Dear Friends and Partners,
This past year has been a year of difficulty and change for everyone, but in every moment God has remained sovereign over everything. He holds the whole world in His hands, and He has an appointed time for everything that happens.
I am amazed and very grateful when I think about all the things He has accomplished in the resettlement camps inhabited by South Sudanese refugees in Uganda this past year. I feel it is important to reflect on all his benefits (Psalm 103:2).
The end of last December (2019) Living Water Community Transformation changed the main focus of our ministry from communities in central South Sudan to displaced South Sudanese in Northern Uganda. After 16 years we felt we had completed the work we were called to do there, and sensed God was calling us to minister to South Sudanese refugees. We still continue to provide moral support to our friends in South Sudan. We also provide limited financial support for widows, orphans, secondary school students and university students there.
I am thankful that my husband and I were able to make a trip to the refugee camps in Uganda in January. The COVID19 pandemic prevented any additional trips in 2020. During that trip we were able to visit several camps and get a feel for the people and their needs. We were hosted by Pastor Edward Dima, President of the Baptist Convention of South Sudan and Joyce Muraa, Women’s Ministry Co-leader for the Baptist Churches of South Sudan in Northern Uganda. Fortunately, we have known Pastor Edward for many years and already had tremendous respect and unquestionable trust in him. A bond quickly developed between Joyce and myself. These relationships proved to be incredible blessings. Without this trust we would not have been able to immediately begin kingdom work together.
Hopefully, through the pictures above you can get a sense of how much God has done through these leaders and their army of believers in the camps, in spite of the COVID lockdown. It is very exciting to be a part of a revival and spiritual awakening taking place amidst people who have had to flee violence, leaving behind their homes and all belongings. I believe God has them there for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)
I pray that they will be able to return to South Sudan as mature disciples of Christ, who will make more disciples.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers and financial support. The Lord bless you and your family in 2021Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:1-3)
Your sister in Christ,
Ann Rao (Sagule)
President
