“Lord, we want to hear your voice….” July 2016
Just over 2 weeks ago, we heard the news from Juba that
fighting had broken out between SPLA and SPLA-IO soldiers. Immediately we understood what that meant for
the people of South Sudan. Fear and
memories of war returned – like December 15, 2013. We prayed for immediate control of the
violence – but a ceasefire was not called until 2 days later, after 2 bloody
days of violence. We traveled safely by
land out of Yei before the ceasefire – some of the last to travel Kaya Road
before road blocks went up. Once in
Uganda we felt relief for ourselves…..but greater concern for our friends and
colleagues in Yei.
These weeks have gone slowly as we await news that would
indicate calming of the fears, rumors, and violence. Initially seeing more
military around Yei caused more fear – food being looted; schools, stores, and
banks closed; intermittent gunfire, often indiscriminately pointed into the
bush along Lasu Road or at individuals in town. Life was very tense in Yei and
around the country. Phone calls to check
on friends and searching the news for credible updates on the status of the
violence – “Has anything changed in the last hour or day?” Our minds remained
troubled – “have we abandoned our friends and colleagues? How will we try to
support them if unable to return? Lord, when will we be able to return?”
In these moments of uncertainty, the #1 priority for the
people of South Sudan is SURVIVAL. Thousands have sought refuge in camps in
Uganda. Experts in survival, many have taken children and families “to the bush.” They are calling out to God for protection
and peace: “How long, Lord?” Watching
this happen, we understand why it is so hard to PLAN for the future for most
people in South Sudan. Life is uncertain. “We cannot count on tomorrow, except
by God’s grace.” They long for peace and
security.
After 1 week in Uganda, we traveled to Kenya to stay with
our son and his family. The waiting and
uncertainty fill our thoughts and dreams. Thankfully the wonderful distraction
of our beautiful 2-year old granddaughter makes each day fun and phone calls
and e-mails keep us connected with our South Sudanese friends. All remain safe
at this time, although many have traveled to Uganda for safety. News from Yei
sounds hopeful – the banks open and a few shops; no gunfire the past 3 days;
UMC compounds secure. However, the fear
and uncertainty remain heavy in the hearts and souls of all. “Should we consider return? Lord, we are
listening for your voice.”
In this broken world, where violence has become so routine
on the news – from Baton Rouge to Minnesota to Dallas to Nice to Turkey to
Bangladesh and Munich in just the last 2 weeks – decisions about the next few
months for us are still unclear. None of us are completely safe, no matter
where we are. Yet we refuse to give in to fear. We trust the Lord for mercy and
grace. We keep praying for the innocent….for those traumatized by recent or
past events. For healing and peace.
Please join us in prayers for the people of South Sudan and all the
world! May the LIGHT of Jesus overcome
the DARKNESS!
