A Giant Leap of Faith

​Billy is now safely back home in Moira. It is hard to imagine that the struggle for safety and survival continues unrelentingly for so many back in South Sudan. As Billy boarded the plane for Yei a month ago it was announced that a new offensive was about to be launched from Yei against the main rebel group who had not signed up to the 2018 peace agreement. On the drive between Yei town and the airstrip Billy witnessed convoys of armoured vehicles being prepared for the attack into the rural areas. During the 3 weeks he was there a new camp had to be set up to cater for the people fleeing their village homes and coming to town for safety. It is reported that over 6,000 more have fled into DR Congo from the greater Yei area. A report by the UN High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) was presented to the UN in Geneva last week. It makes depressing reading. The Guardian describes South Sudan's war as ‘a relentless litany of almost unimaginable horrors’. RTE have also highlighted the report.

It is against this background that the church remains committed to being present. Committed to bearing witness to both the human rights abuses as well as to the One who came to redeem our corrupted humanity. Through speaking truth, upholding justice and offering help through loving service the church displays God’s character. It is a very dangerous and almost impossible task. It is only in obedience to God and empowered by His spirit that anything will be achieved.

Bishop Hilary and his pastors have worked with incredible commitment and dedication to preach, teach and disciple those in their care and to offer practical help in their communities. Many are still coming forward for baptism and confirmation and the church is growing in South Sudan and in the refugee camps.

During Billy’s placement it became evident that the church is committed to reopening the Vocational Training College in Yei as a sign of hope. There are many young people including demobilised child soldiers who need the opportunity to learn practical skills. These skills are needed for rebuilding the country. The diocese set up a management committee, have recruited a VTC Manager, Morris, and laid plans to reopen the VTC in April for day students. The committee have approached some funding agencies who have agreed to sponsor students in training.

Billy has been invited back for the reopening of the VTC, he will be in Yei from the 24th April to the 11th May. It is likely that the first 2 courses will be vehicle mechanics and tailoring. There is still a lot to do…

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the situation in and around Yei, please continue to do so.

‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom’ Luke 12:32