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April 4, 2020Dear Parishioners,
Mike Garr has been giving us a Covid-19 perspective from his missionary work in Mombasa, Kenya. He shared with me the following letter from Gabe, a fellow Maryknoll Lay Missionary serving in South Sudan. I met Gabe when he and Mike and the rest of the Maryknoll Lay Missionaries were commissioned in December, 2017. The message he shares is very powerful. Please pray for all missionaries and the people they serve, especially in this time of crisis.
Father Jim Eisele
SOUTH SUDAN AND C-19 ( 03.April.2020 )
How ironic that South Sudan, one of the poorest and most corrupt governments in the world, has yet to confirm a case in the country. This unfortunately has a down side as many citizens feel they are protected and few are taking any precautions.
But by the Grace of God there are no "confirmed" cases to date. I suspect the Min. of Health has some suspicions but has not publicly announced yet. They have mysteriously implemented very strict measures which are good but one wonders why at this time and without warning? Perhaps....? On the other side, many South Sudanese continue to sneak across the borders and infiltrate into the country. We just heard of some two dozen who left self isolation and “escaped”. The government is aware but of limited power to contain these people or shut off thousands of kilometers of jungle border paths. I even heard that 30 people from Khartoum somehow crossed the river Nile and entered the POC in Malakal. How is that possible with UN peace keepers guarding the gates?
The Government of South Sudan is trying. They have so many problems and this virus is really beyond their capacity. When it arrives there will be major upheaval. As it is, the GOSS has closed all but essential businesses. In fact, most people get around on motorcycle taxis and the GOSS has forbidden the taxi drivers to carry any passengers. How will they get to work? Street restaurants are ordered to close. Shops are shuttered. Many small businesses are closed. So how do these people survive? I have no idea how they survived before and now this. May God have mercy on them and their families.
Solidarity has shut the Teacher Training College, the Health Training Institute and the Pastoral Program. The Agriculture program continues on a limited basis as people are outside working their own farms. Here in Juba, it is difficult for us to strictly isolate with so many living in this house ( 6 ) and so many coming and going throughout the day as the Solidarity Guest House is also the Solidarity office.
I try to reassure and constantly educate people on hand washing and all the other measures to mitigate the spread of disease. Some are scared and they don’t really understand the gravity of the situation. In a country where people are barely surviving to shut down business, prevent public transport, and close food markets is a huge problem. These people don’t have bank account savings. They don’t have reserves. They don’t have alternatives. And they don’t have a government able to give them assistance.
When faced with uncertainty I find myself praying more fervently. I am more focused on God as I realize how little control I have even over my own body. How can something so small that you need a micron microscope to see change the world in less than 3 months? A virus that we can’t see, touch, or smell, can’t talk to, shoot at, walk away from, or ignore has come into our lives and turned everything upside down. It is a good reminder of how frail and weak we are as God’s children. How much we really need each other. I think eventually this will lead to world wide good will as people will put aside differences and work toward a more stable, just and peaceful world. This is my prayer. Blessings to all for health…Gabe
Dear All,
As the world reels from the reality of this Virus that cannot be seen, I offer my observations from South Sudan.
In a peculiar way South Sudanese are uniquely prepared for this Corona Virus. They have suffered for generations. From the moment of birth to the end of their lives they carry Life on the right shoulder and Death on the left. They never are quite sure which shoulder will dominate. Very few of the people have grown up with more than one full meal a day. Malnutrition, hunger, and famine are a way of life. Malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, HIV, and a whole host of other diseases assail them throughout their lives. Floods, locusts, and drought frequently ravage their subsistence farming. On top of this they have had to deal with war and conflict, violence and viciousness for many generations. It is said that 70 % of the women in the camps have been abused and raped. Domestic violence is all too common. Let us not forget the poor leadership and corruption which has caused much of the suffering.
But in spite of this bleak picture, these South Sudanese persevere. They are tough. They don’t despair. They keep going. They prefer the right shoulder but if the left shoulder should dominate, they accept and move on. When given the chance they will enjoy life to the fullest despite all the difficulties. They pray on their knees and their faith is deep and ingrained. Like St. Paul, theirs is a life full of goodness and bad. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) Their toughness allows them to deal with both; come what may.
So this Corona Virus is at the doorstep. As in the whole world, it dominates. The South Sudanese meet this trial like they have met the challenge of so many troubles throughout their lives. They will find a way to survive. They will keep their faith. I admire that and am honored to be here with them.
I am praying especially for those of you who are in the front lines of this fight against the virus. God bless you for your sacrifice and courage......with prayers.....
Gabe
