moments - lent course 2013

A Lent study course for 2013

Created by the Episcopal Church of Sudan, Diocese of Wau.

© Wau Diocese 2013 – www.wau.anglican.org A diocese of the Episcopal Church of Sudan

A Forward by the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol

Lent is a time of year that is specially set aside for Christians to grow

and learn more about their faith. As a Church in South Sudan, in the

North Eastern corner of Africa there are many things that we lack but

one of them is not enthusiasm for our faith.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to offer this course of learning, a

thing made possible through the use of our own internet connection.

This is an easy course to use and can work as well in North America as

it can in South Africa. It touches on issues that we are all too familiar

with and connects with the mission of our Lord Jesus as he travels from

Galilee to Jerusalem and on to the events of Holy Week.

Much of the learning is done through discussion, enabling the sharing of

fellowship as well as knowledge. I really hope that this course is fun to

attend as well as challenging and instructive.

The internet also allows us to make this course something we can all

share together and I really hope that you will make time to connect with

us in Wau and share your insights with us and everyone else trying this

Lent Study course. In this way we can all reach out in fellowship and

perhaps teach each other. It’s an exciting idea.

Whatever you decide to do it is my prayer that this course will help you

to grow in the knowledge and love of God and bring you closer to Jesus

as the events of Easter approach.

I would like to thank my staff for all the hard work that they put in to

preparing this course and I would like to wish you every blessing in your

time of study this lent.

Every Blessing +Moses

http://www.wau.anglican.org/


Page Index

2 A Forward by the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol

4 Notes for Course Leaders

9 The Session Authors

Week 1 – Prejudice and Error

10 Worksheet

12 Leaders Notes

Week 2 – Work and Theology

17 Worksheet

21 Leaders Notes

Week 3 – Love of a Neighbour

33 Worksheet

36 Leaders Notes

Week 4 – Gender and Inequality

42 Worksheet

45 Leaders Notes

Week 5 – Humility and Education

51 Worksheet

53 Leaders Notes

Week 6 – Faith and Evangelism

58 Worksheet

62 Leaders Notes

68 Connect with Wau Diocese



Notes for Course Leaders

This course is intended to be used anywhere by anyone so there is a lot

of scope in our notes for using this course in your own culture and

location. There is no real need for anything else than one copy of the

course. The Bible verse is provided and everything can be done

verbally. If you want them worksheets can be printed for each week to

give to those who attend. We hope that keeping things simple will help

those with few resources and focus the minds of those that do. The

important part of the course is the discussion of the Gospel. We hope

that the following notes will help give you the confidence to provide a

good learning environment and run a successful course.

Prayer for Your Lent Course

We feel that it is important to pray for the work of this Lent Study course.

Encourage your church family to pray for the Lent course, the people

attending and leading it. If you have regular prayers said in services or in

vigils include the Lent Study course during Lent so that all of your work

is offered to God and may be blessed at the same time. If several people

are leading the Lent Study course they may find strength in a short time

of prayer before and after the sessions.

Be Welcoming

Ensure that all the people coming to the course are made welcome. Pick

a location to hold the course that is comfortable and suitable to all those

that may come. Help to make people feel at ease by offering hospitality if

you can. If you can offer a drink or something to eat this helps a lot. It

may be that all you can offer is a hug and a smile, this can work really

well. Most people are nervous at the beginning of a meeting like this,

especially if they are people that do not know one another and are new

to church.



Greet one another and share names

When everyone has gathered and been made welcome take the time to

introduce yourself and any helpers that are with you. Then suggest that

everyone should introduce themselves in the same way so that there are

no strangers and everyone is known. If someone refuses that’s OK they

will probably change their mind later. Always introduce new people if

they join in the following weeks. Helping people to feel relaxed and part

of a group will make them much more open to sharing in the group

which is important for the course to succeed. Ask people at this point

every week if they have any prayer needs so that at the start of the

course they can be prayed for. This also helps people to feel included in

a group of friends.

A Safe Space

Before you begin each course session agree with everyone that this is a

safe space because nothing that is said will be repeated away from the

group. There is a strong element of trust to this but making people

understand that the group is a safe space to talk is important to allowing

people to be truly honest when sharing with the group.

Presenting the Course sessions

Plan ahead and be organised so that you can take your time. Have a

way of beginning such as lighting a candle, ringing a bell or singing a

song. Ensure everyone knows that from this point on they are in session.

Say prayers for the group remembering any needs that were given

earlier.

Discussions often take more time than you think. Discussing the

questions asked for each Gospel passage are important to the course.

As the leader you will know the answers and it may be that you need to



guide the discussions if people are straying too far from the point. Use

this time to add knowledge that people may not have seen from the

passage themselves. Be careful to prevent differences of opinion

becoming arguments. It is OK to have different views and disagree but

people should have respect for one another. Also remember that it is

possible that people will learn other valuable things from each session

so try to be open to this possibility.

It may be best to select a reader to read the Gospel aloud for each

session and if you cannot provide worksheets listen to it read several

times. The version given is the NIV version. There is no harm in using

other versions of the Bible if they are more familiar or people bring their

own Bibles. This may help discussion which is a good thing.

Take care to allow plenty of time for the questions so that people can

say what they think and talk thoroughly. At the end of the questions

encourage people to see how the session applies to the life around

them.

Sharing with Others

It may be that in your location there are several churches. Our Lent

Study Course can also be used as a tool to share fellowship with other

Christians. It can be a way to share resources and spread costs,

perhaps allowing you to do together something that you could not do

alone. If you consider sharing our course with other churches remember

to respect your neighbours and seek to work with them in faith.

Sharing on Our Website

We have kept this course simple so that anyone can use it anywhere in

the world. What is different about this course is that we would like to

connect anyone using this Lent Study course in faith. We can do this

with our website. We are asking for responses from each Lent Study

group. A short simple message is what we ask for that we can put on our

website for the world to see. We hope that many people will look at

these messages, be encouraged and even learn something. Each

session includes a short time to think of what to send. It may be



something unusual that your group learned or something that was a

surprise that you want to share. Messages can be sent to:

[email protected]

Summing up and Going with Grace

Talking about the Gospel is very important and the way that this course

teaches. But it is also just as important to draw the discussion to a point

and finish the session with the group realising that they have learned

something and been challenged.

Every session has a summing up passage that draws the session to a

conclusion. There is also a prayer set on the theme that everyone

should be encouraged to join in with. If in your location you cannot

provide worksheets this prayer could be repeated several times to allow

people to join in.

Take a moment to ask the group how they think they might apply what

they have learned in their lives. Think about what message your group

would like to send us in Wau and perhaps a member of your group could

be asked to do that. Also fix a date for the next session so that everyone

present knows it.

It may be that particular needs or concerns will have been raised during

the session. This is a time that can be set aside to pray for these needs

or the people that they affect.

Finish each session with the Grace prayer this will help to re enforce the

idea of unity and fellowship. If it is possible and suitable in your location

say this prayer holding hands and looking at one another as you pray.

Doing this helps people to feel connected by the love of God and so as

they go God’s love goes with them.

When all the people have gone say a prayer for those that attended and

anyone helping you to present this Lent Study Course.

It is also wise to make a note of anything that went particularly well or

even particularly badly so that you can also learn from each session. If


mailto:[email protected]


there is anything that you would like to share with us about what worked

well or not we would be very glad to know it.

What if They Want More ?

Part of the aim of this Lent Study course is to reach out to people and

make them think about Jesus. This can have a strong effect which may

result in two things.

A person may feel that a session has left them with questions or a need

to talk about serious events in their lives. It is important to be prepared

for this and be ready to meet this need if it comes. Helping a person at

this time can be an important step to them accepting Jesus in to their

lives.

Attending the Lent Study course may encourage people new to faith but

feeling the call of God to come to your church. This is a time of

exploration for them and you church should be ready for this possibility

too. It is important to help such people start their journey of faith with

confidence and love.



The Session Authors:

Bishop Moses Deng Bol - Prejudice and Error

Bishop Moses has the most demanding role in the diocese by simply being responsible for everything. Something he does with grace, skill and diligence.

Contact him at: [email protected]

Reverend Andrew Apiny Macham – Work and Theology

Rev Andrew amongst other duties is the director of CARD, the Wau diocese relief and development agency which keeps him very busy. There is much need of relief and development in the Western Bahr el Gazal region of South Sudan.

Contact him at: [email protected]

Reverend Peter Angui Akook - Love of a Neighbour

Gender and Inequality

Faith and Evangelism

Rev Peter co-ordinates the Wau Diocese Theological Training by Extension program. Peter wrote 3 sessions 2 for others who could not spare the time from their duties.

Contact Peter at [email protected]

Reverend Peter Yuol Gur - Humility and Education

Rev Peter is the Diocesan Secretary of Wau Diocese and very connected to all that happens in the diocese. As secretary Rev Peter is the first point of contact for many. St John’s is the theological College of Wau Diocese serving a cluster of 8 ECS dioceses.

Contact Peter at: [email protected]

For St John’s contact: [email protected]








Lent Course Week 1

Prejudice and Error

By the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol

Having gathered, greeted one another and prayed for each other share

the Gospel account below taken from Mark Chapter 7 verses 24 to 30.

