Eulogy for Joshua Opal on 7 February 2009
Edmonton, Canad

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1039 -2009

Joshua’s father Lual Yier was a local chief of Chiewang sub-clan in Nasir. But at the height of the Second World War in 1945, Britain, which was the colonial power in Sudan, drafted him along with many Sudanese to liberate Ethiopia from Italian invasion in 1935, when Italy invaded and occupied the independent kingdom of Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), forcing Emperor Haile Selassie into exile in Britain.

Italy’s entry into Second World War in June 1940 brought Italian East Africa into theater of war. When the Mussolini refrained from involving himself in the war, a close allied of Nazi Germany and by the postponing his entry into the conflict he obviated having to fight with Italy's neighboring.

As the result of world war two, Italians attacked British colonies in Jingmir town the birth place of Joshua in Sudan border, Joshua’s father was killed by Italian Aircraft launch off at Jingmir Town in 1940.

The Sudanese and Ethiopian combined forces defeated Italy and accompanied Emperor Haile Sellassie I back to his throne in Addis-Ababa. It is to be recalled that Joshua Opal coined the name “Jiathnyang” for Emperor Haile Sellasie I and all Nuers know Haile Sellasie by that name. Later, Joshua called his first son, Jiathnyang in the honour of the Emperor

Joshua Family and his life in Ethiopia

Joshua had three wives: Sahara, Anna and Martha. Saraha and Anna live in Gambella Ethiopia. His current wife Martha lives with him in Canada. Joshua is survived by his wife and eight children who are:

1. Tadelech, Nyagoa, Tethloach, and Nyaluat wholive in Canada.
2. Jiathnyang and Nyakanglive in the United States of America.
3. His son Khor lives in Ethiopia.
4. His son Gemlives in the Sudan

Joshua had three wives: Sahara, Anna and Martha. Saraha and Anna passed away. His current wife Martha lives with him in Canada. Joshua is survived by his wife and eight children who are:

1. Tadelech, Nyagoa, Tethloach, and Nyaluat wholive in Canada.
2. Jiathnyang and Nyakanglive in the United States of America.
3. His son Khor lives in Ethiopia.
4. His son Gemlives in the Sudan

Experience in Ethiopia from 1965-1991

1. Joshua Opal serviced for five years as a teacher in Assossa Ethiopia
2. Joshua Opal serviced for two years as a teachers in college in 1965
3. Joshua Opal serviced for three years as a teacher in Gambella Senior secondary school in 1 967
4. Joshua Opal serviced for five years in district education office in 1970
5. Joshua Opal serviced as a district commissioner of Itang in 1975
6. Joshua Opal serviced as a deputy governor of Gambella region 12 from 1976-1983
7. Joshua Opal serviced as a full governor of Gambella region 12 from 1984-1991.

Education in Sudan

Joshua Opal started elementary school at Nasir East Primary school, and he sat for certificate to Juba, he graduated from Juba Technical School in 1962, when things became bad for the South Sudanese. In the same year when Rumbek Secondary School go on strike against the Northern, it lead many student to leaved and formed the guerrilla at Pochalla on the 8 of August 1963. Opal and others left their schools and came back to Nasir together with the few names: Jol Luak, Mayian Reath, Yiech Diew, Nguot Diet Rial Gak, Nyang Deng, and Chuol Doth. Joshua fled to Ethiopia along with David Dak Gach and Chuol Duoth Gok in 1962 during the formative years of Anya-Nya I in Upper Nile State.

He became Anya-nya I soldier briefly and was the one who received Sudanese refugees at the camp of Oder with the Ethiopian Government and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the first time in the history of southern Sudanese struggle.

Joshua in Ethiopia

Joshua graduated from Harar Institute for two years degree in 1966, harar is a birth place of Hailie Selassie the emperor of Ethiopia. Joshua went to school again for two years college. In 1982, Joshua Opal went to Bulgaria in Europe for two years governmental course, when he returned home, he became a full governor of Gambella region 12 Ethiopia.

Joshua education in North America

He graduated for Associate degree in Social service on June 20, 2008.

In 1965, Joshua and his two friends decided to go to school and it was Ras Imru Mesfin, a General in the Ethiopian army, who decided to take them to his home. It is here where Joshua completed his high school and decided to become Ethiopian Citizen. After completing high school, Joshua was sent for teachers training for two years and became a teacher for Junior high school in 1967. Joshua was appointed as a district commissioner for Itang from 1976-1977 where he served the residents and assisted Sudanese refugees and Any Nya I forces in Itang. From 1982-1991, Joshua, was made Deputy Governor and Governor of Gambella during the Dergue regime of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam in Ethiopia. This appointment made Joshua the first Nuer governor in Ethiopia. During his term, he continued to help Sudanese fleeing atrocities in Sudan. It was Joshua who picked up Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the late leader of the SPLM/A, with helicopter in Thiajak when he caught Malaria on his way to Ethiopia in 1983.

