Dear Fr. John,

I come to you with the gratitude of the people in St. Stephen Parish for your constant support in our time of need.

In August, after the accidental death of Dr. John Garang, Vice President of the Sudan, sad incidents happened, leading to killings and destruction. Our school in Shigla was burnt and my car was broken when I was struggling to get back home. When I explained the situation to you and asked for your assistance to help make the school run so the children would not miss their academic year, you granted our parish over $24,000.

The total cost to rebuild the school was $33,176.50 so we went out and asked for local contributions. We received $425.00. These contributions have really helped. Also, the bigger children joined hands with the engineer to finish the job. As you can see, we still owe the engineer approximately $8933.82.

When we finished and had the official opening of the school, in the presence of their parents and some who were involved in the destruction of the place. The children vowed to do all they can to rebuild trust in their country, and promised to say the prayer of St. Francis asking the Lord to make them instruments of peace.

Now we have eleven classrooms, three offices, one kitchen, one store and eight pit latrines. The school can now accomodate all the children, even in the cold season so they may study without fearing the cold winds.

With that, I would like, in the name of the Parish education office, the parents and teacher's council of Shigla, the pupils of Shigla and the Parish Council, express to you our sincere gratitude and our wish that the Prince of Peace who is to come, may dwell in your heart forever.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Felix Sompougdou