The Glory of Relationship

In John chapter seventeen verse ten, the Apostle chronicles Jesus’ prayer to the Father, saying, “All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them [in the disciples].” In this passage, John begins by telling us how Jesus makes the Father’s name and character known to the disciples (verse 6); Jesus prays that his followers be sanctified, made perfect in truth (verse 19). But what does it mean for Jesus to make the Father’s name and character known? And what does it mean for Jesus’ followers to be made perfect in truth? And how is Jesus glorified in his disciples?

During Holy Week this year my wife Kristi and I and a few South Sudanese colleagues conducted the Healing the Wounds of Ethnic Conflict (HWEC) workshop at the institution where I teach, Nile Theological College, a diverse setting where many of the tribes of South Sudan are represented. The opening teaching of this workshop is entitled, “God’s Original Intention for Relationships.” In this first lesson we examine the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Together with the students we described the nature of this relationship, how within the Trinity we find three separate and distinct Persons, separate, yet working perfectly together in mutuality, love, trust, affection, confidence, support and respect. Within the Trinitarian Godhead there is no competition, no power struggle, and no jealousy. No one feels threatened. Moreover, because of God’s love, God decided to create humanity so that we also can enjoy this fellowship and quality of relationship. Yet, as we know all too well, our forefather Adam and our foremother Eve lost sight of the beauty and quality of God’s original intention and went their own way. Now, we as humanity are plagued by that fateful decision as we inherently follow that tortuous path.

In the HWEC workshop we utilize creative expression and drama. In this first and significant teaching, as the facilitator I selected three volunteers to come forward, the three creating a circle holding hands. Each volunteer, coming from different tribes, stands before their colleagues and the faculty members, representing the three persons of the Godhead, quite the responsibility! As together we discuss the quality of relationships of the Godhead, we marvel at the quality of this relationship, particularly in contrast with the soured relationships we find in the world. In the midst of our marveling, I then asked the students and faculty if they would like to come and join this quality of relationship, breaking open the circle and inviting anyone to come join this extraordinary fellowship. Slowly, one by one, students and faculty catch a glimpse of the glory of this possibility and join us. 

The glory of relationship!  

After the workshop one of my students wrote his reflection paper with terrific enthusiasm and excitement for what this teaching means for South Sudan, how God is calling us to makes His glory known through the quality of our relationships, how we are made perfect in this union with the Godhead, and how Jesus is glorified in us as we follow the model God has given us. This mutuality and love, despite differences of tribe and region, is the glory of relationship which God intends.  May it be so in South Sudan!  

Getting around town

How do we get around in Juba? Many different ways! We live right on the corner of a busy intersection, very convenient for getting public transport going in various directions. We do not own/drive a car, which means we do not have to worry about parking, or the car being broken into, or getting stopped by police, or repairs, or the endless fuel shortage, or even the perpetual washing of the car because of the dust. This means that we get to move around Juba like most of the population – by bus, rickshaw, boda-boda, or foot.

Whenever possible, we go by bus or rickshaw. There are several ‘routes’ in the city, so we can usually get close to where we are going using one of these means. To get to work, both Bob and I have about a 10 minute bus or rickshaw ride (in opposite directions), and then a 10 minute walk. God made that very convenient for us!

The intersection we live on – a little chaotic at first glance
with no stoplights, but somehow it works.

A ‘rickshaw’ is something like a three-wheeler with a body and more seating. It carries 3 passengers in the back, and a fourth sqeezed next to the driver. It is convenient also because you can ‘hire’ one to go to a specific location just for you, and it is cheaper than a car-taxi. We take rickshaws often, because with less passengers they do not stop as often as the buses. Today when we neared the road to the church office where I get off, the rickshaw driver looked back at me and grinned, as if to say “I know you’re getting off here!”.

The bus stop just in front of our apartment

Boda-boda’s, or motorcycle taxis are another option. We avoid taking these, because there are too many accidents that happen on them. They park on most corners and are ubiquitous around town. So if there is no other alternative or we are going a short distance, sometimes we give in to the convenience of taking a boda.

