Healing for South Sudanese Refugees
Water Mission is committed to bringing safe and Living Water to our global neighbors impacted by disaster and humanitarian crises.
Rhino Camp in northern Uganda is one of the refugee settlements where Water Mission has built safe water and sanitation solutions. While providing for physical needs, our staff also attend to the spiritual well-being in communities by sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ. This year, we trained more than 100 Christian leaders as trauma healing facilitators in response to the influx of refugees resulting from the South Sudanese Civil War.
Water Mission held conferences for local pastors and church leaders in two sections of Rhino Camp: Ofua and the newest extension, Omugo. Attendees were trained as biblical trauma healing facilitators, enabling them to effectively counsel and encourage people in their communities.
The trauma refugees carry often acts as a barrier to their ability to heal. Many have lived through war and were forced to flee their homes to survive. Even in the refugee settlements, hostility can continue between tribes now living near one another. During one of Water Mission’s seminars, Pastor John Yoak from the Omugo community explained the challenge.
“In South Sudan, we have been taught that killing is a normal thing,” he said. “We have been taught that tears must stay inside because men don’t cry. We’ve been taught that, at the opportune time, we must avenge our dear ones.”
This level of trauma disrupts family, faith, identity, and one’s connection to God. It wounds the soul and creates barriers to hearing the gospel. With this in mind, these programs are focused on ensuring the church provides a safe and welcoming space for trauma victims.
In partnership with Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Water Mission is reaching the brokenhearted and comforting those who mourn. These programs facilitate sharing experiences and personal testimonies, helping refugees express their feelings honestly to God. After attending the conference, a refugee named Jonda shared how the training helped her.
“I saw my dad murdered. He was shot seven times,” Jonda said. “I want to thank God that I have been able to forgive those who killed my dad. I forgave them, and I am relieved. This teaching is refreshing. Ever since I came from South Sudan, I never had teaching like this. How I wish that every South Sudanese could get access to this teaching…. My life is changed.”
Only the Lord can heal troubled souls. We are blessed to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to our global neighbors through gospel-focused trauma healing rooted in forgiveness and reconciliation.