| At the moment the situation in Riimenze is calm. We were told by the authorities that there are more military men patrolling in the area. People are back to their houses. But of course, the atmosphere is tensed and we can feel that people are afraid. We do not even find fresh fish because people are afraid to go further in the riverside area.
Below is a short reflection on why I am still in Riimenze.
Call to Mission In the silence of Riimenze, the night often carries the weight of uncertainty and the shadow of fear. As I close my eyes each night I can only whisper to God a short prayer: “In You Lord, I entrust everything”. As I open my eyes in the morning my lips murmur a prayer of gratitude: I am alive, a profound realization. To remain in South Sudan amidst the threat of violence is a daily choice. One morning, while preparing for flag ceremony in St. Dominic Savio Nursery School we heard gunshots. We ran from the ground to one classroom. I could only hold in my heart the image of our new teachers gathering the children, making sure that everyone is safe. Fortunately, we were told the gunshots came from those youth/military men testing their rifles. Still, it is so traumatizing. In my silent moments I ask myself why am I still in Riimenze? I have only one answer: Call to Mission. God has sent me through my ICM congregation to witness to God’s faithful love, God’s mercy. If I am still here and choose to stay it is only because of my FAITH. The faith that moves me to action, to trust, to embrace and to let go even of my fear so that God can use me to ensure His presence as a living, breathing reality for our people.
Agnes Lozano Marcelino, ICM |
Date Published:14 March 2026 Author:Agnes Lozano Marcelino, ICM
Article Tags: South Sudan, Blog, Solidarity |
