A Bishop's Enthronement

This was our means of transport: Cessna 206

We had asked you to pray for our trip to Sudan last weekend and we wanted you to know Jesus really ordered the weekend. It was a very quick trip but honestly Jesus led us to all the people we wanted to interact with and even we made some great new relationships.

The team consisted of Billy, Scott Rambo, Pastor Isaac Magyangwa, and David Sharland. We were going to celebrate the enthronement of Bishop Stephen Dokolo in the Lui, Sudan. Stephen has been a friend to WGM and Mango Ministries and we wanted to participate in the festivities.

Billy and Pastor Isaac who had never been on a plane before!

Pastor Isaac is from Lui but now pastors a Sudanese congregation in Arua. He has been part of a small pastoral training that God has opened up right here in Arua which is very exciting. We were glad to have him traveling with us.



David Sharland is a missionary who lived in Lui for many years and it was a joy to be able to watch his reunion with many beloved friends as well as see where he and his wife Heather used to live.

The actual enthronement service started promptly at 9:00 (which amazed all of us!) and then proceeded until almost 2:30. While that definitely counted as "church" in our book, it actually was a beautiful service and Jesus had been welcomed. It was a privilege for us to participate in the Body of Christ as the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) anointed Stephen to offer godly leadership to his people. Bishop Stephen and the Lui Diocese have many opportunities and also challenges ahead.  Please pray with us for God's hand and favor upon them.

Billy and Scott with Bishop Stephen and his wife Lillan and their kids

On July 9, South Sudan becomes an indepedent nation. As many of us are celebrating America's Independence this week, could we also ask you to intercede for the Sudanese people, both from the North and South. They need Jesus to be the truly anointed One who can offer wisdom and direction as they seek to build a nation. Pray for men like Bishop Stephen who carry the responsibility of standing in the gap on behalf of their people. If there ever was a time to be investing in Sudanese leadership, now is the time and we praise Jesus for the relationships that He has provided and continues to open up. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!