Motorcycles sometimes carry SEVERAL people here…
there’s always room for one more, as they say!

Finally, we go by foot! We live on busy roads and can easily walk to the store or to the big outdoor market down the street. We walk our neighborhood in the evening, and enjoy getting to know our neighbors. Walking helps us to get to know our neighbors and the ‘pulse’ in the community a little better. And, of course, it is good for our health – as long as it is not too hot out!

And finally, sometimes we go by taxi. If we go out for dinner and are coming home after dark, or are traveling with our laptops or other valuables, or on a big shopping trip and have an armful of stuff, then we take a taxi. We connected with a nice young man from Rwanda named Michael whom we call whenever we need a taxi. And fortunately, in Juba, we can go almost anywhere for less than $10 in a taxi, so we do splurge when safety dictates it.

Taking pictures in public is frowned upon, so we apologize that we do not have pictures of us getting around town. These pictures are taken from our apartment window, looking down at the street. Not the prettiest view, but we get front-row seats when something goes by, like a parade, UN convoy, the presidential motorcade, or the annual marathon.

Profile: Mama Sarah

Mama Sarah stood and spoke before the large group of mostly men, those being trained at Nile Theological College to serve as pastors and community leaders.  While women are unheralded and not valued in this culture, Mama Sarah quickly and easily gained the rapt attention of everyone in the room, sharing her own story in the context of our teaching on forgiveness… 

Mama Sarah, teaching on forgiveness...

One of the great joys in life is the people we meet.  Last month Kristi traveled to Rwanda for a training in healing and reconciliation with three South Sudanese colleagues.  One of these colleagues is the inimitable, irrepressible, and unforgettable Mama Sarah.

Mama Sarah is a widow in her late forties; her husband died almost twenty five years ago.  Mama Sarah has raised four children on her own.  She has also taken in children not her own from other clans and tribes, an unheard-of reality here in South Sudan.  Mama Sarah is a grandmother and she relishes her role as “matriarch,” calling others sons and daughters and cherishing her well-deserved title and status as “Mama Sarah” (Mother Sarah).

Kristi and Mama Sarah at the National Genocide Memorial,
Kigali, Rwanda

Like so many here in South Sudan, Mama Sarah’s life story is one of hardship and pain.  When she was less than one year old, her mother was taken from her and her father by relatives who found a better husband who could pay a larger dowry.  Later, Mama Sarah's father was killed by members of a rival tribe, the Nuer.  Such loss and pain could easily derail one’s life, leaving in its wake crushing bitterness and pain.  Thankfully, that is not the script of the life of Mama Sarah.  Mama Sarah exudes joy, love, humor, grace and humility.  To be around her one feels the weight of greatness.

Mama Sarah is from the Dinka tribe, but one does not quickly guess that reality due to her larger than life persona.  Moreover, beyond her mother tongue, she also speaks the languages of other tribes such as Nuer and Shilluk.  Moreover, Mama Sarah has spent some time in the Nuba Mountains and she identifies with the people of that terribly repressed region.  Mama Sarah is fluent in Arabic, and her English is an interesting jumble of words and expressions tenderly spoken and expressed which somehow, by God’s grace, can be understood.  Not too long after her father was killed, Mama Sarah took in a child of the Nuer tribe, the very people who killed her father.  When a sister came calling, this sister refused to receive tea or anything else in Mama Sarah’s home because of Mama Sarah’s willingness to take in this Nuer child.  Most of us do not forgive easily or quickly – not so for Mama Sarah.  She took this child in because the child lost its parents and needed someone to care for her. 

With Mama Sarah and team at end of Healing the Wounds
of Ethnic Conflict (HWEC) workshop we conducted in Juba

Our lives are shaped by those we encounter; in a very short amount of time I already consider my life unalterably changed, challenged and blessed by Mama Sarah.  Her ready smile, her encouraging words, and her wonderful wit bless Kristi and I to no end.  Her life and witness to the Risen Lord and our need to forgive one another will chart the course for a new South Sudan.  Mama Sarah, lead us on…