Much has happened in South Sudan since I last updated you in June, most of it very dramatic. A serious flare-up between the troops supporting the two leaders of the warring factions (these men happen also to be the current president and one of his deputies) has meant many people have been killed in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, and elsewhere throughout the country. The serious lawlessness following such events sees the total breakdown of normal life. People flee from their homes, food and water become scarce; so, looting, rape and lack of adequate medical care mean serious insecurity and untold suffering.
As we have learned to expect, God remains faithful and I am so grateful to report that Ps Henry has been successful in joining his family in Kampala, Uganda just last week. Before he left Juba he was joined by many people, mainly women and children, who ran into the church building where he lives to seek shelter. In spite of dealing with a fresh bout of typhoid and malaria, he helped comfort and support these people. At least one baby died in the church due to being unable to access medical treatment. As yet Ps Henry has been too ill to give details but we know there have been many examples of people sacrificially serving God by providing protection, practical support and comfort to their brothers and sisters. God has again proved faithful in empowering his people to do the good works to which he called them. Praise the wonderful name of Jesus!
Ps Henry reported just yesterday that the huge numbers of people fleeing into Kampala (and into many other countries and refugee camps) mean that NRM has a huge opportunity and responsibility to provide help and support. Ps Henry is praying about what he could be doing for his fellow countrymen and will be in touch soon to seek our cooperation and help. There is much for us to to pray about!
Locally, I have been busy with ongoing fundraising. Last Friday I set up a stall in the Balga Markets in Western Australia where I was successful in selling items that have been donated to me and around $85 was raised. Not a bad effort for a morning’s work. On Wednesday I was guest speaker at the Alpha Group that Frank and Meryl Whitmore run in Seacrest Village, also in Western Australia, and over $400 was collected in the form of a speakers fee, sale of jewellery and donations. I continue to make jewellery and Ann has been crocheting beanies for sale. As always, the regular contributions from our faithful donors added to the fundraising efforts mean that NRM continues to operate. God is good!
Administratively, our annual report has been lodged with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) and our new management committee has met. Weekly prayer and regular communication with Ps Henry and Clare are ongoing. One sad note has been Ps James Samuel’s resignation from the Board of NRM. He assures us of his prayer support but feels that his family, study, work and church load means he is unable to support NRM in the way he would like. Just the same, he has been in regular contact regarding the situation that Ps Henry and others of his family are in.
My service to the South Sudanese has recently involved supporting a family through the loss of a late miscarriage; finding and then delivering a young South Sudanese man here on a tourist visa to a farm in Waroona, Western Australia, for work experience; helping out after a young woman had a road accident; school support for several students; sewing lessons; several home visits; preaching; and church administration.
Thank you so much for your continued support. May God bless you richly. Pam Devenish.