South Sudan
When Jahim Buli's family woke up in their home in Juba, South Sudan, on Monday, all was quiet.
The quiet was noteworthy, because the weekend kicked off with an outburst of violence between those loyal to the President and those loyal to the Vice President. Earlier this summer, Jahim was hopeful that fragile peace would solidify.
He said,"Join with to thank God for the peace in South Sudan. There is indication from the leader in warring parties of trusting each other to implement the peace."
But on Friday, according to CNN, 150 were killed when heavy gunfire broke out between the opposing groups.
The morning's quiet was just the calm before the storm. "We did not know that the situation will get worst than yesterday," Jahim says.
The sun rose quietly over Juba, South Sudan on Friday. It was just the calm before the storm.
By 9:30am, machine guns and artillery were firing near Jahim's home. A helicopter hovered over their heads.
As the fight intensified, "...a bomb landed 600 meters from my house," Jahim reported. "All my neighbors deserted their homes as the government soldiers command us to leave."
With nowhere else to go, Jahim put his faith in God.
"I got no where to go with my family and all these people in my house. I and these people you see are children of the King," he told the officer, "He will send His soldiers to command, no bullets or bomb will land here into my house and the enemy will not come near us."
At first, the officer acted annoyed. He told Jahim he was putting the lives of those in the house in danger.
Jahim says, "But when he saw the peace and confidence I have in the Lord, he said, "The Lord be with you Abuna."
Abuna means "pastor."
Jahim continues, "After two hours, nothing happened. The army officer came back and told me, 'Abuja, pray for me. You are really a man of God.' I still don't understand what he is trying to tell me. He said, 'I just received a call from the headquarters that the enemy has turned back.' "
The enemy had "somehow" avoided Jahim's house.
Jahim's belief that God would take care of him and his family was a real testimony. This officer wanted what Jahim has. Peace that can't be threatened by circumstances. Jahim prayed with the soldier and led Him to Salvation from the One who offers true peace in the middle of the storm.
Some of the people who had deserted their homes have started to return.
Jahim reports, "This is the problem we facing at the moment. For the last four days the markets is closed. You can't buy food or get water from the water truck."
He appeals, "Pray that God will open heavens to rain, so we can get water. We are eating vegetables that we planted. Keep.Praying.For.Us."
Pray that it will rain, providing water for Jahim and his family.
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