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sudan
Founded in 2011, South Sudan is the world’s youngest country. But infighting amongst its two most populous tribal groups — friction which dates back to the 19th century — has plunged the country into civil war and forced many of its young citizens to become soldiers instead of doctors, teachers, or farmers. The Rev. Michael Muot Put, from the Nuer tribal community, is working to educate communities about the importance of peace among different ethnic groups and provide a platform based on peace and unity.
The 113th New Wilmington Mission Conference (NWMC), regarded as the oldest annual mission conference in the U.S., will be held on the campus of Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, July 20–27.
Severe famine and ongoing fighting between ethnic groups have made survival difficult for millions of people in South Sudan. As a result of the deteriorating conditions, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has issued an appeal.
For the general overseer of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) there is trauma and hopelessness in his country, and the only institution that can offer hope at the moment is the church.
Nearly 30 members of the Presbyterian Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network met at Law’s Lodge October 3 and 4 on the campus of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to discuss the Network’s ministry and strategies for ongoing engagement as the region experiences instability and leadership challenges.
Deteriorating conditions in the South Sudanese capital city of Juba have left thousands of people in desperate need of food, shelter and health services. Fighting broke out between rival factions on July 8 and while a ceasefire is currently in place, the humanitarian needs have escalated.
Global partners in South Sudan continue to ask for prayers, but also for advocacy. The fragile cease-fire in the country is holding for the moment. The Rt. Rev. Peter Gai, chair of the South Sudan Council Churches and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, said by phone Friday afternoon that for the moment, the city feels calm.
Although all PC(USA) mission co-workers have left South Sudan, there is grave concern for those who are left behind. “Thanks be to God. I arrived in Nairobi at 10.30 a.m.,” said Leisa Wagstaff by email. “Let us continue to pray for the people I left behind.” Wagstaff expects to be in Kenya for a minimum of 2-3 weeks.
Presbyterian mission co-worker Leisa Wagstaff has been safely evacuated from South Sudan. Wagstaff left early Wednesday morning (EDT) on a Mission Aviation Fellowship flight to Kenya. There is no timeframe for her return to South Sudan, but she has made clear her desire to go back and finish the important work with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan she started nearly three years ago.
