Hope and a uture

All the South Sudanese I know worked very hard to make sure that they and all their friends and family could vote in the recent referendum. Mike was able to vote in Nairobi, his brother Mogga voted in Juba, and Bishop Francis, who was still recovering from brucellosis was in hospital in Uganda, but managed to vote in Kampala. There is now much joy and hope, but also a realisation that there is so much to be done.

Bishop Ezekiel (from Twik Diocese, I think) spoke at a training event last weekend, and reminded us that all - but all - of South Sudan's infrastructure was destroyed in the civil war, and many people do not even have a roof over their heads.

But Mike and Mogga remain indestructibly positive.

Mike is now in his third year of university, and so far has passed all the exams - he has some every single term! We have discovered that he and my sister share a love of Manchester United. Because of a childhood illness, Mike can no longer play, but he loves following Man United, and looks forward to their game every week.

A the moment, I am hoping to raise some extra money to replace his second-hand laptop, which has finally and irrevocably died. So far, we have sent over £8,000 in all, which has paid for university fees, and basic expenses like rent, books, travel and food.

Mike's latest message ends:We all need God's help in what we are doing May God bless you abundantly and your hands for the work you are doing God bless you all.