Bishop Ismail Abudgin, alongside local government officials, distributes food to hungry people in El Obeid.  He reports this work to his Archbishop, 641 miles away to the northeast in Port Sudan, as an opportunity for better relations between Christians and Muslims.

“Dear Archbishop Ezekiel:

Here is the brief narrative report concerning the diocesan role at the displaced camps. The support that the Province of Sudan receives make great impact on the suffering people in Sudan, particularly in the affected areas like Darfur, El Obeid, Dillng and Kadugli, and Khartoum. We have heard very good stories from the displaced people, when we provide blankets, cooked food, plastic sheets, and clothes. We do also provide sweets for children at least to make them happy.  The stories we hear is that most of them did not believe the church can come to help the Muslim people, but those who know the church they were even telling their brothers that the Christians are faithful than their people.

The good thing also is the participation of the office of religious affairs leaders with us during distribution and also, they are happy of what the episcopal church is doing.

Finally, your grace, I do believe that the E.C.S doing is breaking the barrier between Muslims and Christians, to live together in peace and harmony. In fact, I received not less than 5 calls from people every day to come and help, which was not normal. 

We hope that the good Lord will provide us with extra financial resources to be able to assist all displaced as we give regardless of religion, or tribe.

May God bless those who are giving.”

The Rt. Revd. Ismail Abudgin

Diocesan Bishop of El Obeid and Dean of the Province