24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not

want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon

as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an

evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia.

She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 "First let the children eat

all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to

their dogs." 28 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the

children's crumbs." 29 Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has

left your daughter." 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the

demon gone.

Try to answer the following questions and discuss your answers:

1. Jesus had not long ago fed 5000 people and had long arguments

with Jewish religious leaders why do you think Jesus went to Tyre?

2. Jesus could easily have sent the woman away but instead he talks

to her. What does this show us about Jesus?

3. How would you feel if the woman was begging you?

4. There is a clear difference in the understanding of each others’

way of living. Dogs are treated differently in different cultures. Can

you think of examples where misunderstandings one another

creates problems?

5. Did Jesus learn from this conversation? What do you think he

learnt?

6. Why do you think Jesus healed the little girl?

7. What can we learn from this passage?

8. How can we apply what we have learnt in our everyday life?



Summing Up

This weeks’ Gospel really forces us to change our perspective on Jesus.

We read of a man who is inclusive to everyone he meets, the unloved

and the rejected, a man who preaches a way of life that asks us to love

ourselves and our neighbours, a man who reached out to heal, beyond

any boundary or limitation we face.

Pray together:

Lord and Father open our eyes to see the world as you see it and to love

the world as you love it. Help us to break down barriers of prejudice that

separate us and reach out to those who need our help.

Grant us the strength to see where we are wrong or limited by our own

thinking and give us each the courage to learn when we are wrong.

Help us to grow in your love and follow the examples set by Jesus.

Amen

For the Week Ahead

In the coming week think about the way you understand the world and

try to see where you have hidden prejudices that you may not have

noticed before. Pray about that this week.

Arrange to meet next week and finish saying the Grace together:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.



Lent Course Week 1 Leaders Notes

Prejudice and Error

By the Rt Rev Moses Deng Bol

Prepare ahead ensure that you are ready for the session well ahead of

people arriving. Once people have gathered, greeted one another and

pray for each other. Then share the Gospel account below taken from

Mark Chapter 7 verses 24 to 30.

24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not

want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon

as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an

evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia.

She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 "First let the children eat

all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to

their dogs." 28 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the

children's crumbs." 29 Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has

left your daughter." 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the

demon gone.


Allow people to talk and then using the notes for each question

draw the discussion to a common answer.

1. Jesus had not long ago fed 5000 people and had long arguments

with Jewish religious leaders why do you think Jesus went to Tyre?

Jesus has tried to escape the crowds after the feeding of the 5000 by travelling to the other

side of the sea of Galilee, he has continued to heal those who he meets and then he gets

caught up with the Pharisees in discussions about the laws of purity. What you can eat, how

you should keep cooking utensils clean, who you should meet with and touch. It must have

been a challenging and tough time. So he goes to Tyre, an ancient city built on an island near

present day Beirut, but it seems Jesus stayed on the mainland. This great port of Tyre was

foreign territory for a Jew. He would have been an obvious stranger, defiantly away from his



homeland. We can understand Jesus' exhaustion and need to get away, every account tells

us of the crowds, the demands the endless questioning and the hopes of his enemies to

catch him out.

It is from here in Tyre that Jesus will travel to the east of Galilee to what we know as the

Golan Heights, then to Syria where he then turned south and began his journey to Jerusalem

and his death. Jesus is not only trying to find peace from the daily demands and crowds he is

obviously needing time to be alone with his disciples to prepare for the ordeal that lies

ahead. To do this he has gone to foreign country where he may have hoped he wouldn't be

known and where he thought he had no ministry. His ministry and mission is to the Jews.

2. Jesus could easily have sent the woman away but instead he talks

to her. What does this show us about Jesus?

So we have a Gentile woman who has heard about Jesus. She seems unaware of the purity

laws that are held in such strict regard by the Pharisees. Firstly she bowed down to Jesus, in

that culture a man bowing down showed respect, a woman doing so brought disgrace on the

person to whom she bowed. A woman shouldn't be out in public without her father or

husband. Self respecting rabbis did not talk to women, and not only talking but she resorts

to begging.

It was not easy for a Gentile woman to approach a Jewish teacher for help. Yet her love for

her child has brought her across boundaries of gender, religions and ethnic origin.

3. How would you feel if the woman was begging you? Jesus is in a foreign land, we have a brave and desperate woman with a sick child and a

conversation that we are left to interpret. In the gospels we are rarely given adjectives to

describe Jesus; all the he said, he walked, he ate, he sat down, never anything to describe his

moods, or how he reacted. We can work out what we think or follow scholars but we don't

know. We know that he turned the tables in the courtyard over but was it in anger? Was it

despair, sadness, frustration. We know that Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, was it in grief

for a friend, horror at what lay ahead for him, concern for the whole of humanity at our

failure to believe in the promise of life after death? We presume we know, we read the

accounts as they were told to us as children, we rarely put ourselves in Jesus' position and

try and see things another way, do we put another perspective on what we know so well.

4. There is a clear difference in the understanding of each others’

way of living. Dogs are treated differently in different cultures. Can

you think of examples where misunderstandings one another

creates problems?

What is the perspective on today's gospel? What is it saying to us? The woman was

desperate and nothing was going to prevent her from going to all lengths to help her child.

But why is Jesus apparently so unkind and rude? What he is saying is "let the Jews receive



the word of God first, it is not fair for their scripture to be given to the Gentiles." She replies

"yes but even the dogs can eat the scraps under the table." The woman's culture in Tyre

where dogs are allowed under the table which was a different picture to Jesus' where dogs

roamed the streets and food maybe thrown out of the window for them, but he is still using

derogatory language. The woman is challenging and questioning Jesus' understanding of

who is in the family. The dogs are part of her family and are given scraps. Jesus chooses to

leave them outside, the Gentiles, as yet, are not part of his understanding as to who he is to

help.

5. Did Jesus learn from this conversation? What do you think he

learnt?

This is such an important account of Jesus because this is a turning point. A turning point

where Jesus is travelling towards his death, a turning point because of the woman who will

not take no as an answer, a turning point because by her persistence and clever quick

response she is opening up Jesus' ministry here on earth.

This woman is the only person in the gospels, a foreign woman, to get the better of Jesus.

Opening up his mission further than perhaps even he had envisaged. Jesus was truly human,

he had to grow and learn from experiences, he had to listen to others and as it says in Luke

chapter 2 "grow in wisdom"

6. Why do you think Jesus healed the little girl?

How does Jesus respond, well the little girl is healed. He could at this point have chosen a

different route, by not healing her and therefore not including her and the Gentiles. But

instead we are shown his humility, I wonder if he would have smiled looked in admiration at

this woman. We are certainly shown here how to lose an argument, Jesus loses with

graciousness, the woman's argument is stronger than his own and he grants her request.

7. What can we learn from this passage?

The miracle in this gospel is the overcoming of prejudice and boundaries that separate

people. Jesus enters Gentile territory to be alone not to engage in a mission but he shows us

through this unnamed woman that there can be no boundaries of gender or creed, which is

why we must continually check our perspective on our lives, do we include people who are

poor, who are disabled, who are different?

8. How can we apply what we have learnt in our everyday life?

Encourage people to see prejudice that exist in the world around us, perhaps locally,

culturally or ethnically and discuss what may be done.



Summing Up

Read the passage below to the group and then ask for a time of silence

to prepare for prayer.

“This weeks’ Gospel really forces us to change our perspective on

Jesus. We read of a man who is inclusive to everyone he meets, the

unloved and the rejected, a man who preaches a way of life that asks us

to love ourselves and our neighbours, a man who reached out to heal,

beyond any boundary or limitation we face.”

Pray together:

Encourage everyone to say this prayer. If it is not practical to have

enough sheets to share out teach the prayer by repeating it.

“Lord and Father open our eyes to see the world as you see it and to

love the world as you love it. Help us to break down barriers of prejudice

that separate us and reach out to those who need our help.

Grant us the strength to see where we are wrong or limited by our own

thinking and give us each the courage to learn when we are wrong.

Help us to grow in your love and follow the examples set by Jesus.

Amen”

If the need is felt allow others to share prayers on this theme in a time of

free prayer.



For the Week Ahead

Before arranging to meet again for next week talk about how people feel

they may be able to see the world differently and how this may affect the

way they live. Decide on a response that could be shared with other Lent

Course groups through the Diocese of Wau Website and appoint a

person to pass the message on as described in the course notes.

“In the coming week think about the way you understand the world and

try to see where you have hidden prejudices that you may not have

noticed before. Pray about that this week.”

Arrange to meet next week and finish saying the Grace together. In so

far as is practical encourage people to say the grace holding hands and

sharing a smile with each member of the group to encourage a positive

feel of inclusiveness.

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,



be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”

When people have left make a note of anything that came up in the

group session that may be useful in the life of your Church group or

community.

Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray for the

people that have attended.



Lent Course Week 2

Work and Theology

By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham


the Gospel account below taken from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 and the

accompanying passage.

