South Sudan Independence Day

Google's not celebrating it...you won't find it on any of the major news channels (even most of our go-to international ones), but today is a day that our family is

choosing to celebrate.

It is Independence Day for the world's youngest country- South Sudan. And because our family has settled in a neighboring country, and we are instructed by our Lord to love our neighbors- we are doing just that!

Four years ago (July 9, 2011), South Sudan celebrated its independence in an overwhelming vote to secede from Sudan and establish its own country with its own people. Unfortunately, the infrastructure has not been there to support this new and underdeveloped people, and a country that started as united has slid back into the only means they have known of handling conflict- violence, war, and economic strife.

Will you join us in praying for South Sudan? 

That TODAY people would put down their arms, remember what united them four years ago, and would ultimately turn to the peace that is offered to them in Jesus Christ. Many missionaries (our friends) have fled the country due to widespread insecurity, and are having to live as expat refugees in neighboring countries for an unforeseen amount of time. Or, they are living in daily insecurity, not knowing when fighting could break out in their area, or if they would be able to leave if they needed help. More than that, thousands of South Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes, families, farms, and livelihoods, and are living in refugee camps in neighboring East Africa countries (or other parts of the world- maybe even in your neighborhood!). Food is scarce, prices for basic necessities have sky-rocketed, and people are living in fear, even on a day in which they should be united and celebrating.

So, take the time today and introduce your kids (or yourself) to 

South Sudan! 

Color a flag, listen to the anthem, youtube some videos, and help them experience the rich culture of our world's youngest country. And then lead them in praying for this nation, whose people are fighting with one another (just like they sometimes fight with their siblings...) It would be a great way to expand their little minds to another part of the world and engage them in praying for our brothers and sisters there.

This is Life.

...on independence day...