We recently welcomed Bishop Moses and his wife Mama Rejoice to the deanery. They arrived on October 6^th having been in N Ireland visiting their other link diocese of Down and Dromore. They spent four very productive days here building up our link with that very remote part of South Sudan which is approximately 9 hours drive West from the capital of Juba. They attended a lunch at Sarum College,meeting with the Salisbury Sudans Partnership including representatives from the Sudan Medical link and the Education committee and in the deanery they attended a bible study in Corsley, Mama Rejoice spoke to the Westbury and Dilton Marsh Mothers Union, they attended Evensong and Bishop Moses preached in Heytesbury, they attended midday prayers with Bishop Andrew followed by the annual supporters lunch in the Minster. During the lunch he gave an update of their needs and the general situation, illustrated with lots of photographs of Maridi.  After lunch they visited Chapmanslade school and had a happy Q & A time with years 5&6 and then rounded off their visit with teatime prayers at Dilton Marsh.

The role of the church in South Sudan is vital as it steps in and gives hope where the government fails. The church provides a primary school and a secondary school as well as a health centre. The Chaima Christian Institute (now a campus of The Episcopal University) which we support teaches Theology, English, IT and Leadership. The average age in South Sudan is about 25 and with so much factionalism it is important that young leaders are trained not just to be pastors and evangelists but also to be a  power for good in the community and then potentially a lead into politics.

Those of us who were fortunate to  be involved or who were able to  listen to Bishop Moses and Mama Rejoice felt very blessed by their words and their company. It was a privilege to experience their vibrant faith and to realise just how much they care for us as well as their own people. Thank you to all who hosted them , fed them and ferried them around during the week.

Revd Gay Maynard received a wonderful letter of thanks which is attached below.

Dear beloved partners in the Heytesbury Deanery, Diocese of Salisbury,

Warm greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
On behalf of the Diocese of Maridi, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to you for the warm invitation and gracious hospitality extended to the Bishop of Maridi and Mama Rejoice during our recent visit from 6th to 12th October.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement during our time with you. Your kindness, generosity, and Christian love were evident in every aspect of our visit—from the homes that welcomed us, to the churches and gatherings where we were so warmly received.
Our time in Heytesbury Deanery was both spiritually enriching and personally encouraging. The bonds of friendship and partnership in the Gospel were strengthened, and we return to Maridi with joyful hearts and a renewed sense of unity in Christ’s mission.

Thank you once again for walking alongside us in faith and ministry. May the Lord bless and continue to use you all mightily in the service of His Kingdom.
With deep appreciation and every blessing in Christ,
+ Moses and Mama Rejoice
On behalf of the Diocese of Maridi