“Brothers and sisters keep away from Christians who are lazy. Such people do not live in

the way that we taught you. We tell you to do this by the authority that the Lord Jesus

Christ gives to us. You yourselves know very well that you should live as we did. We

were not lazy when we were with you. We did not depend on any of you for our food

without paying for it. No, we worked hard night and day. We earned what we needed. So

we did not have to charge you anything at all. We did this, not because we do not have

the right to expect such help. But we did it so as to be an example of how you should

live. Because when we were with you, we gave you this rule: Whoever refuses to work

should not eat. We say this because we hear that some among you are lazy. They talk

about other people but do not work themselves. By the authority that we have in the

Lord Jesus Christ, we urge them to work quietly. They must earn the money to buy their

own food. But you, brothers and sisters, must never tire of doing good things. If anyone

does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate

with him, in order that he may feel ashamed yet do not regard him as an enemy, but

warn him as a brother.”

Work is the core of living, no work no living, the Bible spells it out clearly, “work hard and

become a leader; be lazy and become a slave” Proverbs 12:24, if we refuse to work hard

we will be slaves to others, we will end up working for others for the whole of our lives.

The bible is a working book and life manual as mention above, Paul in this particular

verse is seen as one of God’s servant ultimate workman, which loads the act of work

itself with inherent meaning, significance, and dignity. He made it clear that to those who

are lazy, that right from the word go the work originating in fact the word genesis means

beginning and this is where we acquire the basic elements of a theology of work and so

we should live as he did.

Work didn’t start yesterday and will never stop as long as we live on earth work is

compulsory to us. So you must work by the sweat of your face only then you will earn

your food.



Paul understands the implication of laziness that only hard work will make a difference

and will exalt you. In relation to the question of food security today many people are

dying of hunger, this is an indication that there are too many people, who are not

working on their farms.


1. What are the consequences of laziness and the important of work

for us today as Christians?

2. Why did Paul discourage dependence on others people for living

and encourage self reliance. What lesson can we learn from this

verse in relation to food security?

3. How do you feel when you come to your brothers or friends home

and he or she begins to worry about your presence at their home?

What lesson will you learn from this as servant leader?

4. How would you feel if you passed on important information and

were being misinterpreted and misunderstood, especially when

filtered through a sieve of prejudices and preconceptions?

5. How does gossiping, rumor and hearsay contribute to food

insecurity today and what can be done to address this situation?

6. How does dependence on others increase food insecurity and

jeopardize the spread the gospel of Christ today?

If Christians can work on their farms, like this man in Kangi, Jur River County then the

issue of food insecurity would be reduced. There would be no more dying as we have

today.



7. Assume that you were the one being mistreated and put to shame

by your fellow brothers because you are lazy, how would you react

in such a situation?

8. Do you think it’s biblically true that God blesses every work of our

hands? Try to provide at least two other scriptures to support this.

Summing Up

Hopefully you now understand the importance of work and its benefits, if

we understand fully the meaning of work I believe strongly no one will go

hungry and we will kick out hunger from many churches.

Work makes you prosperous, work gives you honour, work makes a

great person, work makes you known, work gives respect, and God

blesses the work of your hands. Work brings glory to God and

transforms the lives others. Now let’s turn on laziness because laziness

is a result of poverty and what does the Bible say about hard work and

lazy people? Furthermore why do so many people die from hunger yet

they have land, skills, knowledge and hands to work. Yet we don’t ask

ourselves why and change. The apostle Paul also wrote:

“If you were a thief, you must stop stealing things. You should

work and do something useful with your hands. Then you will earn

something that you can share with other people. They may need

your help.” Ephesians 4:28.

Finally how can we improve the food security and nutrition in particularly

among disadvantaged and marginalised people in our country of South

Sudan while strengthening local institutions to better address food

insecurity and climate threats?

Solutions to socioeconomic problems begin at the village level all the

way through to towns. Never the less the fundamental basis of

community is agriculture, tillage of the soil is indisputable. Work hard

and become leader; be lazy and become a slave you are respected for

what you do, not how much you consume.



Pray together:

Our Lord Jesus Christ you know that many people are dying from

hunger each day in Africa. Food insecurity among vulnerable

populations exists as a result of the physical unavailability of food, lack

of social/economic access to adequate food and inadequate food

utilisation and even worse of laziness.

Most people are not able to meet their dietary needs and food

preferences for a healthy and active life, what is more and worse most of

these people have not heard about you. We are praying oh God to

change our mindset and our hearts to be very active Christians, shaping

the social and ethical order of human work and to spread the Gospel.

So bless all the work of our hands to be productive and make our minds

not to labour for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to

eternal life, which the Son of Man will give us. Now we put this book

down and get to work in Jesus name

Amen

For the Week Ahead

In the coming week think about the way you understand work and try to

see where you may have become a slave rather than a leader. Pray

about that this week.





be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.




Work and Theology

By Rev Andrew Apiny Macham

Prepare ahead read the introduction and ensure that you are ready for

the session well ahead of people arriving. Once people have gathered,

greeted one another and pray for each other. Then share the Gospel

account below taken from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Introduction

In this session we are going to learn the theology of work. Unless we

understand the meaning of the theology of work we will not fully

understand the fundamentals of work. So what is the theology of work,

this is the teaching about God’s work in the Bible, “God created heaven

and earth” after the creation of the universe God created man in His

own image, in the image of God. He created him; male and female, he

created them. The Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden;

and there he put the ones he had made. The Lord God made all sorts of

trees grow up from the ground-trees that were beautiful and that

produced delicious fruits. The Lord God placed the man in the garden of

Eden to cultivate or work and take care of it

”God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and

fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the

birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

(Gen 1:27-28)

The Bible is the result of God’s work, everything in it, every word in it is

all God’s work, that is why it is called the theology of work because it’s

in this scripture we understand the place of work in God’s plan for

human life. It is upon this we can speak of a theology of work.

The Bible teaches us about work so there is a doctrine or a theology of

work. So by theology of work we simple mean work as it is taught by



God in God’s word, as it is subject to God and for God’s purposes, to

make a living and to transform lives.

Unfortunately work has been defined differently by different people from

different walks of lives. Some work to make a living, this is a universally

acceptable fact to all of us but what about the homemaker, security

guard, football player, volunteer who helps other people suffering in

different ways, and of course those who raise children, the ones who

cook to help the family but are not being paid for it? Are they not

working? For some of us this is not work, work for them is planting a

crop, harvesting crops, receiving a salary or a wage, forgetting that even

this lent study course you are doing right now is work itself.

Because of this tendency many Christians feel guilty for going to work

particular to do the ministry work among others because they will not

receive anything in the end, they don’t know that every work you do is

ordained by God. This is a broad topic which really needs its own paper,

but let’s deals with what many people think as the reason for work which

is to make living. If we understand we work for our living then it is an

abomination, its crime to enjoy somebody sweat and toil in which you

didn’t work for. A believer of Christ Jesus should be hard working person

to be an example to the world

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good

works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians

2:10).

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 and the following passage.

“Brothers and sisters keep away from Christians who are lazy. Such people do not live

in the way that we taught you. We tell you to do this by the authority that the Lord Jesus

Christ gives to us. You yourselves know very well that you should live as we did. We

were not lazy when we were with you. We did not depend on any of you for our food

without paying for it. No, we worked hard night and day. We earned what we needed. So

we did not have to charge you anything at all. We did this, not because we do not have

the right to expect such help. But we did it so as to be an example of how you should

live. Because when we were with you, we gave you this rule: Whoever refuses to work

should not eat. We say this because we hear that some among you are lazy. They talk

about other people but do not work themselves. By the authority that we have in the

Lord Jesus Christ, we urge them to work quietly. They must earn the money to buy their



own food. But you, brothers and sisters, must never tire of doing good things. If anyone

does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate

with him, in order that he may feel ashamed yet do not regard him as an enemy, but

warn him as a brother.”

Work is the core of living, no work no living, the Bible spells it out clearly, “work hard and

become a leader; be lazy and become a slave” Proverbs 12:24, if we refuse to work hard

we will be slaves to others, we will end up working for others for the whole of our lives.

The bible is a working book and life manual as mention above, Paul in this particular

verse is seen as one of God’s servant ultimate workman, which loads the act of work

itself with inherent meaning, significance, and dignity. He made it clear that to those who

are lazy, that right from the word go the work originating in fact the word genesis means

beginning and this is where we acquire the basic elements of a theology of work and so

we should live as he did.

Work didn’t start yesterday and will never stop as long as we live on earth work is

compulsory to us. So you must work by the sweat of your face only then you will earn

your food.

Paul understands the implication of laziness that only hard work will make a difference

and will exalt you. In relation to the question of food security today many people are

dying of hunger, this is an indication that there are too many people, who are not

working on their farms.

If Christians can work on their farms, like this man in Kangi, Jur River County then the issue

of food insecurity would be reduced. There would be no more dying as we have today.



1. What are the consequences of laziness and the important of work

for us today as Christians?

Paul continues saying we did not depend on any of you for our food without paying for it,

there were many people in Pauls days not only in Thessalonica but where ever he had gone

who depended on other people, they never worked on their farms, they were begging other

people on the streets and from door to door asking for something to eat. This is the same sad

truth today, in our churches and communities many people depend on others expenses by

begging or looting from other people money or property and don’t want to work. Paul,

perhaps he was faced with the same scenarios and that he told those people Hey! Guy! “Do

you think we depend on any of you for our living? not at all! We worked hard night and day.

