A friend told me that after reading my last post that she was glad to know that I feel and am affected by the things I see around me. Please believe me, I am affected! I am never sure how much to share here about my feelings of despair and anxiety, hopelessness and encouragement. I will see if I can find that sweet spot in sharing.
As you know, Lynn and I are now the Regional Liaisons for the Horn of Africa - that means for Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan, and that means you will be hearing about things from those countries now too.
In the last 2 weeks there have been many kidnappings of children and women in Ethiopia in the Gambella area. This area is along the border of South Sudan and the South Sudanese are the ones coming across the border and stealing children and young women. The kidnapping is often done just to attain children because those stealing do not have enough children. The really bad part to this is we have learned that some of these children and young women are sold into the sex trafficking trade. Now, how about this for a response from those whose families have had people taken - they have announced that they will pray for those doing this horrible thing and that they want them to learn of Jesus Christ! Wow, not sure if I could respond like that but I hope I would. The total number of kidnappings since January is now over 100. Please pray for these families.
South Sudan continues to be South Sudan. It is full of many strong Christians but also many angry men with big guns and no pay. Sometimes I am really discouraged. Other times I am so lifted up by visits to the Theological College or to the different church offices. The people who work in our apartment building are so kind and helpful and are happy that we are in their country to help with education. I don't know why God has called us to South Sudan but I know this is where He wants us and so I am content to be here. It really has become home to us and we miss everyone when we are gone on one of our many trips.
We are in the States right now and had so much fun surprising the grandkids and Lynn's family - I always wanted to do that and we actually pulled it off. Then to just walk into church and watch all the double takes was just awesome:)
We have been encouraged by the students that were attending the teacher training college that has now closed due to fighting. They continue to move ahead, study as they can, attend workshops and keep on teaching even if they do not get paid. A light in a somewhat dark world.
