3 minute read
THERE IS MORE TO DO
At Watoto, we have faith in Jesus. Yet we ask ourselves, what good is our faith if our brothers and sisters lack food or clothes and we do nothing?
In Juba, South Sudan the need is staggering. Over the past 35 years, we’ve seen God use our faithin-action in Uganda to accomplish more than we could have ever imagined. We know that He can do the same in Juba. South Sudan’s future will be brighter than its past, because of what we do today.
-Vernita Rwotlonyo,
Watoto Neighbourhood
MARY’S STORY
When you meet Mary Baga, you instantly see a deep joy shining through her beautiful smile.
When asked to visit her home, images of a small thatched hut, maybe a goat or two, filled our minds. Yet, as we arrive in her community we get the sense that we stopped too early. “Where are the houses?”
In the distance we see a group of children. Their curiosity leads them to our vehicle, and our curiosity leads us to them. The sun is relentless, acting more like an oven heating the rough sand as we walk. We notice the children tattered and worn—caked with an almost charcoal hue from the dirt. Some of the children wear no clothes at all, but they do their best to cover up. Their attempts at modesty convey a sense that they know they’re among the poorest, most forgotten people on earth.
As we look around we discover Mary’s not there. She’s gone to find food. We ask, “Where’s her home?” We’re shown a nearby empty spot. Someone answers, “Her house was here, but the wind blew the tarp away.”
Then it hits us all at once. This is it. These children without clothes are Mary’s (pictured on page 43). In this barren, rugged place we come to understand and feel the presence of God because we begin to feel His children’s pain.
Mary’s story is far from over—it’s only the first act. Her old life is fading away as she’s discovered God’s love through Watoto. She’s learning business skills, receiving spiritual discipleship, and beginning to provide for her children. Mary’s finding out what it means to be empowered.
Driving closer to town, we find Mary walking. Wearing her only dress, her smile paints a picture of her faith and belief in a better tomorrow. We’re committed to walking beside her and the other women in our neighbourhoods in South Sudan.
Working with the community, we realize there’s a lot of work to be done. It’s your support that allows us to do the work that activates a faith that can move a mountain. We’re excited to see the future for Mary, her children, and thousands of women just like her.
MEET REBECCA
In 2016, everything changed for Rebecca. She and her husband were in an accident. He died— instantly, she found herself completely alone. Struggling with her hearing and speech, a friendship emerged giving her a determination to change her circumstances. “My neighbour introduced me to Watoto. Now I receive training making crafts so that I can support myself. I’m grateful because she helps explain what is being taught.”
Watoto is a community filled with friends that will help each other when life seems unbearable. Rebecca’s life has purpose because her neighbours in Juba, and around the world, cared.
MEET GISMA
“My best subject is science. When I grow up I want to become a doctor.”
At 15 years old, Gisma is getting pretty close to making her dreams a reality. She goes to class with her best friend Gloria, she loves science, and now through Keep a Girl in School, she no longer worries about missing out on an education because of her periods.
We should all feel better knowing that someday, Dr. Gisma might see us as a patient. We can’t wait.
