“ He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… and send forth deliverance to those who are oppressed” (Luke4:18)  

"Though the years this has remained my vision, and now in South Sudan, as Country Director of Cafod and Trocaire, it means giving hope and support to people trapped in the effects of continued destruction and  violence. South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Civil war continues to wreck and destroy lives; aid workers are also targeted.  A major part of my role is to support church leaders, who are held in so much respect here.  It is to the Church compounds that people flee and seek sanctuary from the ethnic violence. It is the South Sudan Council of Churches that is regarded, by governments such as the UK, as the only body which represents all in South Sudan, and hence can bring change. And the amazing thing is that the armed groups do listen to the church leaders. 
What do I do? I visit the church leaders, listen,  give speeches of support, channel funding so churches can support the refugees with food and other types of support.  I represent Cafod and Trocaire, and aim to guide a small team of mostly local staff as we try to continue to operate in South Sudan."

Judy is involved in the work of World Horizons which exists on behalf of places and people not yet prayed for, churches not yet planted and cross-cultural workers not yet sent. Her role involves teaching cross-cultural studies and other subjects on the annual training course offered at the World Horizons base in Wales, mentoring trainees, working with the HR department. Judy is also helping to develop new work in West Africa in partnership with the church in Burkina Faso and aims to travel out there once each year; family responsibilities permitting.

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Carole, in her role as Elementary Head Teacher, is responsible for the care of 25+ staff and support workers and 200 children aged 5-12. Her job includes supervising and evaluating teachers, leading curriculum and staff development, and overseeing the welfare of the pupils, most of whom are TCKs (Third Culture Kids). The students come from many countries throughout the world creating a diverse and unique learning environment.

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Shirley’s substantive position is as Lecturer and Counsellor in Faculty of Social Science, Chiang Mai University. In this position, she is uniquely placed to witness, disciple and mentor to young people from different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.  Shirley is also the founder and coordinator of Thoo Mweh Khee Graduate Fund which has facilitated many Karen and Pa’O refugee youth from Burma to study in international universities in Thailand.  As the number of students graduating from these degrees increases, the outflow of changemakers to their refugee communities also increases, but more importantly, their faith journeys witness to those coming up behind.  She lives on site in McKean Rehabilitation Centre which comes under the Church of Christ in Thailand where she also volunteers in a social work role in Dok Kaew Gardens, an aged care complex where most of the residents are Westerners. 

Visit Chiang Mai University website