A prayer for South Sudan

Going from placid and prosperous North America to the conflict-torn and desperately poor South Sudan was difficult. My heart broke when I saw how the excitement of the creation of the world’s newest democracy has given way to despair and hurt.  I spent time with our national director, Perry Mansfield, and his team. They are working in an extremely difficult environment, where violence, lack of services and deep political instability means that much of our work (and our staff) are at risk every day. And yet they are deeply committed to improving the lives of children in South Sudan, including millions of internally-displaced people living on the edge of survival. We flew to the Upper Nile province near the city of Melut, the centre of recent fighting. World Vision is working with families who have fled violence and sought refuge in the area, with some huddled in the confines of the United Nations base. Our team has been able to provide clean water to thousands of these families, and it was heartening to know that children can find some measure of proper sanitation even in harsh conditions.
 
In parts of South Sudan, like Rajaf near the capital of Juba, conditions are a bit more stable. Here we’re working alongside farmers to develop their agricultural techniques and assist them with training, seeds and tools. I spent an afternoon with one of these farming groups. These groups are mostly women. I was amazed at their fierce determination to improve the health and quality of life of their children. I look forward to visiting in the future to see their progress.
 
Both the water program in Melut and the agricultural initiative are funded by the Canadian government. I was honoured to accompany the Canadian ambassador to South Sudan, Nicholas Coghlan, to see our work. We have a good partnership and share a commitment to the communities of South Sudan.
 
Finally, we spent an afternoon in a camp in Juba that is housing more than 15,000 people, mostly ethnic Nuer, the minority group, who have fled racial violence and sought refuge behind the UN’s walls. Imagine that many people, with nothing to their name, crammed together in temporary housing and with only handouts to sustain them: food, water, shelter—they are completely dependent until the violence ends. World Vision is helping to distribute thousands of tonnes of food each month, but it’s still not enough. Nevertheless, as you can see from the photo I’ve attached, children find excitement, joy and play even in the hardest conditions. As I thought about my own two children, I pray that peace will come back to this land.
 Can I invite you to pray with me especially for the situation in South Sudan?       

• For the children and families who have fled violence, that they will be restored to their homes and communities and find stability once again
• For the leaders of South Sudan, that they will put aside their differences and come together in genuine reconciliation for the good of their citizens
• For real and lasting peace in this country: true shalom that includes more than the absence of violence, but also the presence of restored relationships and stability
• For the leaders and staff of World Vision South Sudan, who are working in very difficult situations, often away from their families and who need encouragement and support

Thank you for your commitment to our ministry.
 
Peace,
 
Michael Messenger