Christian Victims Of South Sudan Attacks Still Suffering

 (Westlake Village, CA) — Christian Solidarity International (CSI) has been providing survival kits and food supplies to the South Sudan villages of Yinh Pabol and Warguet since they were attacked by Arab raiders in early January. Santino Chan Lual Wol, the pastor of the Pentecost church in Yinh Pabol, says the attack was malicious.

“We are Christian, we don’t fight, and we don’t kill anyone, but our church was targeted and burned,” says the 38-year-old, standing in front of the charred ruins of the sanctuary.

In all, 24 people were confirmed dead and several villagers, including an eight-year-old child, were abducted during the January attacks. During a visit to Yinh Pabol in February, CSI project manager Franco Majok discovered there is a continuing need for food, water, and medicines among those displaced from their homes. Franco oversaw the digging of a borehole to provide fresh water and the distribution of medicines to those who have returned to the village.

Among those to receive medical help were Ayen Deng Majok, a mother of four children who sold tea at the market before her stall was burned down. “My child is sick. He has eye problems, he has stomach problems and he is coughing,” says Ayen, who also suffers from a cough and stomach problems.

Kuek Angok Lual, a farmer, and his wife Pakita Mauc Atak have five children. In the attack on the village, Kuek’s farm store at Yinh Pabol market was set on fire and burned to ashes. Since then, the family has been sleeping in the forest because they are afraid the raiders will return. The family of seven are surviving on fruit and vegetables that they find growing in the wild.

The wife and two children of Awer Wol Akok, 30, a doctor, are also still hiding the bushes. Awer’s medical clinic was burned down during the attack, and his medicines were either destroyed or looted. Pregnant women, new mothers, and children are suffering because of the lack of medicines and hospital care. The nearest clinic is now four to five hours away.

“My life was so good. I was supporting my people,” says Awer. “We are fighting disease, especially in children, and we need support with medicines and food.”

Written by: Gina Adams