Mede Nio: A reflection by DeeAnn Reeder

Doe Pu’rey!, or “Good Morning!” in the Bari language, spoken by our mission partners, who greet you with joy! Timate purani pura! (God is good, all the time!). The 2025 Christ Church Africa Missions team traveled to Uganda in July to be in community with our South Sudanese friends. We call our mission program Mede Nio, which means “My Family”. Mede Nio was founded by Fr. Tom and DeeAnn, who have worked with the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo Keji in South Sudan and Uganda for over 20 years. We were joined this year for the first time by Fr. Andreis, and by Diane Downing, a second time Ugandan missioner.

With your support, we care for 56 children who have lost one or both parents to war - making them the most vulnerable of South Sudanese refugees. We provide a sustainable, effective support system for these children through Amazing Grace Orphanage or our foster family program, and provide funds for school fees, food, clothing, and medicine.

This year’s trip was packed with activities and we are happy to report that, with your support, our children are thriving. We ran Christian education programs at Amazing Grace and gathered our foster families together for a communal meal and fellowship! The trip was glorious and uplifting, and we danced (in church!) and sang with our South Sudanese brothers and sisters. Just ask us – we will show you our moves - the traditional South Sudanese dance involves lots of jumping, hip movements, and hand holding!

Want to learn more about our adventures, our love for Mede Nio, or how to join a mission trip?

Come find us on Outreach Sunday, September 7th or reach out to Fr. Tom.