His contribution to the struggle of Southern Sudanese is appreciated by the SPLM/A leadership. In 1991, the Dergue regime fell and Joshua fled to Nasir, Sudan, where he took refuge for two years. In 1993, Joshua went to Kenya where he stayed for two years and got the chance for resettlement in Canada, where he has been till his untimely death on 26 January 2009. While in Canada, Joshua worked very hard. He sponsored his family to come to Canada and supported them very well. He also supported his family back in Ethiopia.

His Goal achievement in Ethiopia

Mr. Joshua makes the transportation to be improved in Gambella region toward the highland and it administrative units. Due to financial situation for some students he struggle with his administration to  opened the boarding school which is call Gewa for those students who live far away from Gambella region and those students who cannot afford to live on their own. Mr. Joshua Opal makes the Gambella region to be recognized in national sport association especially in basketball, volleyball, and football in Ethiopia. He never used his authority to abused or let other down.  Due to his kindness Mr. Joshua Opal looked everybody equally regardless the color, race, ethnic background or religion. All his children attended the publics’ school from elementary school until the regime changed in Ethiopia.

Even if he is head of the State, Mr. Joshua most of the time walked without bodyguard, he believed that the people love him and he loves them the same way. On his job has government administrator he never had taken the government fund for personal used. Joshua became an advisor for the Sudanese and Ethiopian communities in Edmonton and Calgary. Uncle Joshua is a hero for the Sudanese and Ethiopians alike and he will be truly missed by all of us.

Contribution lists

• 	Name	Amount	currency
  1)-	Gatkek Lam	$50.00	Krone
  2)-	Bakok Gatluak Paguir	$69.00	Krone
  3)-	Khan Duer Mut	$20.00	Krone
  4)-	Marco Makuiy Buom	$50.00	Krone
  5)-	James Lul Gach	$50.00	Krone
  6)-	Yien Puok Chamdeng	$10.00	Krone
  7)-	Duie Bol Kier	$20.00	Krone
  8)-	Reath  Hoth Deng	$20.00	Krone
  9)-	Bol Wal  Dor	$20.00	Krone
  10)-	Nyapath Bol Kier	$20.00	Krone
  11)-	Nyajul Rambang Luth	$20.00	Krone
  12)-	Nyayien Miyul Rialnyang	$20.00	Krone
  	The total: $404.00

2) - Australia

• 1)-	Tut Kui Nhila/Nyakade Rik	$200.00	Australia Dollar
  2)-	Malual Thaiwat/Nyanuer ngile	$600.00	Australia Dollar
  3)-	Nyayien Yat	$1,000.00	Australia Dollar
  4)-	Nyapuuch Pal	$275.00	Australia Dollar
  6)-	Gatwech Molang	$200.00	Australia Dollar
  	The total: $2,275

3) - United States

• 	Name		Amount	Currency
  1)-	Minnesota		$600.00	U.S
  2)-	Tennessee		$400.00	U.S
  3)-	Alaska		$992.00	U.S
  4)-	Las Vegas NV		$500.00	U.S
  5)-	California		$315.00	U.S
  6)-	Nebraska
  		Bichiock Women group in NE	$420.00	U.S
  		Tyson Nebraska	$340.00	U.S
  		James Tharjiath Kuon in Nebraska	$50.00	U.S
  7)-	Fort land Maine
  		Bol Bol Ruei	$100.00	U.S
  	The total: $3,717

