Sharon Brugger Norton documented her first international trip as Executive Director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren to South Sudan, highlighting the resolve of local women in church planting, the impact of intercommunal conflict, and the importance of trust in education and spiritual support over material aid.
Sharon Brugger Norton recounts her inaugural international journey as the Executive Director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren, which took her to South Sudan from February 1 to 15, accompanied by Carolyn and Roger Schrock. Her journal entries detail notable encounters and observations reflecting the resilience and challenges faced by local communities.
On February 2, Reverend James, the regional bishop of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Juba, shared a compelling narrative regarding women who independently established a church in a remote area west of Juba. Their efforts began with planting a church and installing a water pump that drew the community together, leading to further evangelism and the eventual blessing by male church leaders.
On February 7, Norton met Rose, who serves as the president of the women’s association in Magwi County and is an avid farmer. Rose donated land to Brethren Global Services to cultivate crops, illustrating the abundant fertility of the region. However, the area is also challenged by intercommunal violence stemming from the Dinka Bor’s unpermitted arrival with cattle, which escalated local tensions and ultimately led to loss of life and displacement.
During her visits, Norton documented the reality of life in Magwi, where families engaged in subsistence farming despite ongoing conflicts, and a community faced the destruction of their crops and homes. The haunting news of violence led to many becoming displaced individuals, compounding the challenges of food scarcity and inadequate shelter.
On February 8, Norton encountered Farmer Rose again, who shared insights about her NGO focusing on gender-based violence and providing microloans to empower women. Rose expressed her commitment to assist with buying food and supplies for internally displaced persons (IDPs), emphasizing the trustworthiness of women in managing resources well.
On February 9, Norton delivered a sermon at Khor English Church, which transitioned from AIC to the Church of the Brethren. In her address, she connected the concept of trust in God to a mother’s relationship with her child. The gathering reflected a strong faith presence among the community, demonstrating a vibrant commitment to evangelical work.
The entry from February 11 recounts a visit to Upuo Village. Despite recent flooding that devastated crops, the community’s spirit shone through with new fruit trees enhancing local nutrition. However, the challenge of providing theological education in an oral culture persisted as Norton navigated dialogue with local leaders.
On February 13, at Mangateen IDP camp, Norton witnessed both the dire plight of children suffering from malnutrition and the hope inspired by long-time partners Roger and Carolyn. Individuals expressed gratitude for education opportunities instilled by these benefactors, showcasing the lasting impact of community-focused support. A young woman, Nyakuol, attributed her studies in international relations to their advocacy for girls’ education.
As the visit concluded, a local member of parliament articulated a desire for dual focuses on the word of God and education over material assistance, underscoring a profound understanding of the necessities for societal transformation in South Sudan. Norton’s reflections concluded with an emphasis on the significance of faith in addressing the broader needs of communities.
For more details regarding the Church of the Brethren’s mission in South Sudan, please visit [www.brethren.org/global/south-sudan](http://www.brethren.org/global/south-sudan). Additionally, a full photo gallery from the South Sudan visit can be found at [https://churchofthebrethren.smugmug.com/South-Sudan-delegation-Feb-2025](https://churchofthebrethren.smugmug.com/South-Sudan-delegation-Feb-2025).
Sharon Brugger Norton’s trip to South Sudan as Executive Director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren revealed the profound resilience and faith of the local citizens amid adversity. Her experiences highlighted the impact of grassroots efforts, particularly by women, in fostering community and promoting recovery from conflict. The reflections emphasize the necessity of education and spiritual nourishment as vital components for transforming the lives of South Sudanese people, rather than relying solely on material aid.
Original Source: www.brethren.org
