The MAF Peace and Reconciliation Team travelled to Chukudum, in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State, to run the Heal Hearts Restoring Nations workshop with members of the church and community.
During the four-day workshop, 63 participants from Hanacima Church and local NGO, Root of Generations, learned to see themselves through the truth of God’s Word and His original purposes.
The facilitators shared the stories of participants released from their pain.
“We had a recurring kind of pain from loss of parents, loss of cow, loss of properties,” MAF Senior Dispatch Officer and lead workshop facilitator Thomas Titus said.
“Most of the young boys are feeling the impact of these losses. They were not able to go to school and have had very few opportunities.
“There is a lot of violence between the local tribe and neighbouring communities, and also with the Turkana and Karamoja in Kenya and Uganda – raiding cows and even abducting children.
I think the workshops are amazing. I’m glad we can be a part of bringing relief to these communities. It is one of the most impactful things we can be doing.
“We heard a lot of testimonies from participants who told us that the teaching had brought them relief. I personally saw a lot of changing of hearts in response to the teaching,” Thomas said.
Many women shared testimonies. Facilitator Gilo Okwata tells Susan’s story:
“Susan was born in a strange country and among strangers. She grew up without maternal relatives, just her mum alone with close siblings and cousins. She was forced into in a different environment with no choice or preference.
“Years on, Susan’s mother had a cancer which unfortunately killed her. Susan had to live alone without her mother and with no close family support.
“She lived a life of hatred, with vengeance in her heart, accusing God of taking the only person close to her heart, her mother,” Gilo said.
“After the training, Susan found it in her heart to forgive the people of Budi and asked God too for forgiveness. She said she felt like the weights have been lifted from her shoulders.
“Her story is a reminder of wounds we carry from our parents, society and the impact of suffering on our ability to trust God,” Gilo added.
Pastor Paul Lotike Lotuluba of Hanacima church hears many stories in his ministry.
“Rejina lost her father a long time ago. She did not know where he was buried. Because of this training she managed to lay down this burden at the cross and receive hope by becoming a follower of Jesus,” he said.
“Another lady, called Kelera, lost both parents. Her brothers-in-law from the village killed her mother, because of a dowry dispute. To escape her situation, Kelera decided to come to Chukudum.
“Sadly, the trauma of what had happened came with her. All this time she had no peace with the brothers-in-law because of what they had done.
“Through this training, Kelera came boldly forward to forgive them. She is now joining the church on Sunday,” he said.
At the end of the week MAF pilot Iisakki Saari arrived in Chukudum to collect the team. MAF is the only operator offering flights into Chukudum, which can be a challenging airstrip.
“I think the workshops are amazing,” Iisakki said. “I’m glad we can be a part of bringing relief to these communities. It is one of the most impactful things we can be doing.
“Praise God, the workshop is very practical, and many people are healed. Participants can express feeling and accept love for the first time and get spiritual breakthrough, too.”
After the training, Susan found it in her heart to forgive the people of Budi and asked God too for forgiveness. She said she felt like the weights have been lifted from her shoulders.