4) - Canada

• 	Name	Amount	Currency
  1)-	Nasir Community	$700.00	CA
  2)-	Ulang Community	$300.00	CA
  3)-	Bentiw Community	$300.00	CA
  4)-	Pangak Community	$00.00	CA
  5)-	Miwot Community	$280.00	CA
  6)-	Nasir women Community	$300.00	CA
  7)-	Abraham Gatluak Chap	$1,000.00	CA
  8)-	Lungecuk Community	$300.00	CA
  9)-	St. Andrew Church	$1,000.00	CA
  10)-	All Churches in Calgary	$250.00	CA
  11)-	Lou Nuer Community	$200.00	CA
  12)-	Akoba Community	$200.00	CA
  13)-	Nuer Community	$7,700.00	CA
  14)-	Nuer Community In Edmonton	$7,000.00	CA
  15)-	Jikany Women Community In Edmonton	00.00	CA
  16)-	Ethiopia Community In Edmonton	$8,300.00	CA
  17)-	Sudanese Community In Edmonton	$00.00	CA
  18)-	Alliance Church In Edmonton	$2,000.00	CA
  19)-	Nasir Community in Ontario In Edmonton	$500.00	CA
  20)-	Nasir women in Ontario In Edmonton	$200.00	CA
  21)-	Ethiopian Catholic Church In Edmonton	$500.00	CA
  22)-	Wang - Ottawa, Ontario In Edmonton	$140.00	CA
  23)-	Wang Community In Edmonton	$1750.00	CA
  24)-	Fossil Ethiopia Restaurant	$100.00	CA
  25)-	James Duol Kek	$200.00	CA
  26)-	Doctor Thech	$100.00	CA
  	The Totals: $33,320

6) - Gambella Ethiopia

• 	Name	Amount	Currency
  1)-	Government of Gambella	$6,000	Birr
  2)-	Bichiock Women group in Gambella	$500	Birr
  	The total: $6500

All countries contribution amount $46,216 .00

Condolences Letter to Joshua Opal family

Bol Bol Ruei Bol’s condolence, to the families,

Friends of Joshua Opal and Gatbel Lul:

Date: February 10, 2009, 11:11:05 AM

We have lost so many great Leaders, among the Leaders. There is a saying in the Nuer Language. Let me quote that. [Piny-Cieng, ku-Pal.] In English, it means, people lived to died. Even though, if people lived to died, our father Joshua, deserves more respect than we can say. Why, because of all that he had done so far in his life time. This month, is too bad. It’s going to leave us with Painful memorized to those deaths and as a result, I have to expressing my heartfelt to the families, here and there, in our homeland.

Those two deaths, shaken the foundation of entire Nuer community, by losing our beloved hard workers people: Gatbel Lul Koch and our great father Joshua Opal Lual. As I have already mentioned, the Word “PINY CIENG KU PAL” It ,is Just for remembering all the hard worked they had done for this generation of Southern Sudan as well as the Ethiopians people of Region 12, a likes.

1.) Joshua Opal Lual, is a great teacher, who had taught many people. One of the example, I could shared with you to today, was of July, 1969. Joshua Opal came from Assosa, where he had worked as a teacher. He organized some of the Sudanese students who were in the Highland, to come and opened the summer school in the refugee camp, at Itang. At that time, Joshua, was accompanied by (1) Dr. Git Jal Liep, before he become a dr.(2) Lt Gen. Kuany Latjor, before he was a Gen. (3) Peter Pal Puoch Mar Wang,(4) John Jock Nguany Dhiok (5) Nip-Nip Reaths and Tut Bok Jock, plus others, Came to educated the Refugee children of whom I was one of them.

2.) Gat-Lual, is my hero and others of my age group of whom we started our grade one under his leadership as a director. Let me mentioned some of the few names of his students mentioned year above (1) Dobuny Ruot( 2) David, Guet Luak , (3) Pual Kuiy Yang (4 Gatdet Thon Wakou.(5) Chuol Gaka Yier (6) Gabriel Kech Nyuong Kier.(7) David Deng Chuor ( and Myself, Bol Bol. The above names were his first students, at Itang, during, “Anyanya I”

3.) It was 1962, when Joshua left Sudan for the bush and became too late to joined Anyanya one as a soldier. In 1964, he stayed in the Refugee camp at Oder, in the welcoming of the Sudanese refugee by the Ethiopia Government and the UNHCR, for the first time in history. In a short, Joshua and the others, who had knew some English, were taken, to have followed up their education in Addis Ababa. From that time, Joshua, chosen not to be a refugee, any more, but he makes himself to become an Ethiopia citizen. As a result, when he finished his high school, Joshua was employed by Ethiopia as a teacher that was his first job.

4.) Regarding to the formation of ‘Anyanya II’ Joshua was appointed to become the District commissioner at Itang. Myself, as an eye witnessed, 1976-77, were the tough years for the Sudanese Refugee, because of the frequent attacked from Anyuak people to the refugee. At that time, Opal had played big role to protect the refugee’s women and their children. He opened his home doors so wide for the Victims to entered, while he kept, fighting and shooting his KP12 rifle to prevent the enemy of killing the Nuer children and their mothers, at that time.

5.) 1n 1982-1991, Joshua, service as a Governor in Gambella region, 12. He was the first, black man to service as a governor, since the Ethiopia Independent. From that time on, he has done a lots of worked of helped many of our students to get pass to come to Addis, for their education and sent some to learned in Gambella Senior secondary schools.

