South Sudan (MNN) — The world’s youngest country is struggling to thrive. Although they celebrated independence in 2011, this year, they’ll mark the 2-year anniversary of the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan, now being called a “civil war.”
(General Christmas photo, courtesy Flickr/CC/Julie Falk)
The conflict has escalated from a political dispute between the President (of the Dinka) and the former Vice President (of the Nuer). As a result, tens of thousands of people have been killed, and over two million have been displaced since the conflict broke out on Dec. 15, 2013. Many are hiding from the mass atrocities in the bush or swamps.
In response, World Concern has been coming alongside the local body of Christ to feed the refugees and provide sustainable community development programs in South Sudan. Because these believers have put their hope in the living God, the Savior of the world, theirs is a life of confidence in uncertain times.
Hope brings freedom. Freedom brings worship. Matt Ellingson is the Director of International Operations at World Concern. He joined a local church in full worship as the choirs celebrated the birth of Christ in Juba. A step back from the grime of war reveals an amazing God who engenders praise in spite of–or perhaps because of–a fallen world.
Listen to one of the songs here:
