. For example, it took 18 years to disarm the Karamoja region of Uganda. Peaceful disarmament should begin with disarming the hearts and minds of the people. We are all called to advocate for a peaceful disarmament in our various regions and countries. The Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle works in conflict prone border areas where most of the people are illegally armed. This conference was therefore relevant to the members, from Todonyang, Kibish and Nyangatom who attended. The Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich and the Bishop of Maralal, Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante signed a declaration in the presence of all the delegates in order to disseminate the findings of the conference. They also thanked all participants and organizers of the event.

Wycliffe Ochieng MCSPA

Todonyang Mission is a reference of hope and peace at the border between the Turkana (from Kenya) and the Dassanech (from Ethiopia). The mission has always stood against conflict by promoting peace, development and education.

On the ocasion of World Peace Day, Todonyang Integrated Centre celebrated
in style with the slogan “Peace is All We Need”.

The day started with a procession, followed by the planting of a tree as a symbol of peace. The school children then put on different presentations of poems, songs and dances.

Around 250 people came for the occasion and they all received a meal.

In the afternoon we had various sports such as football and volleyball. These sports were played between 3 teams: the General Service Unit (special soldiers deployed at the border areas), Todonyang youth and students from Todonyang Integrated Centre.

Let us all continue to pray and work for peace.

Peace is all we need!!!

Fr. Andrew Yakulula, MCSPA.