6.).In 1991, when Ethiopia government was over turned. Opal left for Nasir, his homeland and he was involved to changes some of things that had happened at that time, many of you know more that me, because, I was not there.

7.) I personally met Joshua Opal, Biel Jok Nhial and Tunyany Liew Yat, in Addis Ababa in 1994, from their trips to Khartoum and to Kenya. Their reason to go there, was search for peace, if you will!, by that time, eastern Jikany became the Target, with its constants attacked. Joshua and his group went to Khartoum, looking for some helped to protected the people of Sobat.

8.) Opal, is a good community leader and as well as a peacemaker too, since, the beginning of 2001. He became as Chairman of both NCA Factions, of the elders peace committee in which I serviced, as his Gen. sec. until up to the end of our resignation. As we all saw that, there wouldn’t be “no” one Nasir community to functioned.

On my behave, and my family to all the Eastern Nuer community or Nuer people in General. We were sorry for the two lost at the same time. Let shares the pain, let prayer for the families to be blessed one more! Let God be with them. We all feel pain. This painful, is not to be avoidance, unless we will know what, we can do it.

We miss them, may the God Almighty forgiven their souls, both Uncle Joshua and his son. Gatbel Lul Koch!. Please let, join hands for supporting their families, be the goal to be met, either by all or individually.

Note, also, that the eight points, of which I wrote, are to helps, us as to be added to his Bio. of his Life time.

Interview on October 18, 2002

Hztza Bol Bol was interviewed Joshua Opal Lual during NCA peace process, Bol and Joshau talked by phone while tape recorder set on to recording the conversation speech, that was when Joshua Opal has been chosen to become a Chairman, of Nasir Elders Advisory Peace Committee [NEAPC]

The interview was to find out the back ground, experiences, where he was born, when he started his education, some colleges that has jointed and places he service. I have done this because as I service under him as sec, of “ NEAPC,“ in order to introduced him to those young men and ladies who knew not of him before. That was my proposed of doing it.

The interview, based on the following:

Joshua was born in Jingmir 15, mails away from the Nasir, he started his school at Nasir East Primary school and sat for primary certificate, and he was sent to Juba Technical school may be in 1960. He graduate in 1962-3, and things became bad for the South, in the same year, Rumbek, secondary school go on strike against the Northern and this led many student to leaved and formed the guerrilla ‘at Pochalla on the 8/8/ 1963. Opal and others left their schools and came back home, together with the below few name he had mentioned himself, According to him.

John Columbus [Jol Luak]

Mayian Reath.

Yiech Diew.

Nguot Diet Rial Gak.

Nyang Deng.

Chuol Doth.

Only two of the above, Yiech Diew and Nguot Diet, go to join the “Anyanya one,” but the rest came to Pilual, in Odier Refugee camp, in 1964. The majority of the Students, left for Gambella town. Gambella was not even any, Nuer man at that time. They were spent some few days in Gambella and left for Domidolla on foots. In Domidolla, the police, helped them and find them a car, to come to Addis Ababa. In Addis they were given some rations as a refugee, instead, Joshua rejected to have the rations, but he find himself a job as Ethiopia citizen. He told me that Gite Jal, Lul Top and Chuol Duoth, blame him by not having with them.

5. Opal was accepted to go to the teacher training Institute for two years in Arra.

6. When he graduated, in 1966, he was employed to become a teacher in Assossa, for five years. And in those 5, years, he used to come back to Itang campaign for literacy.

7 Joshua went back for other two years to college, when he done with his college, he was transferred to teach in Gambella Senior secondary School. That was a time when many Nuer students were accepted to go to school in Gambella. Because of that development Anyuak people were not happy and bring fight between the Anyuak and the Nuer students. Now to protect the minority, Joshua Timothy Tut Lam and Jonh Gila Lul make themselves to become Ethiopia full citizens to have their voice heard and to confront the Anyuak. By doing that the Nuer students became recognize not be treaty as refugee no more.

8. Now than, the Nuer students began to work very hard, they always got top score of all class, from 6th- 11th grade. Because of great achievement, make the Anyak to accused Opal, that he was given the information’s of some leaking exam. To his people.