We earned what we needed. So we did not have to charge you anything at all. We did this, not

because we do not have the right to expect such help. But we did it so as to be an example of

how you should live.” Unfortunately many people don’t want to read this arresting word and

as result of this there is too much dependence in the world today, many people die of hunger.

Pauls ideology was a good idea, if understood and implemented there will be no more food

insecurity in our country as we have today. Everyone would have been in a good position to

help others rather than too reliant on others. Right now, in some families there are five to

eight people in one family and only one person may be working and the rest are not doing a

thing, yes it’s good to help each other as Christian when need arise but we should not be a

burden to others. The consequences are, if we continue depending on others, that in the end

we will be in same shoes. The level of food insecurity will increase, because of too much

dependence. This is a time to discourage dependence on others but encourage working

Paul understood many Christians in Thessalonica and of course everywhere people are a bit

wary of getting too involved in agriculture but become burdens on others because they were

mistreated or abused. Some have told me painful stories of bad experiences that they had in

the past, they found themselves being slaves in one way or another which worsened other

people’s conditions greatly, and this is also true the ones who depend on others and become

servants.

2. Why did Paul discourage dependence on others people for living

and encourage self reliance. What lesson can we learn from this

verse in relation to food security?

Another important point to notice here Paul said we earned what we needed. So we did not

have to charge you anything at all. We did this, not because we do not have the right to

expect such help. There is tendency here if you are pastor who’s not self-reliant and you visit

your church members always, you will wear out your welcome. Your church members will be

reluctant to welcome you when you visit them quite often they may think you have come to

ask them for something.



Paul at some point was mistaken by his members when he arrived in Thessalonica, people

were struggling to find accommodation and feeding for him, from the look of things Paul was

unhappy about this. Perhaps this is what Thessalonians did to the rest to the servant leaders

when they came to Thessalonica to preach the Gospel. So they have mistaken Paul, perhaps

God’s servants are never like those who eat from their members.

Looking at that scenario Paul said, “Don’t worry about us my members, we are alright, we

earned what we needed. So we didn’t have to charge you anything at all. We understand you

have a heart to support us but not now, we are not refusing your help in anyway, we did this,

not because we don’t have the right to expect such help from you but we want you also to

know that we are able to survive by ourselves without you and also we did it so as to be an

example of how you should live. It’s good for God’s servants to depend on their members

sometimes.

Most of the time we become a headache to other people in the matter of food and

accommodation, when we come to other people we make them think what to do and where

to sleep, our members begin to pray so that we may go away soon because they themselves

are facing the same problems and so don’t more problems.

This is the problem with Christians today we are supposed to be the ones to support others

but now we become the subject matter. We want to help all the time, as such the number of

people who are in need of assistance has increased. This creates a bad image on us wherever

we go people begin to look at us with bad eyes. Our nation and the churches are in this mess

some of us have never earned what we need in life we simply we don’t work, everything is a

gift from someone else but Paul refused this kind of life. That is why he refused assistance

from his members not because it was bad or he didn’t expect such help but he didn’t want to

charge his members with all things but he wanted them to know that he has something also,

and if he depends on them always it will only increase food insecurity.

Food insecurity became a threat in this nation simply because the majority of people like

getting something free. This mind set will not solve food insecurity in our country unless we

work on our farms, and refuse to be beggars but be givers, then we will be able to improve the

food security and nutrition in particularly among disadvantaged and marginalised people in

our country and strengthen local institutions to better address food insecurity and climate

threats? Let’s be transform ourselves by renewal of our minds and attitude to begin to think

of becoming self-reliant people and be an example to others to help those who are vulnerable

only then will we succeed in spreading the gospel of Christ.

3. How do you feel when you come to your brothers or friends home

and he or she begins to worry about your presence at their home?

What lesson will you learn from this as servant leader?

Paul in his first letter to Thessalonica warns the Thessalonians to be prepared at all times,

because Jesus Christ could return at any moment. When this message reached Thessalonica it

was misinterpreted and misunderstood, especially when filtered through the sieve of

prejudices and preconceptions, Paul faced this problem with the Thessalonians, he had



written to them earlier to help them grow in faith and encouraged them by affirming the

reality of Christ’s return. Just a few months later, however, word came from Thessalonica that

some had misunderstood Paul’s teaching about the second coming. His announcement that

Christ coming is just around the corner had caused some Thessalonians to stop working on

their farms, just waiting, rationalizing their idleness by pointing to Paul’s teaching. Adding fuel

to this fire was the continued persecution of the church, in which many felt that indeed this

must be the “day of the Lord” Paul wastes no time to respond to this, concerning the timing

he told them frankly that they should not listen to the rumours and reported that the day of

the Lord had already begun.

He assured them that Christ will return and bring total victory to all who trust in him. If we are

ready he said, we need not to be concerned about the time when he will return, instead we

should stand firm, keep working and wait for Christ. For this very reason Paul said to them,

whoever refuses to work should not eat, unless he or she work on the farm. The same

misinterpretation and misunderstanding is continuing even now, looking at it critically we

stand much closer to the time of Christ’s return, but we also would be wrong to see his

imminent appearance as an excuse for idle waiting and heavenward gazing, in this scenario

you could see why many Christians stop working on their farms simply because Christ is

coming at any time from now on.

Some South Sudanese Christians after the Comprehension Peace Agreement rushed to towns

and loitered around because we were free. As a result people continued to suffer from

deficient diets. What is more, the drive toward reducing food insecurity has slowed in recent

years. The rate of growth in agricultural production is declining; country grain reserves have

fallen to record lows; the demand for imported grain is increasing; and commitments of aid to

agricultural development have also decreased. This against a backdrop of an expanding

country population, intensifying demands on agricultural resources, and a growing recognition

that the current agriculture/food system is not sustainable.

4. How would you feel if you passed on important information and

were being misinterpreted and misunderstood, especially when

filtered through a sieve of prejudices and preconceptions?

Some Thessalonians were engaged in unproductive talks filling their time with less than

productive activities. Instead of working, they were absorbed in gossiping, rumors and

hearsay. Tantalizing and exciting to hear and making others feel like insider such people roam

from place to place especially at the place of work trying to entertain people with cool words

which seem to be enjoyable, but they are actually tearing people apart. Paul was one of those

people who didn’t like this kind of behavior which was going on in Thessalonica. He could not

wait to hear it a second time, instead he jumped on the paper and ink and wrote a letter

addressing those who were not working but loitering around talking about other people not

working themselves.

He said to the Thessalonians hey guys! Such people who refuse to work and meddle in other

people’s business, we command and urge such people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to



settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, Dear brothers and sisters

never get tired of doing good. Paul’s argument was that, those people who are obsessed by

gossiping should work like others and earn something for their own living instead of being fed

by others. There are two side to this both of which were a negative impact, it demoralizes the

morale of others to work and encourage idleness among the people and in the end people will

halt up lacking something to eat and as such they will die from hunger. Food insecurity among

vulnerable Christian populations exists as a result of idleness, lack of social/ economic access

to adequate food and inadequate food utilisation.

Food insecurity came because other people refused to work on their farms as such they are

not able to meet their own dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy and active life.

Christian family food security is the application of the food security concept at family level

with individuals within households as the focus of concern. Strengthening local and resilient

food systems is central to a strategy of direct poverty alleviation. Paul’s view is that he hopes

to do this by working in a multi-stakeholder context of Christian society strengthening and

capacity building of Christian counterparts, while at the same time contributing to an

environment where the voice of target groups is heard by policy makers (avenues for

empowerment).

Following Paul’s holistic development approach, his mission took into account the

dissemination of the gospel, which remains the biggest task since we cannot live on bread

alone but word of God! Paul commanded idle people in Jesus name to work and become

symbols that work is ordained by God. Human work is given the meaning it has in God's eyes

by which means it enters into the salvation process. Christians should consider it their duty

and an important task within the service it renders to the evangelical message as a whole to

speak out on the value of work for the moral order to which we belong. In this scenario we

see a particular duty to form a spirituality which helps all people come closer, through work,

to God. We participate in His salvation plan for man and the world and deepen our friendship

with Christ by accepting, though faith, a living participation in spiritual growth. This will

enhance individuals to contribute to strong families, organizations, corporations,

administrative institutions and communities. As a working principle, these spiritual qualities

enhance social cohesion and eradicate poverty in churches.

5. How does gossiping, rumor and hearsay contribute to food

insecurity today and what can be done to address this situation?

Paul in his letter made it very clear that if anyone does not comply with the instruction given

in his letter then people should take special note of him. Paul said this to the Thessalonians

because there are some Christians who adamantly ignored instructions given to the

community, such people are of course fuelling the hunger, they refuse to work yet they don’t

refuse to eat, you could see why many people die from hunger today; there are many more

eaters than workers. Food in security in our nation came as result of ignorance, rural poor and

vulnerable populations refused to work. The constraints and root causes are linked to

disobedience, first to our Lord Jesus Christ the author of work and to ourselves. God is the



ultimate workman, which loads the act of work itself with inherent meaning, significance, and

dignity.

