Wadalla Peter, from our partner MSA (Mission for Sustainable Advancement) in South Sudan, sent the following update this morning. This gives you an idea of the conditions some of our partners have to contend with.

“Greetings from South Sudan. I had a very bad experience on my way back to Maridi from Juba. When I came from Kampala after our meeting and discussions with Tim [Rev Tim Pratt, visiting from CWS], I stayed for 10 days in Juba, then proceeded to Maridi by road. Unfortunately our vehicle got into the rebels’ ambush and we were all taken to the bush for 03 days. All my belongings were taken, particularly my phones, and laptop were the key assets taken by the rebels. We were released after three days, to find our way out of the bush then to Maridi. It was a traumatic situation but I thank God, I was not hurt in anyway. This affected me a little bit but now my mind has settled.”

We give thanks to God that Peter and his colleagues survived the encounter, we pray for Peter and his family that God may soothe them as Peter is healed from the trauma of this experience, that the work Peter undertakes in South Sudan may be blessed as they continue with their peace-building work in the shadow of war and for the rebels who are also victims of poverty and injustice.