9 Because of the accession, Joshua was transferred to work in the District Education office, for some years.

10. When, the Ethiopia revolution began, Joshua was changed to work as a District commissioner at Itang. 1976, he was order by the Ethiopia Government to helped to formed Anyana II and he took them to opened Bilpam.Regarding to the formation of ‘Anyanya II’ some conflict arisen between the Nuer and the Anyuak.Ojuo Alew, fought with Kuany Latjor, that made the relationship look so bad. When both Refugees and the Anyuak, were drinking together, they began to fight and the Anyuak chief, Omot Yaai, was got killed by Thoa Liem Guangdong. The next day, the Anyak attacked the camp on its four side, they captured, Terluol, and Beeth. Opal had played big role to protect the refugee’s women and their children.

11. When Gombella was made to be a province Joshua, was promoted to become Governor of Gambella region, 12. He worked as a Governor for 10-15 years.

According to what he told me during the interviewed.

=2, years in the teachers training.

=5, years in Assossa working as a teacher.

=2, years in teachers college.

=3, years as a teacher in Gambella senior secondary school.

=5, years, education district office.

=2, years as a Gargach at Itang.

=15, years, as Gambella region 12, Governor.

Choul Dugak Great on February 06, 2009 at 9:54 AM:

Ustaz Bol,

We need Elders like you who are proficient enough to allocate their precedents to the (youth) thus they can learn from them. Those things which you elucidated above are very imperative especially once you mentioned that the Late Joshua has taught people such as yourself, Gatdet Thon, Chuol Gaka, etc.

Historically speaking, people feel much better about themselves when they learnt that their forefathers have contributed something to the society and that's exactly what you're trying to remain us of. In fact, those who simply heard of Joshua and never been to Ethiopia may not know that Joshua has achieved many things in Ethiopia, but now they know.

The late (Joshua) didn’t only build his creditability, but had also display good part of his ethnicity. We certainly lost a wonderful person and a Mentor who've shown his great part to his neighbor.

Thanks!

The veteran of Anya Nya One: Mayuak Deng

SUB: Song,

The veteran Mayuak Deng, the former soldier of Any-Anya one did a wonderful story about South Sudan movement, he highlight the name of the students, and none students who left Sudan for Ethiopia in 1963 with Joshua Opal, and they all joined the military, Manyuak have mention the seventeen soldiers name on his song including Joshua Opal as a Hero of the South Sudanese Movement. The few name he mention below are: Yier Lual brother of Joshua, Opal Lual, Tongyik Tut, Riek Nhial Lang, Gach Puk, Jock Mun Omot, Ruach Gatkaal, Nguut Diet, Bol Chol, Bichiock Kaang, Chuol Reath Gong, Jul Kiir Deng, Chuol Chan, Kuek Ngir, Nyang Rundial, Yiech Diew, and Chuol Chagoor,

Thanks

Transleted By Komach Deng Dey

Joshua Opal’s sub-clan

SUB: Song of war

In 1968 – 1973 when disagreement occurred between clans in Burbiey Ethiopia, one elder his name Ret Buob was indicated the compatriotism with the song mentioned that if all sub-clan of Gajiock may leave the land of Ethiopia for fear, they should keep their residency as an Ethiopian.

As the voice you heard from people, the sound of trumpet, the yelling of the woman, the Opal cousin Kuek Minytuil Shaw Utula wife Nyakhier Kawayo, and the sound of the gun.

Joshua’ sub-clan from Gajiock sub-section love the Ethiopia land, that why they have mentioned on their song, if all clans of Gatjiock have a fear and leave, we will own the border land of Ethiopia.

Wang sub-clan will take control of the border when all sub- clans of Guany, Lang, Thiep, and, Yoal may leave the border, we will take control, and build up the country of Mekonnen, the emperor of Ethiopia, Mekonnen is a real birth name of Haile Selassie.

We will keep our residency in Ethiopia land and no one will tag along to us in this land of war because we ruling it by the gun. They said.

Thanks

Transleted By Komach Deng Dey

Death Announcement

We have a big lost on 1/26/2009 7:47 PM

We have a big lost, and we ask every client to put his/her sympathy letter on hold until the immediate family authorizes all clients to post the condolences letter to media. We can not mention the name on this note because all families are have not reached yet.

Thanks

by Komach Deng Dey

NCA Office

SUB: Death Announcement

NCA through its web master has confirmed that Joshua Upal Lual, the former administrator of Gambella and one of the most respected elder in Nasir has passed away.

Details of his death and further announcements would follow when we have more more information.

Our condolences and heartfelt sympathies go Uncle Joshua's family.