If we ignore this we find ourselves in a bad situation, if we obey it we succeed, so it is worth

taking it into consideration by an understanding of the virtue of industriousness: for virtue, as

a moral habit, is something whereby man becomes good and can transform the lives of

others. Specific problem areas in this respect are: misinterpretation and misunderstanding the

meaning of work and of course the habit of getting things free without having to work for

them, have gotten in our people minds. For some time in Thessalonica some people had been

getting food free from their brothers and sisters houses as such they had no idea about work

because there was no need to work, after all one has eaten something what next? Why work?

In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul pointed out that such groups of people who don’t work

you shouldn’t associate yourself with in order that they many feel ashamed. Paul’s ideal vision

wants to shame them but also to train them to work. As we know that God put man in charge

to 'subdue the earth' if a man fails here to work he has fail everywhere in life to transform the

world spiritually and materialistically. Agriculture remains the primary field of economic

activity and transforms the lives of lost ones into Christianity, because it’s an indispensable

factor of production and spreading the Gospel.

Paul understood the fundamental fact of work, if we refuse to work we are not only stopping

disseminating the gospel but also we lose our dignity and honour. These constraints are

further exacerbated by dependency on others who are vulnerable too, as a result this

jeopardizes the spread the gospel of Christ. Erratic food to eat will result in starvation. In

addition, as a result of idleness and dependence essential knowledge about agricultural

practices have been lost and productive assets disappeared, severely affecting livelihoods in

our nation. Food insecurity, strife and poor governance, ineffective and non inclusive policies,

further fuel this problem.

6. How does dependence on others increase food insecurity and

jeopardize the spread the gospel of Christ today?

Quite often people who don’t work contribute to food insecurity in the community because

they make the lives of others very difficult in one way or the other. Given the fact that they

are not working yet they are eating. They definitely become the subject matter to those who

have something, who may thereafter, begin to mistreat them, abuse them, and taunt them

psychological because they are viewed as sources of the problem.

Paul in the same letter made it very clear that, those people who are not working shouldn’t

only be not to allowed to eat but should also be put to shame publicly so that they learn to

work and earn something for their own living. Paul also said this, realizing very quickly that

people will become very harsh on lazy people and therefore, he wrote to the Thessalonians

saying, don’t treat lazy people as an enemy, instead warns them as a fellow-believers.

Although Paul told the Thessalonians that they shouldn’t mistreat their fellow believers the

fact is we are all obligated to work because to be far from dependable sources of food is to



risk malnutrition and starvation. Looking at these scenarios there was something triggered in

the Thessalonians minds, what they had not understood was the fundamental fact of life and

work, so it was very difficult for them to work until the dignity of work itself was understood.

7. Assume that you were the one being mistreated and put to shame

by your fellow brothers because you are lazy, how would you react

in such a situation?

The reason why many Christians are poor today is that most Christians think that prayer alone

without working will make them get whatever they want in life. But this is not the days of

Moses when they could pray to God and manna could fall down from heaven and people

consume it freely without sweating. These are different days, another people but the same

God dealing with his people in a different approach, where prayer alone without action is not

enough to get whatever you want.

It’s not the time to expect God to bless you for something for which you have not worked for.

This is the day of toil, as scripture said, in toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both

thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field; by the sweat

of your face you will eat bread. This doesn’t mean that we stop praying to God but we pray

and work. Because every work is redemptive or rewarded in the end, no one should say that

my work will be in vain. As Paul the apostle said:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since

you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ

you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); this is true. All work that people do God will reward

because:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you

have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).

God has assured us of his blessing whatever we do. God will bless every work of our hands

that is something we should sure of as Paul further puts it

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the

Lord you will receive an inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Col.

3:23-24). “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather for the

people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good work we do,

whether we are slaves or free”.(Eph 6: 7 )

You will eat the plants of the field by the sweat of your face, God blesses what you do, not

what you do not do. You don’t need to blame God for something in which you have not

worked for, if God blesses very work of our hands then it’s impossible for God to bless an idle

hand which has done nothing. So let’s work because to eat is to live, and to live is to work, and

to work is to eat because we are the produce of work.



8. Do you think it’s biblically true that God blesses every work of our

hands? Try to provide at least two other scriptures to support this.

Summing Up



Hopefully you now understand the importance of work and its benefits, if

we understand fully the meaning of work I believe strongly no one will go

hungry and we will kick out hunger from many churches.

Work makes you prosperous, work gives you honour, work makes a

great person, work makes you known, work gives respect, and God

blesses the work of your hands. Work brings glory to God and

transforms the lives others. Now let’s turn on laziness because laziness

is a result of poverty and what does the Bible say about hard work and

lazy people? Furthermore why do so many people die from hunger yet

they have land, skills, knowledge and hands to work. Yet we don’t ask

ourselves why and change. The apostle Paul also wrote:

“If you were a thief, you must stop stealing things. You should

work and do something useful with your hands. Then you will earn

something that you can share with other people. They may need

your help.” Ephesians 4:28.

Finally how can we improve the food security and nutrition in particularly

among disadvantaged and marginalised people in our country of South

Sudan while strengthening local institutions to better address food

insecurity and climate threats?

Solutions to socioeconomic problems begin at the village level all the

way through to towns. Never the less the fundamental basis of

community is agriculture, tillage of the soil is indisputable. Work hard

and become leader; be lazy and become a slave you are respected for

what you do, not how much you consume.



Pray together:



Our Lord Jesus Christ you know that many people are dying from hunger each day

in Africa. Food insecurity among vulnerable populations exists as a result of the

physical unavailability of food, lack of social/economic access to adequate food and

inadequate food utilisation and even worse of laziness.

Most people are not able to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for a

healthy and active life, what is more and worse most of these people have not heard

about you. We are praying oh God to change our mindset and our hearts to be very

active Christians, shaping the social and ethical order of human work and to spread

the Gospel.

So bless all the work of our hands to be productive and make our minds not to labour

for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son

of Man will give us. Now we put this book down and get to work in Jesus name

Amen!


free prayer.

For the Week Ahead








“In the coming week think about the way you understand work and try to

see where you may have become a slave rather than a leader. Pray

about that this week.”








be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”



community.





Lent Course Week 3

Love of a Neighbour

By Rev Peter Angui Akook

Having gathered, greeted one another and prayed for each other share the Gospel account below taken from Luke Chapter 10 verses 28 to 37.

28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29 But he

wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" 30 In reply

Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the

hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him

half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the

man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place

and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came

where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and

bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey,

took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and

gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse

you for any extra expense you may have.' 36 "Which of these three do you think was a

neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37 The expert in the law

replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Setting a Context In the society of South Sudan, it has been a tradition that whenever there is a community meeting, people would always need to make sure that the responsible people for discussion on either marriage arrangements, conflict resolution or community planning must be people with "good reputations". This means people who are infected with HIV/AIDS, TB or Leprosy are considered "unclean" and "miserable" or "wanderers". People such as these end up in isolation, neglected and embarrassed.




1. Who is my Neighbour?

2. What are the problems that hinder us having a good relationship

with our neighbours, why is it that way?

3. Where and when are relations with our neighbours always good?

4. Why are good neighbours important? What is it that a good

neighbour is?

5. What is Jesus point of view on being a good neighbour?

6. How are people with HIV/AIDS treated in society?

7. Why do you think that the Samaritan helped the man who was

beaten, taking him to the inn, what is surprising about that?

8. How can we apply this and be good neighbours?

9. What are the characteristics of knowing your neighbour?

10.What does this teach us about how we should treat people who

are disadvantaged or suffering? Should we treat people with

HIV/AIDS differently?

Summing Up

This weeks’ Gospel is a well known story which is easily limited in it’s

scope. We all too often read this story literally and miss it’s more

challenging meaning. There are many people globally who have

HIV/AIDS and suffer from more than just its medical effects. It’s easy to

cross by on the other side of the street. These are still people who have

feelings, hopes and fears. Jesus taught that all people are able to

receive God’s love and that we should regard all with equal respect, as

neighbours. That’s a real challenge.



Pray together:

Dear Lord Jesus, we fail to understand how good everyone is whether they are sick or not, whether they are rich or poor, but Lord you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Teach us to comprehend that people with HIV/AIDS and the poor are not just rotten beings but are our neighbours too and that we need their presence and theirs ours. Help us dear Lord to be strong enough to take care of those with HIV/AIDS and the poor, listening to our neighbour's needs even to the point of death. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

For the Week Ahead

In the coming week think about the story of the Good Samaritan and

consider how it would read if the beaten man was not robbed but

suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. Pray about that this week and

pray for all those actively tacking the needs of those who are living and

dying of AIDS.





be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.




Love of a Neighbour





Luke Chapter 10 verses 28 to 37.

28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29 But he

wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" 30 In reply

Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the

hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him

half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the

man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place

and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came

where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and

bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey,

took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and

gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse

you for any extra expense you may have.' 36 "Which of these three do you think was a

neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37 The expert in the law

replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Setting a Context In the society of South Sudan, it has been a tradition that whenever there is a community meeting, people would always need to make sure that the responsible people for discussion on either marriage arrangements, conflict resolution or community planning must be people with "good reputations". This means people who are infected with HIV/AIDS, TB or Leprosy are considered "unclean" and "miserable" or "wanderers". People such as these end up in isolation, neglected and embarrassed






1. Who is my Neighbour?

My neighbour is anybody or anyone around me whether far or near, rich or poor, sick or healthy, educated or uneducated, believer or unbeliever, old or young, stranger or citizen, male or female. In Lk.10:30 we read - In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went

away, leaving him half dead.” – A man, who could be anyone. In Gal.6:10 we read - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – all people, anybody.

