Sharon Brugger Norton shares her experiences from her first international mission trip to South Sudan as executive director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren. Throughout the journey, she highlights community-led initiatives, challenges faced by internally displaced persons due to conflict, and celebrates the role of education and faith in creating hope and resilience in local populations.
Sharon Brugger Norton embarked on her inaugural international mission trip as the executive director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren, visiting South Sudan from February 1-15 alongside Carolyn and Roger Schrock. She documented her experiences, detailing the various encounters and community initiatives encountered throughout her journey.
On February 2, during a visit with Bishop James of the Africa Inland Church in Juba, Norton learned of a powerful initiative led by women who took it upon themselves to plant a church in a remote area. Motivated by a divine sense of purpose, they established a water pump to attract the community, eventually leading to church formation and continued evangelism by these women.
A week later, on February 7, Norton met Farmer Rose, an influential local leader who is dedicated to combating gender-based violence through her NGO. Rose is helping to procure food and supplies for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) impacted by conflicts in the region. The visit also highlighted the ongoing violence between the Dinka Bor and Murley communities after the Dinka brought cattle into Magwi, leading to severe food shortages for many families and extensive damages to property.
February 9 marked a visit to the Khor English Church of the Brethren, where Norton preached to an audience of around 70 attendees. The church, which transitioned from AIC, showcased vibrant worship, significant female participation, and an engaging youth ministry, emphasizing foundational Christian beliefs through practical examples.
On February 11, Norton visited Upuo, the largest village so far, where children, suffering from malnutrition, were eager for interaction. Local initiatives are underway to improve food security, with Brethren Disaster Ministries providing emergency assistance after past flooding destroyed crops. Moreover, they are exploring theological training that adheres to local cultural norms.
The trip concluded on February 13 with a visit to the Mangateen IDP camp in Juba, where Norton witnessed the harsh realities of life for internally displaced individuals. Many children showed signs of malnutrition, highlighting the dire need for support. Yet, amidst adversity, joyous stories emerged from those influenced by Roger and Carolyn’s advocacy for education, transforming lives through learning. A local community leader emphasized the importance of education and spiritual nourishment over material aid, framing it as a path towards sustainable change.
Sharon Brugger Norton’s trip to South Sudan highlighted the resilience and initiatives of local communities amidst challenging conditions. Through encounters with local leaders, religious gatherings, and firsthand experiences of the sorrow inflicted by violence and displacement, the need for education and spiritual guidance emerged as pivotal for transformative change in the region. The commitment shown by local leaders and communities illustrates the capacity for hope and action, even in adversity, emphasizing the significance of continued support from global mission efforts.
Original Source: www.brethren.org
