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This past week one of the three villages of Boma, Kaywa (pronounced Kiowa), was burned to the ground during a tribal conflict. The families of Kaywa have lost everything including shelter from the weather during this current rainy season. Over half of the students at our school, Faith Learning Center, were affected by this conflict.
I was really not looking forward to writing an email update this week. I have visited Kaywa many times and the destruction of the entire village is beyond discouraging. I am heartbroken for the families and especially for the children who had no role in this conflict yet are now terribly impacted.
Challenges in South SudanWhy this conflict occurred is not really important as we are left with the aftermath of helping to bring the comfort and love of Christ into this situation. SEA Partners is well aware of the realities associated with working in a very challenging and difficult area of the world. In 2013 tribal fighting destroyed much of our compound and damaged all the classrooms of the school. By God’s grace and the generosity of our donors, we were able to rebuild the school and re-engage with the Murle people the following year.
In spite of all these setbacks and hardships, we know God has called us to serve the people of Boma….in both the good times and bad. Even while this conflict was occurring, our staff found an injured Murle from Kaywa just behind our compound. Without any thought for their own safety, these missionaries of God rendered medical treatment to this injured man, likely saving his life.
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God’s Grace is SufficientWhile the conflict has been resolved and a degree of peace restored, there are many families in dire need of help. This has been a challenging year for SEA Partners as we now find ourselves short of funding needs, which unfortunately, has left us with no resources available to render aid to the people of Kaywa. Over the past 11 years we have witnessed God’s hand in providing for us in ways that often can only be explained as miraculous. We have always struggled financially in this ministry, but God has always provided in unique and sometimes mysterious ways. I was reading a devotional this morning and this verse, II Corinthians 12:9, caught my attention:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me”.
Even now, in spite of fundraising frustrations, I believe God not only can, but will provide for the villagers of Kaywa according to His will and purpose.
Immediate Needs for AssistanceWe would like to raise $15,000 immediately to provide emergency relief for Kaywa. We are not a relief organization as we believe God has called us to develop and train leaders through our project in Boma. But in this case, the people are suffering and we need to help by flying in food and providing funds to allow this community to purchase local materials for new homes. If you feel led by the Holy Spirit to provide a tangible sign of God’s love and care for the Murle, please give an online gift. If you would like to partner with us by becoming a monthly donor and to help eliminate this year’s shortfall of $35,200, please consider a gift.
In II Corinthians Paul tells us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. We thank God for our struggles and challenges because now His Power can be shown and His Name Glorified.
God bless you. Donnie Brake, Ed.D. President PS. If God is leading you to partner with us in this ministry of hope to the children and their families in Kaywa, please donate now.  |
