An Urgent Request For Prayer
Last Saturday (January 3), tribal fighting broke out between two neighboring clans in the Lietnhom area of South Sudan, where much of our ministry is centered. What began as a dispute over a stolen herd of cows has escalated into a larger-scale armed conflict between the two largest clans in the region, resulting in a death toll of over 30 people in the past six days. Many people are fleeing in search of safety, and our clinic is busy attending to the injured. At this time, all Transform South Sudan staff and facilities remain safe and secure, for which we are deeply grateful.
As a Ministry Partner of Transform South Sudan, can I ask you to please pray for 2 things:
For the conflict to end quickly. Local police and military are intervening in the situation, but it takes a while for a spirit of calm to be restored fully. Please pray that there would be a rapid return to calm and reduced tensions in the area.
For the Prince of Peace to Shine : On the other side of conflict like this, when the desire for revenge has subsided, there is a very real opportunity for James Baak and his team to present a better way to the hurting people of the region. That way is for the Prince of Peace to become real in people’s lives. Our peace and reconciliation ministry helps people to identify themselves not as being of the Dinka tribe or the Nuer tribe, but rather of the Jesus tribe. Pray that the people we will come into contact with as we begin the peace and reconciliation work (starting with the community leaders) would be open and receptive to this message and that hearts would turn to the Lord.
On the other side of hurt and pain, the gospel message often resonates deeply. Being reminded that we live in a broken world draws our attention to our need for a Savior, and the spiritual harvest is often profound in dark times like these. Please pray that our team of ministers and ambassadors of Jesus in the region will rise up to comfort the hurting and speak to the hearts of those who long to belong to the Tribe of Jesus.
Thanks for standing with us.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
(Matt 25:35-40)
For His Glory and For a Better Tomorrow for South Sudan
Mike Vogt • Chairman of the Board | Transform South Sudan