Bishop Patrick Augustine: Ambassador for the Sake of the Gospel

BY THE REV. JONATHAN FRENCH AND THE REV. DANIEL PINELL

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Patrick Augustine was born in Pakistan, a majority-Muslim country. His father was an Anglican priest who would read articles on world evangelization and translate them to Urdu to share with Patrick, his mother and two siblings.

Augustine often sat at the feet of his father while he related stories from Billy Graham’s worldwide ministry. Once, he blurted out, “Papa Ji, can I become like Billy Graham to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world?” Little did he know that God would fulfill his ambitions in unique ways.

Augustine began his international ministry in the United States in 1983, serving in Episcopal churches in Chicago, Virginia and Wisconsin. After 44 years of parish ministry, he looked forward to retirement.

“I had just turned 69 … and was dreaming of retirement at the end of 2020,” he said. But God opened a new door for him to serve as the missionary bishop in the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan.

This summer, the Diocese of Central Florida had the privilege of hosting Augustine in visits to five different churches.

Rt. Rev. Augustine preaches at Holy Faith, Dunnellon. Photo: Paul Hamilton

“Bishop Brewer graciously invited me for two reasons,” he said. “The first was for an opportunity to proclaim the gospel, celebrate the sacraments and share stories of the people of Sudan, their persecution and how to rebuild their broken walls like Jeremiah. The second was to invite people to partner with me in this mission to which Christ has called me.”

Augustine has high hopes and deep prayers for his return to South Sudan, including those for ministering to young people.

“I’d like to bring clean water to over 3,700 students,” he said. “I’ve recently talked to the dean of the cathedral, and he said the city of Bor is trying to bring water to the entire city. I’d like to see that happen because the children don’t have clean water to drink.

“We also would like to build a couple of classrooms for 700 students and provide them with books,” he added. “This is a big project, and I’d like to start with two classrooms and then build more from there.”

“I’d also like to reopen the sewing center for young ladies,” he said, noting that this ministry site has been closed for three years. “I’d like to work with the Mothers’ Union, a strong arm of the church, to start training with the young ladies and empower them.”

Augustine also considers diocesan leadership a priority. “I want to hold a clergy retreat,” he said. “In South Sudan, they don’t have three years of seminary training as we do. Most of them are on the run as refugees under great pressure. I’d like two weeks to teach them the letters of Paul, the Gospels and church history.

“I’d also like to buy at least 10 bicycles for the priests in my diocese since they have no transport to travel across the diocese,” he said, adding that some of them have to walk distances as far as 10 miles to visit parishioners.

The bicycles would help the clergy in multiple ways, Augustine said. “The bicycles would make them more effective ministers. It would also be easier to travel to the diocesan headquarters, and they wouldn’t have to travel for five hours to get there.”

The provision of bicycles would also allow the priests to minister in their farranging parishes more often and more directly. “The priest needs to provide pastoral services and prayers. Priests are the leaders in those communities, spiritual and even political leaders,” Augustine said. “Whether there are social issues, whether there are tribal conflicts, priests are the main persons the people are going to seek out as their leaders. They carry their voice to the government, and they are their spiritual leaders.

“The bicycles would enhance their ministry tremendously and would connect them with their people,” he explained. “They would have more opportunities to share the gospel, to pray for other people, to celebrate the sacraments. They could visit their parishes more often as well as the small communities where they are serving.”

One church has already provided money for Augustine to buy a motorcycle. “We gave that motorcycle to the evangelist so that he can travel in the diocese,” he said. “Before that, he was walking everywhere.”

Rt. Rev. Augustine greets parishioners at Grace, Ocala.

Augustine sets forth two ways churches and individuals can partner with him and his ministry. “First, as a prayer partner,” he said. “Our main ministry is to pray for each other in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Augustine also has financial needs. His and his wife’s pensions from their previous employment cover their personal needs. Although he receives no salary or compensation, the work of the ministry in the Diocese of Bor does not come without cost.

Rt. Rev. Augustine with acolytes and The Rev. Jonathan French at Grace, Ocala

“I’d like for churches and individuals to partner with me and support our ministry financially by setting aside some percentage during their stewardship season to help us continue our ministry and stand in solidarity with us,” he said. “We need $50,000 for the next two years, which will go for the infrastructure in the ministry in Bor and travel expenses. With this money we can start building the classrooms, which would cost $15,000 to $20,000 apiece.

“We want classrooms with solar panels so they can have some light, because they are really dark,” he explained. “None of that money will go to my personal needs, but for the ministry and travel expenses. Out of that up to $10,000 a year will go for travel, because COVID has made travel more difficult. It takes me four or five days to reach Bor, for example.”

The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer and the Diocese of Central Florida encourage your prayerful support of Augustine and his joyful service for the sake of the gospel. You may send checks payable to Grace, Ocala with “Help with Compassion” in the memo line to: Grace Episcopal Church, 510 SE Broadway Street, Ocala, FL 34471.