2018 Report on International Religious Freedom: South Sudan

 

 

Executive Summary

The transitional constitution stipulates separation of religion and state, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides religious groups freedom to worship and assemble, organize themselves, teach, own property, receive financial contributions, communicate and issue publications on religious matters, and establish charitable institutions.  Both government and opposition forces reportedly engaged in attacks on religious buildings and killings of religious workers.  On May 16, government forces attacked Emmanuel Christian College in Yei, killing at least 10 persons, five of them children.

On May 12, attackers killed a local pastor and his wife in a home invasion in Juba.  On July 23, a protest by a group of youths demanding employment turned violent in Maban, and the rioters attacked and destroyed the compounds of several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including those of several missionary groups.  The country’s religious institutions reportedly remained a crucial source of stability in an otherwise unstable country.  Religious leaders stated that a diverse network of Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim domestic and international organizations provided shelter from the fighting.  Sources said that at times their generally outspoken attitude toward what they stated were the forces driving the conflict made them targets, similar to humanitarian workers.

The U.S. Ambassador and other embassy representatives promoted religious freedom through discussions and outreach with religious leaders and civil society organizations.

 

My Note: As my novel implies, South Sudan is basically a Christian country, but beware of its government not following constitutional guarantees. Sadly, this fact overshadows most African countries' best intentions in their constitutional governments.  

Update for Short in Height, Tall in Courage

 

 

     Hello. While waiting to hear from publishers, I try not to worry or create additional stress by second guessing my writing which is always inspired by God if my Spiritual ears have been focused. Jesus said in Luke 12:25, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" It is difficult not to worry, but I try to practice it - to try and make it a rote habit.

     If God wants the book to be published, no person or event can stop it. If God does not want the book published, no person or event can accomplish that.

     I never set out to write this book. I set out to write a short story that stretched my skills and knowledge. The response was such that I wrote a follow-up story. The inspiration just kept coming, the story wouldn't let me go. Whether the book is a bestseller or not, I thoroughly enjoyed writing the book, and would gladly write a sequel. I write for God and the love of writing. Money and notoriety is way down on my list of wants. At the same time, I'm human and very competitive. I want success, but God's glory is foremost. At 72, I've experienced the ultra-highs and lows of life, but writing for God is an honor that dwarfs any monetary or social success I may experience. As our Lord taught while upon this earth, He continually teaches me. I will die with my boots on: writing and serving my Lord.

     As soon as I hear good or bad news, I will inform you.

You Are My God, and I Am Your Servant

 

     It may seem backwards, but in the real world, power lies with those who serve. When you serve those lower than yourself, you serve the one true God of Israel. Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." Many called but many are too self-righteous and lack faith.  Serve as though you are serving Christ himself. Matthew 25:40 "...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Have the faith of a child. Matthew 18:2-4 "He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" Not blind obedience, but innocent faith. 

 

 

 

You Are a Christian - No Need to Apologize

 

    If you are a Christian, there is no need to apologize. Stand tall as you bow to serve. Serve with love and the full armor of God within you. Remember: it is not about hating groups or people, it is not about physically overcoming foes, it is not about having material wealth, it is not about looks, it is not about peer groups, it is not about strong leadership, it is not about your past...

    Remember: it is about God and serving, it is about strength from weakness, it is about the Word of God fending off evil, It is about loving those who do not deserve it, it is about spiritual wealth, it is about the beauty of your soul, it is about the Christian community, it is about God giving you spiritual gifts, it is about the new you...
 
   These ideas may sound peculiar in today's world, but no more so than in the world Jesus came into and preached. There is never a time not to gospelize love, tenderness, forgiveness, a new self...
 
   Never apologize for trying to bring love and forgiveness into this cruel world, so anti-Christ in feel and appearance. Those needing and seeking the love and forgiveness you declare will not want an apology. They will want the "Good News." Love you all and forgive you all!

    

    

Sometimes I do not get along with technology

Today is one of those days of technology wars. 

 

 

 

To Today's Americans

      Never in God's world history has there been an army more benevolent than the United States Armed Forces. A more gracious and caring military could not be imagined and still be an effective fighting force. We take extreme care in attacking targets in battle to avoid civilian and non-combatant casualties. During my tour in the Vietnam War, I spent most of my time seeing to the needs of the local communities that we encountered. This is the result of a military with Judeo-Christian backgrounds and ethics.

     What many people in other countries fail to realize is that this benevolence is not a sign of softness or timidity. In a moment, this military can, by the grace of God, transform into hardened warriors that will not be denied or turned back. One of my favorite wartime quotes from an American came from American Marine General Oliver Smith to an embedded reporter concerning the Marines moving back down the Korean peninsula while under formidable and constant attacks by the Chinese on the surrounding mountains. 

     The UN forces had driven the North Korean Army across the border into China when the U.S. Army 7th Infantry was attacked at Chosin Reservoir. The survivors were driven back into the Marine perimeter next to them. Thus commenced one of the most famous withdrawals of American troops in our history. The Marines and remnants of the Army Infantry Unit consisting of a combined total of 10,000 men fought off 120,000 Chinese infantry that had encircled them. The 1st Marine Division, commanded by General Oliver Smith, in an orderly manner, turned the division and began the perilous fighting movement southward to Hungnam Port for extrication by the U.S. Navy. 

     General Smith was asked just prior to the beginning of the southeast movement, "General, why are your Marines retreating?" 

     His reply became Marine Corps legend. "Retreat Hell! We're just attacking in another direction!" As American as General McAuliffe's reply when asked to surrender by the Germans in World War I
I, "Surrender? Nuts!

     We Americans have been blessed by God with being just as stubborn and combative as his chosen, the Jewish people. Let's honor our God by fighting to preserve this heritage. By honoring our flag, you are also honoring our God. Love you all!

Praying on Our Terms or God's?

 

     We pray to our Lord. The prayer seemingly goes unanswered. You had an exact timetable in mind.  You are dejected. Our faith suffers. We stop telling the Lord our innermost thoughts and feelings. 

     We ask God for help, then expect Him to give that help exactly as we think it should be given, and on our personal timetable. God has been here from day one. He is our Creator. He is our Father. Pray then let Him handle it on his timetable. We need to remember that a prayer for material wealth or non-necessities may go in God's file 13 - dead file. If we just talk to Him when we need something, well, He doesn't know you. He wants a relationship with us. Get to know Him. He is an interesting God, and the only God. He holds the record for largest and most astounding creation ever. God loves us. Try leaning on Him as He wants us to do. He will give you anything you desire as long as it is good for you. You know, He has given me things that weren't good for me occasionally to demonstrate to me just how wrong my thinking was. 

     Walk in the light. Love you all!