landlords, chiefs, and youth on both sides of the border. These meetings include a

leadership conference planned for

December 1-3 in Kajokeji. “Pray with us for support during this sensitive face to face meeting,” Dima requested. New churches will be planted in conflict communities by the various Christian groups as part of the peace efforts. An interdenominational committee has

been established by the council to oversee the implementation of the resolution.

people are estimated to have been killed in the fighting. “Thank you very much for praying

and for the support you have given to the displaced people of South Sudan, especially those people who fled the border conflict between Moyo in Uganda and Kajokeji in South Sudan,” Dima told the BWA.

returns

to warring communities in by Edward Dima

South Sudan & Uganda Praise the Lord with whom all source

of blessings flow. We trust you are well and under the care of the Lord, may the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ which surpasses human understanding be yours for ever and ever. The Lord has seen us through 2014, we

The outreach efforts have thus far

helped to ease tensions in the area. “Thank God that peace and calmness has returned to the two sister districts,” said Dima. “Pray for the continued effort to dialogue with the two communities. Pray for the effort of churches [that] real and permanent peace shall be realized and attained.” South Sudan gained its independence

from Sudan in July 2011, following a referendum. The area has been wracked by longstanding conflict. The First Sudanese Civil War was fought from 1955-1972 between the northern part of Sudan and the southern Sudan region, the latter demanding representation and more regional autonomy. After the war, which claimed approximately half a million lives, the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region was formed in 1972. This lasted until 1983 when the Second Sudanese Civil War broke out. This war ended in 2005 and led, ultimately, to the splitting off of South Sudan as an independent country. Roughly two million people died as a result of fighting, famine and disease caused by the second war. Four million people in southern Sudan have been displaced at least once during the war. In December 2013, a political power

struggle broke out between the South Sudan president and his former deputy over accusations of a coup plot, which eventually led to a civil war. Up to 10,000

are excited to share with you that peace has returned to the two communities of Madi in Moyo Uganda, and Kuku in Kajokeji, South Sudan. You remembered these communities had a fight and many people were displaced and killed and property were lost. There was a huge displacement and we thank God that BWA supported us with relief and prayers. You prayed for calm, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation between the two sister communities who have lived together from generation to generation. This cannot be destroyed overnight because of the border. What actually triggered the fight was the issue of the international border demarcation, and thank God that

the

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Baptist World Aid

c/o Baptist World Alliance 405 North Washington Street Falls Church VA 22046 USA

and healing conference which we did on December 1-4, 2014. The conference drew pastors and church

leaders in Moyo, Uganda, and Kajokeji, South Sudan. A total of 136 participants attended and various topics were taught including expositions on peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Many other pastors were involved in moderating the session. Participants broke down and many shed tears as they listened to testimonies from the pastors and church leaders. There was a confession and repentance done on behalf of the two communities and a moment of grief and sadness was felt. Thank God that the conference ended up successfully, and churches were called to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. They were also told to be aware that

Above left:

Displaced persons in South Sudan receiving BWA aid and assistance

Above and left: Peace building activities held during the peace conference in South Sudan in December 2014

government of both countries of Uganda and South Sudan is working on it. The pictures you see are the Bishops and pastors from all denominations in both Moyo, Uganda and Kajokeji, South Sudan who come up with a recommendation for peace, forgiveness, reconciliation

the communities are to be peace loving people and to embrace forgiveness and reconcile with the brethren (2 Corinthian 5:14-17). Edward Dima is pastor of First Baptist

Church in Kajokeji, South Sudan and president of the Baptist Convention of South Sudan.

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Peace