As you recently read, one of the projects which the engineers from P.U.M., that are collaborating with the Mission of Nyangatom, is a road that connects the Mission with Naita (border with South Sudan). A few days ago we decided to kill two birds with one stone: reopen an old road for the Nyangatom that inhabit Naita, as well as start taking measures for the engineering project.

We prepared an expedition to spend the night out, composed of 17 persons, members of the mission and, thanks to the advice of Lore (a local worker at the mission), some local people who knew how to use a machete, and he was more than right! Almost the whole journey consisted in breaking through forests of thorny bushes. After a day and a half of expedition and clearing 17 kms, we decided to end this first journey, when we arrived at the banks of a dry riverbed, at the foot of the Tepes mountains.

All this effort had its reward, and just before lunch we enjoyed a swim in the natural pools of Nachich, which was a real gift. After the swim some of the local inhabitants were waiting for us under the shade of some trees. They could not believe that two cars had made it there! After conversing for a while they challenged us saying that they would only contribute to continue opening the road with us if our cars crossed the dry stream. So we stood up and hands on and we built an “Irish bridge” and cleared the road to the other side of rocks and trees. The bridge was a success, the cars crossed and the Nyangatom of Tepes have committed to help us clear the way so that next week, we can continue with the second journey to Naita.

Carlos Rueda Bueno,
Civil Engineer

It was a big celebration yesterday at Nariokotome Mission, when friends of Fr. Avelino along the lake deanery and beyond, came to send him off on mission to South Sudan after working for more than 30 years in Turkana.

Representants from the 17 outstations of Nariokotome were present at the celebration. The church was packed and there was festive moods in the air. Many people came as far a 20 km walking and singing to reach the mission on time for the fairwell mass of Father Avelino, who after 30 years of living and working in Turkana will be going to South Sudan to work there.

Avelino is a real missionary, he has been working with the nomadic families as well as among the fishermen along lake turkana and especially in the Choro Island. He is someone who is always ready to help whoever knocks at his door and will find a solution to everyone who has come to him for help.

We would like to thank him for the great work he has done in Turkana, with the nomads, the fishermen, sponsoring students, building churches, doing pastoral work, visiting the sick, being with the people and the list goes on. “You are a priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek of old”.

We will pray for you wherever you go especially in the mission of South Sudan. Remember that this is not a farewell but rather we are sending you on mission to our bothers and sisters in South Sudan as the mission of Christ has to go on just as you did in Nariokotome Mission.

Lillian Omari
MCSPA

God bless!

In the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio we use Easter Monday to announce Peace and well-being through a diocesan bycicle-ride. The event was initiated four years ago and it has attracted thousands of followers.
Easter Monday is for announcing the good news which took place on Easter Sunday!

We ride bicycles for good health, peace, and holiness.

Be glad and stay blessed!

Bishop Eduardo Iboro

Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, South Sudan