Our Friends of Yei, South Sudan

My heart is heavy for our friends from Yei, South Sudan. Their world has become out of control again and I can only imagine how they must be living in the unknown and completely uncomfortable with the direction things are going around them.

Several years ago when our friends were celebrating their new found freedom and independence we rejoiced with them. We felt some of what they were feeling ... joy, relief and a certain amount of safety.

It doesn't feel that way today. 

People are scared.

People are dying.

People are grieving, still and again.

They are heartbroken, again.

Thousands of the South Sudanese people are now displaced in refuge camps in Uganda and unable to return to their homes. They need to be in a safe place. Fathers need to protect their families. Mothers need to care for their little ones. 

I've seen the people of South Sudan. 

I've touched them. 

I've heard their voices. 

I've worshipped with them. 

I've laughed with them. 

I've listened to their hearts. 

I've hugged them. 

I've held them. 

I've prayed with them. 

I've looked into their eyes of joy and sadness. 

I have LOVED them deeply. 

The children of Dreamland. I can see their faces. I can feel their hugs and hear their laughter and giggles. Oh how my heart hurts for them.

All I can do is pray and trust in the God of the Universe to protect our friends of South Sudan. After all, He is much bigger and stronger and wiser than I am. Do I understand Him and what is happening on the other side of the world? Not at all. Do I trust that he knows what's best? Yes I do. Even as I say that I trust Him, I need to remind myself of his goodness and his faithfulness. Even in the midst of chaos and fear, God IS good and faithful to his people.

On Friday, October 28 The Vineyard Church will be holding their 8^th annual Art for the Heart of Africa benefit for the children of the Dreamland Children’s Home in Yei, South Sudan. 

All of these children and the leaders (and their families) of the home have recently been taken to Uganda to a refuge camp because of the war that is going on in their own neighborhood.

Their needs are greater now than they have ever been! Would you consider coming out to support the purpose of this important event? You can read more about this event here.

Also, our friend Uche is with our friends who are now in Uganda. Read here to see how they are doing.