1/27/2009 12:44 PM

By Khor Tot Rualmim the chairman of NCA

Miyong Nyuon Kawang

Condolences to Family of Joshua Opal

Dear all,

I was deeply grieved and bewildered by unexpected death of uncle Joshua Opal Lual. Joshua was one of those truly gracious individuals who has provided indulge help to the majority of students in Gambella. At that time, he was a Chief administrator in Gambella/Ethiopia, which is currently Region 12th.I am sure Joshua’s death is a great loss for the entire Nuer community. Therefore, we will sorely miss him, but there is no good time for a tragedy. I hope the thoughts and prayers of those who love Joshua Opal will comfort and strengthen his family at this time of sorrow. May God rest his soul?

Sincerely,

Miyong Nyuon Kawang

Lincoln, Nebraska, US

1/29/2009 11:10 AM

Gatluak T. Thach

What a Tirrible Week!!!

It was indeed a sadness week to be recalled. When I received terrible news for death of our Uncle Joshua Opal Lual, who had done so much to his entire Nuer nation, I was shocked and started evoking his deeds as a great father, a former government servant of Gambella region, a good community elder and a wonderful peacemaker. Uncle Joshua was a man you would love to speak with. Although some political elites distant themselves sometime from unequals, Uncle Joshua never minded sharing opinions with those in gaps.

In 1994, in Ruiru, Kenya, I happened to be closed to both late Dr. Timothy Tutlam and Uncle Joshua. Even though both Uncles served different political governments, I’m here to tell you that we lost great men which will take time for anyone to refill their spaces.

After the news of Uncle Joshua, Gatbel Lul Koch involvement on car accident becomes known. I remember speaking on phone with Gatbel two days before the accident. I also know Gatbel and his family just came to the States in the ended of 2007.

Leaving five kids with young mother, who cannot even go on shopping because she has not yet drive, is hard for anyone to imagine! As being mentioned by Thok Timothy and others, Gatbel had done much in his short lifetime. He was a great and loving father, well community member who had never waivered his commitments, a hardwarker and a peace lover individual.

We will miss you, Gatbel! What a week? May God Almighty forgive souls of both Uncle Joshua and Mr. Gatbel Lul Koch?! Let join our hands to support their families.

God bless their families!

Gatluak Ter Thach

Nashville, TN (USA)

1/30/2009 6:46 AM

Uncle Bol

We all lossed agreat man in younger ages. 70 years old father Gatlual, would still teach us as he did before, but God took him before the adult ages that we need him to leave us for. I' personally know that his death has a lot to do with us. We the remainders (Nuer) who experience about Gatlual's contribution on the Nuer activities since your time until our time of today, in the Nuer society, it is a great tragic death. May our Almighty God leaves us the remainder elders alive and survive longer than Gatlual's short time of life for the benefit of the Nuer society.

Tut Makal Dojiok

Luka Tongyik Th. Nyuon

My sorro

My heart-broken, when I hear the announcement death of Joshua Upal Lual. May God will keep his soul and bless his family.

By Luka T. Thiyang Nyuon.

1/27/2009 7:21 PM

Mr.Brown Both Bol

It's Very sad news to entire Nuer society!

My condolences to friends, brothers, fathers, leaders and family of late Mr.Jashua Opel Lual death,I has had known Mr. late Jashua Opel Lual early 90s, when him and his following men along with his family fled Ethiopia to South Sudan Town of Nasir when war broken out between Mangesto Alimariam, and Yiadik movement,.I stayed with him and Mr.Thowath Pal Chai in village of keat Bek while me working as the body guard of my leader Dr.Riek Machar.

Late Opel Lual will be missed by all great Jikany and these four entire Nuer sub-sections clans in Nuerland,I urged all of us Nuer tribe of North America, in order to do whatever we can which lead us to such as feneral ,also remaining family,Here in Minnesota, late Opel Lual has got two children,Ms. Nyakang Opel and Mr.Jiath Nyang Opel,late Opel also has got seven grand's kids,Ms.Nyakang Opel she got five children by her own and Mr.JiathNyang also got two by his own,mean late Opel got plenty grandkids and more family we may not know about here in U.S.,Canada, Ethiopia and home in Nasir South Sudan,Please NCDS members and leaders,let us do our part as Nuer in General.

May god Almighty bless his soul!!!

Mr.Brown Both Bol

Son and friend in Gajiok or Jikany

Now Chief candidate of our great community of NCDS of North America

1/28/2009 5:15 AM

Lou Nuer Community

This is actually a very great lose not only to the Nasir community, but to the entire Nuer Community world wide. The Death of this great leader demoralize all people. The Lou Nuer Community entirely submitted this condolency letter to the immediate family, friends and the entire Nasir Community. Know that we share that pain with you.

May the almighty father save his soul.

Lou Nuer Community USA.