2. What are the problems that hinder us having a good relationship

with our neighbours, why is it that way?

The biggest problems are sicknesses and poverty, misunderstanding and being ignorant of your neighbours situation . We sometimes limit our caring to those nearest to us or who are like us and easy to care for. Sickness and poverty quickly make people seem un likeable, it is easy to ignore people of other nationalities, castes, skin colours or tribes. In Lk.10:31 we read – A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw

the man, he passed by on the other side. – The priest had to choose between staying ritually clean and helping the man. Touching him would have made him ritually unclean according to Jewish law. It was easier to pass by instead of helping.

In Micah 6:8 we read - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Act Justly , love, mercy and walk humbly. God requires these things above ritual cleanness.

3. Where and when are relations with our neighbours always good?

Relations with our neighbours are always good when we are rescued from danger.

In Luke.10:30 we read – In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to

Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him

and went away, leaving him half dead.” – The man was put in to a great deal of danger and

could easily die



In Micah 6:8 we read – He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD

require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Just as

in question 2 the same things are required of us by God.

In Gal.6:10 we read - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – To do properly this requires us to

make good relations.

4. Why are good neighbours important? What is it that a good

neighbour is?

Good neighbours are important because of the care that could also at the same time provide security to one another. Caring for each other builds a strong community that is secure because everyone cares for everyone. Being a person who is willing to do this regardless is a person who is a good neighbour. In Luke.10:34 we read - He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

In Gal.6:10 we read - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

In Micah. 6:8 we read - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD

require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

5. What is Jesus point of view on being a good neighbour? Jesus point of view is that being a good neighbour is a thing to be practiced for life. It is to be done not talked about. Re read the reading Lk.10:28,37.

6. How are people with HIV/AIDS treated in society?

People with HIV/AIDS are often isolated, neglected, discriminated, lonely and embarrassed.

In Lk.10:31,32 we see that people who we would expect to care did not, but we need to do

good to "all" as we can read in Gal.6:10. How people with HIV/AIDS are treated in society is

how we treat them.

7. Why do you think that the Samaritan helped the man who was

beaten, taking him to the inn, what is surprising about that?

The Samaritan’s only reason was to save the man's life and the surprising thing was that he

used his own wine, oil, donkey and money, which means his belongings were also his

neighbour's belongings. We can see this is Lk.10:34. Samaritans and Israelites had a long



history of despising one another. Being a good neighbour he put this care before any other

thought, which the priest and Levite did not do.

8. How can we apply this and be good neighbours?

By understanding that sick people or people in need are our neighbours through taking care

for each other without letting any other concern stop us.

In Lk.10:35 – we read : The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the

innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra

expense you may have.'

In Micah 6:8 – we read: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD

require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

In Gal.6:10 – we read: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

9. What are the characteristics of knowing your neighbour?

A good neighbour is a compassionate, loving, caring and active listener. A person who is

always willing to maintain his or her good neighbourhood in any circumstances either bad

circumstances or good circumstances

In Lk.10:33 – we read: But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when

he saw him, he took pity on him.

In Gal.6:10 – we read: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

10. What does this teach us about how we should treat people who

are disadvantaged or suffering? Should we treat people with

HIV/AIDS differently?

We should not be too selfish to provide care and provide a presence that would result in

security for victims. We should act justly to any victims, show love, show mercy to them and

walk humbly with our God by praying for them. Let us do good to "all people”. We are

obliged through our relationship with Jesus Christ to practice being good neighbours for life.

It is required of us by our God who loves us.

Micah 6:8 – O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and

to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.



Gal.6:10 – Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to

those who belong to the family of believers.

Lk.10:37 - The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told

him, "Go and do likewise."

Summing Up



This weeks’ Gospel is a well known story which is easily limited in it’s

scope. We all too often read this story literally and miss it’s more

challenging meaning. There are many people globally who have

HIV/AIDS and suffer from more than just its medical effects. It’s easy to

cross by on the other side of the street. These are still people who have

feelings, hopes and fears. Jesus taught that all people are able to

receive God’s love and that we should regard all with equal respect, as

neighbours. That’s a real challenge.

Pray together:



Dear Lord Jesus, we fail to understand how good everyone is whether they are sick or not, whether they are rich or poor, but Lord you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Teach us to comprehend that people with HIV/AIDS and the poor are not just rotten beings but are our neighbours too and that we need their presence and theirs ours. Help us dear Lord to be strong enough to take care of those with HIV/AIDS and the poor, listening to our neighbour's needs even to the point of death. Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.




free prayer.

For the Week Ahead






“In the coming week think about the story of the Good Samaritan and

consider how it would read if the beaten man was not robbed but

suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. Pray about that this week and

pray for all those actively tacking the needs of those who are living and

dying of AIDS”








be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”



community. Spend a short time in prayer to give thanks to God and pray

for the people that have attended.



Lent Course Week 4




the Bible passages below.

Genesis 1 - 26/27

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Deuteronomy 4 -16

So that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman,

Romans 8 - 29

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers

2 Corinthians 3 -18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4 - 10/11

10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

Galations 4-19

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.




1. Why are men dominant in so many societies?

2. How does this affect our view of Christianity?

3. Could Jesus have been a woman?

4. How would it affect us to think of God as a woman?

5. What does the word "Mother" make us think of?

6. What is it about the work of the mothers union that speaks so

loudly about their faith in Jesus?

7. What can we learn from The Mothers Union and the readings in

this session about how we see people in this life and how we treat

them?

8. What does this mean for our Christian faith and how do we apply

it?

Summing Up

This week’s passages are challenging and take us to places in the Bible

that are often overlooked. God created men and women as equals

neither is supreme. The fact that in many societies women are

undervalued shows a fault in that society. It can be hard to accept these

teachings but as the Mothers Union demonstrates in many countries

worldwide, women can be a powerful force for change and development

to improve the life we lead. Their faith is our faith, is it yours?



Pray together:

God our father, you know that you have created us equally but because

of our sinful nature we are not treating one another equally, more

especially on things to do with social, economic, cultural and political as

well. Man made himself superior while woman was made inferior, but

there is nothing like that in your sight. May your spirit come down to

convict men's heart to know that woman is also as valuable as man.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

For the Week Ahead

“In the coming week think about how the society you live in treats

women and how you view women personally. Are women held back and

prevented from using their talents to the benefit of others. Seek out your

local branch of the Mothers Union and ask them what they do in your

area. If your Church does not have a Mothers Union branch consider

making one. Pray for all those actively attempting to bring the love of

Jesus through the work of the Mothers Union”.





be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.








pray for each other. Then share the Bible passages below.

Genesis 1 - 26/27

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Deuteronomy 4 -16

So that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman,

Romans 8 - 29

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers

2 Corinthians 3 -18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4 - 10/11

10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

Galations 4-19

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.



Setting the Context

In South Sudan, women are seen by many as people that are incompetent on things that are in any way technical in any fields. Therefore, their most important role is seen in childbearing and the caring of children and the house. Yet In South Sudan the Mothers Union is widely recognised as a powerful tool for social care and evangelism. Both are also true in many other parts of the world.




1. Why are men dominant in so many societies?

It is because women are regarded as incompetent people in anything that is technical in any way. Much of this incompetence comes from a lack of even basic education. Women are usually physically weaker than men and also held in place by the expectations of their society in general. But women also have gifts and were created with men alike.

In Genesis 1:27 we read - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

2. How does this affect our view of Christianity?

Ignoring the gifts and talents that women have could cripple the progress of Christianity because when a gifted woman is not granted a freedom of expression her abilities are wasted. God is neither male nor female, and neither gender shows us God any more or less or differently than the other. Gender is a part of human nature, but not God's nature. Likewise, gender is part only of Christ’s human nature, not his divine nature. Spiritual authority is not grounded in maleness, nor are men better representatives of God than women. Biblically, gender has no bearing on a person's fitness to represent or speak for God. Neither is more worthy in the eyes of God because of their gender.



3. Could Jesus have been a woman?

It is widely believed Jesus could not have been born a woman. It is hard to see that a woman

would have been able to be accepted as Jesus was at that time in history. Many women

were very supportive in his ministry such as Mary, Joanna and Susana, whose work goes

largely unknown. Sadly society was set then as it sometimes still is now to ignore women.

4. How would it affect us to think of God as a woman?

There is not a correct answer to this and it may be hard to consider, but God's caring for us

would be more reflected as that of a woman caring for her baby. It may be that aspects of

caring and forgiveness could be easier to understand. Many cultures typically see God as an

old man and assume human attitudes that suit that character. Seeing God as a woman may

allow people to think of God as raising us like children, teaching us and making sure we have

what we need; sacrificing her only Son to clear our sins at Calvary.

