Dromore Cathedral’s Clayton Memorial Hall was packed with Parishioners and supporters who came along to meet with the Rt Revd Justin Badi Arama, Bishop of Maridi Diocese in Southern Sudan and his wife, Mama Joyce. Bishop Justin was welcomed to Dromore by Canon Cecil Wilson who described him as a “remarkable young man” whose faith sustained him and his people through some very difficult times in his homeland. This is, he explained, a man who put his life on the line for the Gospel he firmly believes in and that the vibrancy of faith in Southern Sudan would put us to shame! Bishop Justin chose a reading from Psalm 8 for his theme – “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” David, he said, was a king – he was rich, prosperous and intelligent – there was no one like him. All he had humbled him and he exalted the Lord above all else. Bishop Justin then challenged us all – does our wealth humble us? Will we go to the ends of the earth? He joked that Mama Joyce and himself had come to the ends of the earth in Northern Ireland! He praised those who had reached out to his people and thanked them for all they have done. Particular mention was made of Jane Corbett and James Riddell from Dromore Cathedral who have already visited Maridi – “several people here have reached Maridi, shared in our life and seen how we live. On behalf of the people of Maridi, thank you”. Bishop Justin concluded by suggesting three ways in which people from Down and Dromore can help his people;
- Prayer
- Donations
- Take up the challenge laid down by Jesus to go to the ends of the earth and travel to Maridi to spend time with them in mission work, or as teachers.
a full report with photographs is available on the Down and Dromore Diocesan website – www.downanddromore.org