Realities

Recently I (Will) have been a bit discouraged. There isn’t one thing in particular I can point to as the source of discouragement but many things, real things, that make me wonder where we can find hope in this country.

War: This is a reality. Rebels continue to fight the government. Peace talks continue but with no conclusion that actually stops the fighting. Recently, and very briefly, there was fighting here in Mundri. Regardless of where the fight is taking place the increased tension war creates is felt in each corner of the country.

Rumors: While the rumors may not be true they are prevalent. For about 10 days all of the cell phone networks were down. No phone calls or texting at all. Rumors of rebel movement, new attacks, road closures and government conspiracies were rampant. On smaller scales, rumors of motives of different tribes and potential retaliatory fighting are widespread.

Division: Tribes are still very divided. While they often live peacefully near and amongst each other, everyone still notices the differences and allegiances are drawn along tribal lines.

Famine: A recent news article stated 2.5 million people will need food aid in 2015 in South Sudan. The fighting continues to leave people displaced from their homes and consequently their farms. People who farm to simply live no longer have the option. Since the heavy fighting that has created famine isn't happening in Mundri we have yet to see this in person.

Heart Issues: No, I don’t mean what your thinking. There aren’t widespread issues of people literally having heart attacks. I mean issues within our hearts that can’t be seen. Whether it is pride, jealousy, anger, lust, etc. it is all here. Not because the people are different but simply because they are human. None of us can escape this one.

All the items above are realities here. They are really happening. War and famine is happening. It isn’t just a picture in a magazine or a clip in a movie. It is real life and there is no break from it.

However, there is another reality that is easy to forget or overlook due to the weight of the issues at hand.

The reality is that of a Savior. Our Savior. He came to earth as a baby to offer hope. He came to save us from ourselves. He came to offer peace in the midst of war and provision in the midst of famine. He came to unite all people under himself. He came to reveal the deep things in our hearts and then did something about them on a cross. He came to offer hope to a people without much of it. And He didn’t disappoint. He came through. He was victorious. Death was defeated and one day all things will be made right. And it all started with Christ the child…the infant in a manger.

Whatever might be going on in your world today may you look to this hope. Pray that we would see this hope here in South Sudan. Pray the people would see this hope, trust Him and maybe then, slowly, war, rumors, division, famine and all our heart issues will cease.

May we see this reality and put our hope there.

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”  Luke 2:10-11