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All Saints Sanctuary reaches South Sudan!Kate brankin

 Dear friends at All Saints,
 
Greetings from a rather damp Juba – the rainy season is just beginning here.  I was surprised to receive a message from Jo Skinner on Monday morning asking if I'd listened to Sunday's sanctuary service – I hadn't, but did so soon after, I can't remember the last time I was mentioned in a sermon – thank you Tom!
 
Here in Juba (capital of South Sudan) Covid cases are on the increase, from around 3000 at the beginning of the year we now have over 9000 – the real figure likely to be more as limited testing is carried out.  A partial lockdown was announced in early February and went, more or less, ignored for most of the month.  The current "end date" is 3rd April and there is hope amongst many that people will gather on Easter Sunday before it is extended again.
 
As with the lockdown in 2020 the church leaders have continued to meet since – switching service times to avoid others coming but, while last year we put services online, there's been nothing organised so far this time. Please pray for those who miss not only the fellowship of meeting with others but also the opportunity to hear the word of God.  There are no electoral rolls here, so no way to communicate with all church members.
 
Outside of Juba things, from the look of my Facebook feed, are more relaxed with churches continuing to gather – with varying degrees of social distancing being observed!  Covid is outside Juba too so please pray for wisdom for all in their decision making.
 
Since the first weekend in February I've been helping one of our dogs with her NINE puppies! They are adorable and just about ready to go out in to the world…
 
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama is finalising a plan for travel in April and May – please pray for wisdom in view of Covid – as always travel is costly with questions such as "do we go on the road?" (where we could be ambushed or have an accident) or "can we find the money to charter a plane?" (when MAF don't fly shuttles on the days we want and local airlines continue to "fall out of the sky".)  A number of bishops retired, due to age, at the end of December and it is expected we will attend the enthronements of their successors.
 
Your prayers are much appreciated, thank you. If you'd like to be added to the list to receive "occasional" email updates please send your email address to the office and I will add you.
 
Blessings, 
Kate Brankin