The students and head master of Mundri Secondary School proudly marched with their banner welcoming the new born country.
People proudly wore the colors and flag of South Sudan including this "Vote for Separation" tie. The symbols in the center of the tie show how the people of South Sudan voted in January 2011 by placing their finger print next to the symbol of an open hand for separation or next to a closed fist for unity.
There were high hopes for S. Sudan's first year as a nation. The fact is that one year after independence, the border between the two nations has yet to be determined. There is no oil sharing agreement, and S. Sudan halted oil production months ago depriving both nations of a large percentage of their revenue. Conditions at the refugee camps are horrific as well over 100,000 people have fled violence in the border regions. Check out the article below if you are interested in reading more about what the news is reporting regarding the current state of S. Sudan.
Facts and figures of a tumultuous first year of independence - UN Dispatch
Despite these reports, I continue to hear stories of hope and joyful moments with friends from my former teammates in Mundri. Water is flowing at a new borehole. The women of Okari church are learning English. I am sure the anniversary of independence will be celebrated with prayers of thanksgiving and much rejoicing even though times are hard for many.
As the first anniversary of S. Sudan's independence approaches, join me in praying for this very young nation. Here are two specific ways you can pray.
- Pray that a fair and just border would be determined peacefully and quickly as well as an oil sharing agreement.
- Pray for the refugees and returnees in the border regions as well as the aid agencies that are providing relief and running the camps.
Keep your eyes open on the Mundri team blogs over the next week for their thoughts on the one year anniversary of independence from South Sudan.
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