1/28/2009 2:55 AM

From: "Thuok Ruei" <thuokruei@y7mail.com

thank you mr lul for that information ,if we pray ours lord jesus christ with in fure heard nothing could happened like what you reminding us .tobe with God is most important than making travel with in the community. many people now in ours community believe that if you have problem you can call God to help you ,while the bible said be ready all the time .if we keep in touch and plan what is good for ours future,Nuer land should be the land of God

Thank you kind regard

Thuok Tongyik Ruei in Australia

From: lony dak lonydak29@yahoo. Com

Subject: [Nuer Community International Forum] sadness news

To: ncif@yahoogroups. Com
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009, 3:32 AM

Its very dept cried for all of us we the Nuer Communities. Its not you only cried but also the whole of Nuers who knows their function in our communities especially those who went to Ethiopia year in years out even me also I know them physically. No way for us to protect them if the GOD remembered their souls. Let's praying for them since the God will put them in his right hand.

That's all

Lony Dak Gatdin

S.Sudan Jonglei State Ayod County31 Jan 2009

From: Pal Ruei <rueireth@yahoo. com>
Subject: Re: [Nuer Community International Forum] Joshua Opal Lual & Gatbel Lul Koch
To: ncif@yahoogroups. com
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009, 11:58 AM

My condolence to the family of Gatbel Lul Koch and Joshua Opal Lual  

This is unpredictable moment to every one of us. Mr. Gatbel and Joshua Gatlual were the strong corner stones for the whole Sudanese, particularly Nuer territory. So, I am not going to describe their wonderfulness or how many things they had been done to us because our fellows Sudanese members said quite enough about them; moreover, many of us knew them.    My advice that I would pass to anyone is, let us stand firm and don’t let the thunder of weeping engulf our strengths.

So, let us lean forward as to defeat this devil act, which repeated itself among us. The only way to eradicate that devil spirit is to us successful prayer. This is not a time to weep brothers and sisters, but it might be a grievance.

Most importantly, we need to stand up and support the families that are left behind with any mean we could think of as a community or individually.   Let our almighty God rests their soul in peace, put them at his right hand-side, and abundantly pour his holly spirit to the families left behind. As we all know, God is still with us, so he will surprise us on how these families will reveal the strength among us.    

God bless us all   Gach Gatkuoth Kur

From: dengnyayiel <Dengnyayiel@ yahoo.com>

Subject: Great loss to Nuer Community

From: ker ruey <kerrueymale@ yahoo.ca>

Subject: Re: [Nuer Community International Forum] Great loss to Nuer Community
To: ncif@yahoogroups. com

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2009, 11:21 AM

Dear all Nuer/Southerners It is saddened to all of us, the death of great man who had been serving the Nuer and other Sudanese none Ethiopia citizen in Gambella. We have to ask our God to put him on his right hand.

Our job as Nuer will be only to know who spent the rest of his/her lives on behalf of this society. My appreciation goes also to all Nuer who stand up and release tears for death of our uncle Gatlual.  

Thank and God bless you! Ker Biel Ruey Toronto

Friday, January 30, 2009 9:57 AM

From: "peter yol" <pinydeng69@yahoo.com>

View contact details

To: ncif@yahoogroups.com

It is very sad news for all Nuer communities worldwide for death of great man  Joshua Opal Lual.I would like to pass my condolences to remaining Joshua Opal's family may Almighty God rest his soul in peace.And also my condolences to family of late Gatbel Lul Koch who was killed by Car and may Almighty God rest his soul in peace.It is great lost Of Nuer nations but let we stand togather to supports the remaining late Joshua and Gatbel's families to comfort  them in this bad time. 

Peter Bol Yol In Washington DC.

Hello,
I am deeply sad to hear the death of Uncle Joshua this week; since
this is a loss to all Nuer who have seen his tremendous contributions
in the late 80s in political fronts and civil arena as well. His
service as Gambella chief administrator at the time has helped
transition students seeking scholarships to Ethiopia highland more
easily and also provided immense assistance to our SPLM movement. It
is a great loss that we won't forget soon and as part of this great
community, we must strive to pass beyond this lost together as family.

thank you,

Geng Minydet

Dear all,

I was deeply grieved and bewildered by unexpected death of uncle Joshua Opal Lual. Joshua was one of those truly gracious individuals who has provided indulge help to the majority of students in Gambella. At that time, he was a Chief administrator in Gambella/Ethiopia, which is currently Region 12th.I am sure Joshua’s death is a great loss for the entire Nuer community. Therefore, we will sorely miss him, but there is no good time for a tragedy. I hope the thoughts and prayers of those who love Joshua Opal will comfort and strengthen his family at this time of sorrow. May God rest his soul.