5. What does the word "Mother" make us think of? The word mother makes us think of a caring love which is always willing to provide the

assistance of basic needs. A Mother cares, protects, teaches, helps and provides. It is a

Mother that a child first look to for help, sustenance or for love.

Note – People in the group may have had bad experiences with their parents and may not

see this question in a positive way. Care should be taken to accept their views and listen to

any story that they feel needs to be shared.

6. What is it about the work of the mothers union that speaks so

loudly about their faith in Jesus?

In South Sudan the Mothers Union’s primary goal is to care for the young Christian families.

In some countries this is done by a regulated and authorised body. Trained professionals do

this complex and demanding work. In South Sudan there is no one like that. The Mothers

Union does this work supported by their faith and weaves their faith into the work that they

do. Many people that did not have a strong Christian faith would not value people in need as

the workers of the MU do. This is a loud proclamation of faith by doing good as Jesus often

encouraged people to do.



7. What can we learn from The Mothers Union and the readings in

this session about how we see people in this life and how we treat

them?

Women generally have a soft heart and are always ready to compromise any situation, but

indeed Scripture teaches that man and woman are created equally in God's image

In Genesis 1: 27 we read – So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he

created him; male and female he created them.

In Genesis 5:2 we read – Male and Female God created them and blessed them and named

them Man when they were created.

All believers—women as well as men—are to be conformed to the image of Christ

In 2Corinthians 3:18 we read - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,

are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the

Lord, who is the Spirit.

Gender should not be a limitation to a person who has talents and skills to share and can be

a productive part of a society. This is particularly true in South Sudan where much

development is needed and many men have died in conflict.

9. What does this mean for our Christian faith and how do we apply

it?

Our faith cannot be an effective Christian faith and would not move on without women

being involved. But any church group that treats women with disregard is flawed. We have

to accept gender equality. Women have as much to give to God as men and if treated

equally can do the same. The Christian faith should not reflect society but lead society to

reflect the love of God.

In 2 Corinthians 4:10 we read - We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so

that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always

being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

There is no mention of gender in this and it may be good to remember that Biblically, gender has no bearing on a person's fitness to represent or speak for God. Neither is more worthy in the eyes of God because of their gender.



Summing Up



This week’s passages are challenging and take us to places in the Bible

that are often overlooked. God created men and women as equals

neither is supreme. The fact that in many societies women are

undervalued shows a fault in that society. It can be hard to accept these

teachings but as the Mothers Union demonstrates in many countries

worldwide, women can be a powerful force for change and development

to improve the life we lead. Their faith is our faith, is it yours?

Pray together:



God our father, you know that you have created us equally but because

of our sinful nature we are not treating one another equally, more

especially on things to do with social, economic, cultural and political as

well. Man made himself superior while woman was made inferior, but

there is nothing like that in your sight. May your spirit come down to

convict men's heart to know that woman is also as valuable as man.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.


free prayer.



For the Week Ahead






“In the coming week think about how the society you live in treats

women and how you view women personally. Are women held back and

prevented from using their talents to the benefit of others. Seek out your

local branch of the Mothers Union and ask them what they do in your

area. If your Church does not have a Mothers Union branch consider

making one. Pray for all those actively attempting to bring the love of

Jesus through the work of the Mothers Union”.








be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”







Lent Course Week 5

Humility and Education

By the Rev Peter Yuol Gur


the Gospel account below taken from John Chapter 13 verses 1 to 5.

1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to

leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he

loved them to the end.2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already

prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the

Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was

returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped

a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash

his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.


1. Why does humility say so much about Christianity?

2. Does humility mean respect?

3. Can teaching be more than just class rooms, does setting an

example matter?

4. How did the way Jesus lived teach us about how we should live as

individuals and as people in groups such as countries?

5. Education is important for everyone, in South Sudan many have

missed the chance for school and some are excluded, how can

humility affect the way people are treated regarding education?

What example could be set?

6. Why are girls less likely to go to school than boys, is this right, how

might it affect society in the future?

7. Is it better to respect culture or respect needs? Can we teach

others by example in the way we live?



Summing Up

This weeks’ Gospel show Jesus deliberately displaying humility when he

need not and most would not have thought to. By doing this he taught a

lesson that has endured for centuries. As part of the telling of Easter

week, Maundy Thursday sees the washing of feet by priests re-enacted

as part of holy worship. Education is vital to all societies and anyone

denied education is much the poorer for it. Some poverty relates to lack

of education. But for a society to accept that it must change to develop,

not merely receive requires an unprecedented level of humility, who can

show the way?

Pray together:

Our heavenly Father we thank you that you sent us your only begotten son to be our role model in humility. Lord when we are dominated by pride so that we are unable to fit in to any society, help us to be humble and to be able to imitate Jesus' footsteps so that we will always be ready to teach others by either the way we do things or by sharing knowledge through Jesus Christ our Lord. (a prayer by Rev Peter Akook) Amen

For the Week Ahead

In the coming week think about the injustice of people who are denied

an education. Think about how you would feel if it were you that could

never learn to read or write. How much does pride get in the way of

change? How many times has pride held you back? Pray about that this

week.





be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.




Humility and Education

By the Rev Peter Yuol Gur




John Chapter 13 verses 1 to 5.

1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to

leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he

loved them to the end.2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already

prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the

Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was

returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped

a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash

his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.




1. Why does humility say so much about Christianity?

Humility is so much about Christianity because it is where Jesus establishes a house for the

homeless, Jesus says in John Chapter 14 verse 2 “ In my Father’s house are many rooms”

hence society is looking forward for hope, encouragement and self esteem. People who are

neglected in the secular world are accepted in Christ’s society. It is a strong indication of

what Christianity is about.



2. Does humility mean respect?

Humility and respect are related according to my point of view. Humility and respect are

twin brothers, they have many things in common and there are only little differences.

Humility implies submitting to a dominant person. So to be humble you must make another

more important than you. Dominance is a natural survival reaction that all animals know. To

be humble is to deliberately ignore this reaction. Respect can be shown in many ways but

humility freely given shows respect to the one it is given to.

3. Can teaching be more than just class rooms, does setting an

example matter?

Yes teaching is more than a class room in an African world view. The elderly people teach

their children orally on the street without class rooms about stories and to respect others.

They teach to differentiate childhood from adulthood, that is where the right of initiation

comes in but this differs from country to country. Teaching is more than class rooms also

because being mature and respectful comes from parents, depending on a particular family.

The way children are brought up matters a lot. In South Sudan where people talk a lot about

war you find children playing about fighting when they play. They believe strong people who

can beat people up are the best people. Girls like to be married to physically strong men and

soldiers are very much respected compared to people who are educated. Little respect is

shown to people with Doctorates or a PHD compared to commanders. Here women find

themselves like weak people that they cannot do anything without men. In a culture such as

ours setting an example is a form of teaching.

4. How did the way Jesus lived teach us about how we should live as

individuals and as people in groups such as countries?

The way Jesus lived teaches us that we are all one, not American, not Kenyan, not Ugandan,

not a slave, not a woman, not a man; we are all created in God’s image. It tells us also about

servant hood we are not bosses but we are servants of God. People with disabilities are

important; widows are good members of the church of God. Jesus denied nothing to other

people. Much of his time was spent in teaching and helping others to improve their lives and

bring them closer to God.



5. Education is important for everyone, in South Sudan many have

missed the chance for school and some are excluded, how can

humility affect the way people are treated regarding education?

What example could be set?

First of all South Sudanese people must humble themselves to accept the mistake that has

come down the line from earlier parents who set a culture which oppressed women. Many

claim that it is their culture; my question is who set up a culture? Why does the culture

block our sisters from the key of life which is education? The South Sudanese should respect

the rights of others not only women, even the orphans, first born sons and girls in some

tribes are not allow to go to school.

Second humility affects the way people live and accept the rights of others, as we can see

from Jesus Ministry when Jesus met a woman who poured her perfume on his feet, and

wiped it with her hair many were not happy but Jesus accepted her in the society where she

was denied.

South Sudanese people want to sacrifice themselves to carry the burden of others by

sponsoring others children who are denied rights to show some concern and humility. I

myself tried to help some orphans boys and girls, sponsoring them with the little that I have,

they are still in Kenya learning at the Lassos Educational Centre in Nairobi Kenya while I am

supposed to gather cows for a dowry and get married. I haven’t married, but I have seen the

need for education and it touched my heart. Many others are doing this now in south Sudan.

6. Why are girls less likely to go to school than boys, is this right, how

might it affect society in the future?

Mostly in Dinka, Nuer, and Murle tribes the reason why girls are less in school is that people

see girls as wealth in terms of cows that may be given in a dowry or gift at a wedding not in

education. Girls are married in exchange for 100 even 200 cows, which increases a family’s

wealth, girls are not seen to have a long term wealth. The parents never consider a girl’s

education and they don’t see employed girls who can be paid monthly with money. As

African philosopher John Mbiti wrote in a book called “Africa concept of time” he said

“Africans consider the past and present but they do nothing with the future”. There is no

future for South Sudan without women participating, no development without girl’s

education. I have learnt something in the church since I have been serving as a minister,

when there is a work in the church and the boys work alone, they will disappear soon but

when both boys and girls are working together there is a kind of attraction and nobody can

come out from the work because the young people want to show themselves that he or she

is a hard working person and that he or she can win a wife or husband.



