South Sudan on the Brink 

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. – Ephesians 3:20 

Greetings, 

LIA has a long season of rich service in South Sudan, and God has blessed communities through local churches that are equipped for transformation.  This continues in spite of the tribal conflicts, political division and instability. Because of the LIA mission in this young nation; we have to be a voice in reference to what is happening.
 
This weekend I read an AFP article entitled “UN says S. Sudan children raped, castrated, thrown into fires.”
 
Juba (AFP) – Warring forces in South Sudan have carried out horrific crimes against children, including castration, rape and tying them together before slitting their throats, the UN has said
Survivors report that boys have been castrated and left to bleed to death… girls as young as eight have been gang raped and murdered,” UN children’s agency chief Anthony Lake said in a statement released earlier this week.
“Children have been tied together before their attackers slit their throats… others have been thrown into burning buildings.”
Tens of thousands are believed to have been killed in the 18-month war, although there is no clear toll. At least 129 children were killed in May in the northern state of Unity, scene of some of heaviest fighting in the civil war, Unicef added.
 
I reached out to connect with Gabriel, a young man who lived with my family during a previous season of severe instability.  When I was connected with him on a friend’s cell phone, I learned that, three months ago, he and his family had to abruptly flee their home and village to find a peaceful place to stay. They are living in a nearby shopping center for collective security.  Among thousands of others, they do not have a building to live in. Instead, they wander during the day and huddle for warmth every night.  I asked if he wanted to come to Kenya and join us for this season, but he said his responsibility was to remain and protect his mom, siblings and young sister (1 month old born in these circumstances). His Father, who is a pastor, goes off daily to seek for food for the family. 
More than ever, the church in South Sudan needs to be encouraged and built up. Political solutions are remote and distant.  Relief from government agencies is not forthcoming.  Insecurity continues  and violence is rampant. The church seems to be who God blesses—and it is most resilient in the darkest of times….it is what lasts and offers both immediate and eternal hope.
 
Please pray with me that:

• The God who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever hope for or imagine will intervene in this nation that is on the brink or total collapse
• Pray that as LIA, we may be advocates for the church and the people of South Sudan to our partners and to the world
• Pray for wisdom and God’s guidance as we liaise with LIA South Sudan and the country board
• Pray that the hope for peace will never be lost and reconciliation will persist.

In Christ,
Florence