Sincerely,

Miyong Nyuon Kawang

Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

my condolence to Uncle Joshua Family

The death of an Uncle Jashua Opal in Canada; it was a shocking news for our whole communities for all these days. We will miss him so much in our communities and his place has remained as a big gap. It will be difficult to be replaced soon. Nuer community, Sudanese Community, and Nasir People, have lost a great man who did a lot of things on earth. My Uncle Joshua Lual is a father of Unity. He used different methodologies for solving any conflict. He is a father of Justice who can mediate disputes in communities with the impartialities. An honorable father Lual was known to the people for his being the best mediator at any level of the crisis in Ethiopia and Sudan.

It was extremely a painful experience for me to hear that tragic news about the beloved father Lual. An Uncle Joshua Lual acted jointly with the Sudan People Liberation Army and Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLA/SPLM). More importantly, he made a strong coalition with the SPLA/SPLM to settle the Sudanese Refugees between Ethiopia borders and Sudan in the late 1983 up to 1991. With his help, the diplomacy between SPlA/SPLM and Ethiopia went smoothly. This was done during his administration period in a Gambella Region.

I was stunned when the news reached me about the death of an Uncle Joshua Lual. It was a sad event to hear him that he passed way. I am very regretful to see that tragedy in our communities about an uncle his death. We need him always to be with us. All of us need to affiliate with him, and he can give us his advice everyday. We are going to miss his elderly words perpetually, so it is a horrible thing. Also, Uncle Joshua is needed for his experience, talent, courage, and cooperation to help us for building our Country. Jinubians should need him if Southern Sudan secedes from North or before that because he is a man with an enormous contribution. Uncle Lual is a good worker at any level of the social problems to solve. We are going to miss him so much.

At the same time, God will give his family a comfort and raise his souls in the right hand. Amen!

Gatluak Deng Got

Dear Nuer Members,

Thank you for remembering the death of our father Joshua Upal Lual. He was very peaceful when he died, with a sure faith that he was safe in the hands of God.

God’s peace and blessings to all of you

Bayak Chuol Puoch

Chairperson of Nuer Community in Egypt

Dear Members,

The funeral service of our Dearly beloved Joshua Opal Lual took place today at the Beverly Alliance Church. His funeral service was attended by more than three hundred people and members of the Ethiopian community were represented well.

Let me thank all Ethiopians for attending this service and for being part of the "celebration of Joshua's life". I am happy to report at the service your community and you (its members) were able to contribute the majority of the $8,300.00 that was collected at the service to help on the cost of transporting his remains to Ethiopia for burial.

Once again thank you for attending the service and ask you all to keep him and his family in your prayers.

Melese Tiruneh

Chairman of Ethiopia Community

Invitation to letter to all Communities

SUB : MEMORIAL SERVICE

Late Joshua Opal Lual’s memorial service will be held at Beverly Alliance Church 12235 - 50 Street Edmonton Alberta on Saturday July 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM, the time come for remembering late Uncle Joshua.

We inform all Ethiopians, Sudanese, Canadians, and other Africans friends living in North America have invited to memorial service, and we also encourage all community members to stand firm with late Joshua’s family.

Joshua death was announced with profound regret and sadness, pain and grieve because we lost the great man in our entirely communities. The death of Joshua remained painful for those who knew him before. This sad event occurred on Monday January 26, 2009 at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.

Mr. Joshua was born on September 01, 1955, He was born in the village called Jikmir in Nasir South Sudan to the Union of the late Lual Yier and Nyakang Nyoach, Joshua move out from Sudan during his younger age in 1961, then he move to Ethiopia and changed his Sudanese nationality to become Ethiopian citizen till today.

Memorial Service Contacts:

1. Pastor Peter Khol Dar the contact person for all spiritual leaders in Canada -780-428-1286
2. Peter Jany Kaway the contact person for all none governmental organizations in North America and overseas (403) 703-1096 or 204-3009
3. Koang Kuak , the chairman of Wang Community in Canada and the contact person for family members (780)703-1096
4. Dorar Yier Lual , the contact person in U.S (702) 423-0333 or 850-4475
5. Chuol Gatluak the Nuer leader of Alberta 780-918-7694.
6. Gatluak Deng Mingtuil the contact person in Ontario Canada 780-474-0476.
7. Tut Thor Dhol, the contact person in Edmonton Alberta, Canada at 780-850-4475
8. Komach Deng Dey, the contact person in United States at 402-917-6932-cell or 402-210-2712-home.
9. For further more information you can contact late Joshua’s wife Martha Nyarek Joack 780-641-5977