Recent weeks have brought renewed insecurity to several communities in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Despite these challenges, missionaries continue their presence alongside the people they serve.

Sr. Veronica Añonuevo, ICM, shares a personal reflection from Riimenze on what it means to live and serve amid uncertainty while remaining rooted in faith and hope.

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Living Each Day Amidst Uncertainty

By Sr. Veronica Añonuevo, ICM

In recent weeks, several attacks have occurred in different areas near Bazungua. Armed men attacked a military checkpoint and nearby houses, killing two people. They threw the bodies into the fire and burned homes and a stranded truck.

A few days later in Bazumbura, the clinic was vandalized. Medicines were taken and some men were abducted to carry the stolen goods to the attackers’ camp. The men were released the next day, but fear remained among the people.

The following week, another attack happened in Makpandu. The armed group burned the wildlife station and the military barracks. The commander-in-chief of the military was wounded in his arm. The soldiers were outnumbered and had to retreat. The dispensary was looted, and the guard who tried to protect it lost his life.

Because of these incidents, many people now live in tension and often hide in the bush for safety. In those moments I sometimes ask myself, When will this end?

Amid this uncertainty, doubts and fears arise within me. Yet prayer reminds me that God has called me to this mission. Faith gives me strength and perseverance to continue serving despite the challenges.

Riimenze has remained untouched so far, and recently the government sent additional soldiers to protect the people. Their presence brings some reassurance to the community.

This experience has become a personal testimony for me that God is always present. Even in uncertainty and fear, I have learned to trust more deeply in God.

With the support of my colleagues, the community, and my congregation, I continue this mission with hope and faith that peace will one day return.

In God’s Mission,

Sr. Veronica Añonuevo, ICM
SAP–Riimenze

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Friends in Solidarity asks you to keep Sr. Veronica and all missionaries serving in South Sudan in your prayers as they continue their work alongside local communities.

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