One month ago there were 2,000 people in Pajok fleeing from the violence in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Three weeks ago the number jumped to 3,350 people. Since then, those who work for the government have been called back to their posts. Some have moved down to a refugee camp in Northern Uganda. Others have traveled down to the refugee camp in Northern Uganda to register and then returned to Pajok, so that they have a "reservation" just in case they need to run in the future. The people who are still in Pajok are with family or extended family. We wanted to reach out to the displaced people with food and temporary shelters but we are really not setup to be a relief organization for thousands of people. So, we tried to tie in with some Christian relief organizations but it didn’t work out. They were either not able or very far away from our area. At this point, I am not sure how many of the displaced people remain in Pajok. From the information I have, they are coping with the influx of extra people.
The fighting has slowed but not stopped. There have been many reports of violations of the ceasefire from both sides of the conflict. Thankfully, there is no violence in Pajok. This week the second round of peace talks have started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They have been rocky from what I have read. Seven of the eleven government personnel have been released from prison and are taking part in the second round of peace talks. They are still calling for the other four to be released. The rebels are also calling for the president to step down and be replaced until the 2015 elections. This is doubtful. However, it indicates they may continue fighting until President Salva Kiir steps down.
Pray for the violence to stop. Thousands of civilians have been murdered. Men, women, and children in this conflict have been sent into eternity. From the map of religions in South Sudan, most of the fighting is taking place in non-Christian areas. Those meeting their maker will not experience His rest, but rather His wrath, unless they were submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the furtherance of the Gospel in these areas even in the midst of destruction.
Ro 10:12-15 & 17
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Thank you!
Some current articles:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/15/south-sudan-cease-fire-civil-war/5457685/
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2014/0213/South-Sudan-peace-talks-resume-amid-pressure-to-compromise-quickly-video
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/13/south-sudan-political-detainees-form-3rd-group-at-talks-speak-for-first-time/
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cease-fire-south-sudan-violence-persists-22476883
in Sprit & Truth,
Jeff Huber
