Serving One Another

Toward the end of 2013, civil war broke out in the newest nation on earth, South Sudan (founded July, 2011). About a third of the population fled their homes and over the next couple of year, more than a million of them entered the neighboring nation to the south, Uganda, where they continue to be accommodated in a number of refugee camps.  

The Scripture Union South Sudan national director was able to remain in the capital city of Juba, but many of those connected with that ministry ended up in Uganda. He and our friend/colleague, Beth, a Ugandan Scripture Union missionary to South Sudan (as well as Ethiopia, and Tanzania), quickly sought ways to minister to these displaced brothers and sisters in Christ. Through a wide variety of ministries, the believers have been built up in their faith, trained and challenged to be salt and light to their fellow refugees. Many of them have received instruction on the use of the VOICE Africa Biblical values curriculum and have taught children, youth, and families in the areas around them. About a month ago, the core group of leaders were equipped to be trainers themselves and enable others to use the curriculum to present God’s standard of righteousness and the need for salvation.

The four South Sudan refugees who taught
Purity to the children and younger teens

About two weeks ago, four of these South Sudanese refugees, leaders of the Scripture Union work in both the Palorinya and the Rhino refugee camps, traveled 6 hours by motorcycle to a town in South Sudan close to the Ugandan border, Kejikeji, to work with the Scripture Union South Sudan national director and others in holding a conference. 

Over 200 believers from that area and some from other areas of South Sudan attended. The overall theme for the conference was “Dating, courtship, and sexual purity.” While others were teaching the older teens and adults, these four refugee leaders taught the children and young teens using the VOICE Africa curriculum on Purity. What a thrill that must have been to serve their own people in their own nation once again!

Seeking forgiveness for personal and national sin

One day during the conference, all joined together to seek God’s forgiveness for their individual and national sins, and then did a prayer walk through that town pleading with God to repair the broken walls of their nation. May God answer that prayer...and in the meantime, continue to bless and use these refugees who continue to grow and serve despite past trauma.

Prayer march around the town