Starting in 1983, Sudan underwent a 22 year civil war which displaced nearly four million people. As men, women, and children fled their homes to escape from the violence, they were forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to survive their walks of exile. A reflection from Cesaria, a 41-year-old refugee:

"There have been lots of problems in my life, but I find God in my prayer and God gives me relief. I know God is with me. Let me give you an example. When we escaped from the war in Kajo Keji, [Sudan] we left with no food. Starving — we were starving. One night, we met a woman in the bush, a local in the area through which we were fleeing, and this woman gave us a goat so that we would not starve.  Can you believe it? A goat! For me, it was a sign of God’s care, and I never let my children forget it. They all remember when God sent an angel so that we would be properly fed. It kept us going until we arrived in Uganda."

Lord, may you remind us that You have called us to carry Your cross and ease the burdens of Your people just as you called Simon.

Let us keep watch with You.