(This comment was made by a man called Deng Cath:)

The South Sudanese have a culture that girls are not allowed to attend school because they

are income, but it will change. One of the challenges in this culture is that most of the young

people are going somewhere where they can get educated girls hence these tribes are going

to miss many educated men. Therefore their whole society will be left uneducated.

7. Is it better to respect culture or respect needs? Can we teach

others by example in the way we live?

Culture is the way people live, it is how things are governed, a guide, a system, however

culture can be reshaped. People should look at culture at different times and ask what is the

situation at hand? Culture is good depending on how people set it in that particular

community and it is harmful to others such as the issues of polygamy in South Sudan. This is

bad on the women’s side but some men are comfortable choosing a little girl as their partner

when their wives are old, it favours men while women are left crying. But the culture of

polygamy is not favouring men at this time in South Sudan because in life now many women

are divorcing men due to the economic crisis. Children need to be taken to school but a lack

of money means that some become robbers.

It can be good to respect needs more than culture. It is good to teach others the way we live

as believers, it attracts people to join us when we are humble and take people the way they

are. Not necessarily to be like us, that is the real evangelism but saying some things that are

contradictory to the way you live does not promote Christianity.

Summing Up



“This weeks’ Gospel show Jesus deliberately displaying humility when

he need not and most would not have thought to. By doing this he taught

a lesson that has endured for centuries. As part of the telling of Easter

week, Maundy Thursday sees the washing of feet by priests re-enacted

as part of holy worship. Education is vital to all societies and anyone

denied education is much the poorer for it. Some poverty relates to lack

of education. But for a society to accept that it must change to develop,

not merely receive requires an unprecedented level of humility, who can

show the way? ”



Pray together:



“Our heavenly Father we thank you that you sent us your only begotten son to be our role model in humility. Lord when we are dominated by pride so that we are unable to fit in to any society, help us to be humble and to be able to imitate Jesus' footsteps so that we will always be ready to teach others by either the way we do things or by sharing knowledge through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

(prayer by Rev Peter Akook)


free prayer.

For the Week Ahead






“In the coming week think about the injustice of people who are denied

an education. Think about how you would feel if it were you that could

never learn to read or write. How much does pride get in the way of

change? How many times has pride held you back? Pray about that this

week.”










be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”



community.





Lent Course Week 6




the Gospel account below taken from Mark Chapter 7 verses 24 to 30.

18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24 he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region. 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Setting the Context In Sudan and South Sudan generally there has been no trust among people, even in simple things there is always doubt and suspicion. A lot of thinking is taken up with why are people doing the things they do. The recently ended war has complicated this to the extent that no one would believe what the Father is saying. Cheating and disobeying has become so rampant in society.




1. What is it about miracles that help people to believe Jesus was

son of God?

2. What is it about that belief that makes people Christians and not

just nice people?

3. What do we think of in our daily lives that is miraculous or more

than just a co incidence?

4. How do miracles help us connect with God and establish a faith that we can share with others?

5. What effect did Jesus have on the people who saw these things

and heard about them?

6. Why did Jesus ask people not to talk about so many of his

miracles?

7. How should we react to these stories?

8. Is it possible that miracles still happen?

Summing Up

This weeks’ Gospel is a busy one with Jesus doing many miracles and

changing people’s lives physically and spiritually. Jesus showed great

power that he wielded with humility and kindness. This was a mark of his

authority as the Son of God. Using his authority he cuts across the

normal way people thought to help them accept and come closer to God

by challenging themselves. These miracles shocked and amazed people

so that they could not be forgotten or ignored. They also angered others,

but Jesus had work to do.



Pray together:

God our heavenly father we are in a society that has lost all trust for quite a long time and keeps on doubting even with our own people. We won't believe whatever advice they are trying to give us. Help us Lord to be faithful to ourselves, our friends, and families and unto you so that we can continue the miraculous work you started even in these days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen.

For the Week Ahead

“In the coming week think about the Miracles that Jesus performed and

consider how it they might be viewed if they were done today. How

would you react to a person who was clearly sick being completely

healed in front of you? Pray about that this week and pray for all those

actively attempting to bring the miracle of Jesus to people the world

over”.

.





be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.









Matthew Chapter 9 verses 18 to 34.

18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24 he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region. 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Setting the Context In Sudan and South Sudan generally there has been no trust among people, even in simple things there is always doubt and suspicion. A lot of thinking is taken up with why are people doing the things they do. The recently ended war has complicated this to the extent that no one would believe what the Father is saying. Cheating and disobeying has become so rampant in society.






1. What is it about miracles that help people to believe Jesus was

son of God?

Miracles help people reach a total whole hearted repentance and openness by allowing the Holy Spirit's conviction to rule their innermost being, just as of the strength of faith Jesus displayed to perform miracles. A bond of trust is built through the authority Jesus has.

In Matthew 9:2 we read - Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

2. What is it about that belief that makes people Christians and not

just nice people?

It is the belief of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit which could clearly express our faith in reaffirmation. Christians have no monopoly on good deeds, but the key difference is that Christians do good works because of their belief in God and are sustained by this faith in circumstances when others would stop, to carry on. In Matthew 9:28 we read - When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.

3. What do we think of in our daily lives that is miraculous or more

than just a co incidence?

Things that are happening beyond our control such as a quick recovery from a serious

sickness without medicine or a circumstance that would never normally happen but is much

needed.

In Matthew 9:20-21 we read - Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for

twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I

only touch his cloak, I will be healed."



4. How do miracles help us connect with God and establish a faith that we can share with others?

Miracles help us connect with God through the spreading of good news about him and sharing our experiences with others. Often the first introduction to faith in Jesus takes place listening to a person talk about their own faith in Jesus and how that came about. Many of these stories are rooted in a strange event that changed that person’s life. In Matthew 9:31 we read - But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

5. What effect did Jesus have on the people who saw these things and heard about them? The effect Jesus had on the people was that the crowds were "amazed" These events went well beyond surprise or excitement. These events were abnormal and challenging to see. People that saw the things Jesus did were forced to rethink the way that they knew the world and question themselves. In Matthew 9:33 we read - And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."

6. Why did Jesus ask people not to talk about so many of his

miracles?

It is because Jesus did not want to be killed before his teaching, proclamation of his good

news and curing of the sick reached other cities and villages. There was a great danger that

people might try to use Jesus for their own ends and hurt many people in the process. Every

miracle he performed made him a target, yet there was still work to do that needed doing.

In Matthew 9:35-38 we read - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in

their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and

sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were

harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The

harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send

out workers into his harvest field."

7. How should we react to these stories?

We should believe that Jesus really is able to do anything, just like these stories in our lives

today. Jesus is not just a figure in history, he can reach out to us in our everyday lives and

touch us is a very special, miraculous way. We can be challenged by him, healed by him and

changed too. We need only to believe.



In Matthew 9:28 we read - When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he

asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.

8. Is it possible that miracles still happen?

It is possible only when we believe and have strong faith in Jesus. There is no clear idea of

exactly what a miracle is, it is easier to see what effect it has on a person. Miracles are more

readily accepted by people who have a strong faith because they trust in God. Faith requires

a quality of trust, like a child trusts a parent because they love them.

In Matthew 9:22 we read - Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your

faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

Summing Up



This weeks’ Gospel is a busy one with Jesus doing many miracles and

changing people’s lives physically and spiritually. Jesus showed great

power that he wielded with humility and kindness. This was a mark of his

authority as the Son of God. Using his authority he cuts across the

normal way people thought to help them accept and come closer to God

by challenging themselves. These miracles shocked and amazed people

so that they could not be forgotten or ignored. They also angered others,

but Jesus had work to do.



Pray together:



God our heavenly father we are in a society that has lost all trust for quite a long time and keeps on doubting even with our own people. We won't believe whatever advice they are trying to give us. Help us Lord to be faithful to ourselves, our friends, and families and unto you so that we can continue the miraculous work you started even in these days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen.


free prayer.

For the Week Ahead






“In the coming week think about the Miracles that Jesus performed and

consider how it they might be viewed if they were done today. How

would you react to a person who was clearly sick being completely

healed in front of you? Pray about that this week and pray for all those

actively attempting to bring the miracle of Jesus to people the world

over”.










be with us all,

now and evermore.

Amen.”







Connect With Wau Diocese

It has been our pleasure to provide this Lent Study Course. We have

done this for free because we have been able to and also we really want

to share the Good News of Jesus with as many people as possible. We

hope that it has helped you to grow in faith and knowledge.

As an Anglican diocese in South Sudan we have many practical needs

that require help. So we would very much like you to consider making a

donation to Wau Diocese or partnering with us in our work. Practical

help can be just as valuable as money.

Please contact us to receive our quarterly newsletter, called Renewal,

we would very much like to share our news with you. Lots of useful

information and contact details can be seen on our diocese website:

www.wau.anglican.org

Here is our address:

ECS Diocese of Wau

Hai Mozephin, Opposite Wau Teaching Hospital

C/O ECS Provincial Office

P.O. Box 110 Juba South Sudan

Africa

Tel: +211912239089/+21195958118

Email: [email protected]



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