We are sending you this update on the morning of Bill’s return to South Sudan. We have received reports of significant numbers of displaced persons (refugees) and unrest in the two States (Jonglei and Upper Nile) where we have been working these past 3 years to establish primary health care services in over 200 rural facilities. We understand that although a number of those facilities have been overrun and pillaged (including our two State offices) our nursing, technical, and medical staff have been able to keep out of harm’s way.

The fighting in South Sudan is reportedly along ethnic lines, and has put the world’s newest country on the brink of civil war. While the capital city, Juba, is under government control, rumors of rebel infiltration have increased the tension and fear of those living within the city. Our plans are for Bill to arrive in Nairobi on Monday January 6th and fly into Juba on the 7th if commercial flights are open. The Christian school in Juba which Ann helped establish is closed until Feb. 1, therefore Ann will stage out of Nairobi later this month.

We covet your prayers for wisdom and guidance on how we may best respond, for earnest dialog between warring factions, and for relief for the thousands who have been injured and the tens of thousands displaced and without shelter, food, or water.