Song for Africa's Newest Nation

Tomorrow Africa’s newest nation will be born.

During my visit to South Sudan in 2008 I saw the ruins of schools and churches destroyed thirty years ago at the hands of their own government. I met young people born in refugee camps and listened as grand-parents spoke of their dreams of a re-building their nation.

Now thanks to international efforts, and a referendum in support of independence they have a fresh opportunity for peace and growth.

They need our prayers.


I dedicate today’s blog to the people of South Sudan with a prayer that God will prosper their efforts at nation-building and restore the fortunes of this war-ravaged people.

As water brings life to the desert, transforming barren land, refreshinbg spirits and sprouting beauty and prosperity, so may God's goodness bring new life to this new nation.

I pray that they will be protected from their enemies, ... that tribal prejudice will be turned towards neighborly peace, ... that a commitment to integrity and public service will displace the corruption which poisons so much of Africa, ... that agriculture will adapt to the realities of drought and a changing climate with the best of new technologies, ... that schools and hospitals will be built and staffed well, ... that nutrition will improve, ... that wells will be dug and clean water will abound,  ... that women will rise in dignity and that commerce will flourish, ... and that a degraded ecology will be restored.

Above all I pray that the Living Water, the good news of Jesus Christ, will flow like river and win the hearts of millions.

When ancient Jewish refugees returned to their land after exile in Babylon, someone wrote a song. It became #126 in Israel’s Book of Psalms. With a wonderful water-image, it is my song today, adapted for South Sudan. 

When the LORD brought back his exiles to Sudan,
it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the LORD has done for them.”
Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
Restore our fortunes, LORD,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Read Beyond the Euphoria - for a primer on the complex challenges facing South Sudan