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Free at Last! Celestin Reflects on Independence
Posted on July 09, 2011
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"Free at last!" The words of the famous song were sung by many today as people gathered to celebrate the birth of a new nation- the Republic of South Sudan. I met three ladies early this morning on their way to the celebration who told me, "Today is a great day for our nation! It makes our troubles worthwhile. We are free! We are a people and we are a nation."
The neighbors in the north have told the Southern Sudan black and christian alike, that they were not human, but worst than slaves. But today the sentiments and feelings of the majority of the new nation were made clear through signs, songs, tears, joy, and celebration. Today their dignity is defended. Today, the people of Southern Sudan are free. What a joy to witness such a historic moment in the life of a nation whose people have suffered so much.
Eleven years ago, when I first visited South Sudan, I experienced air bombing by the Khartoum Government. Today, I sat just a few meters away from President Omar Bashir of Sudan. He came to celebrate the Independence of a nation, and of a people, he once sought to destroy!
Tears of joy run like a river on my sweating cheeks as I witness the parade of military and soldiers who have fought for the freedom and independence we are witnessing. One of the most significant moments for me was the moment I saw a joyful and enthusiastic soldier who lost half of both his arms during the war. He was one of the happiest persons I saw at the parade even though he had sacrificed so much.
This was a spiritual moment for me. I felt like the Lord was asking me this question: "What are you willing to lose for the battle for those who need freedom from sin? What price are you willing to pay to set my people free from slavery and from ignorance of not knowing my Word?"
I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to witness such an historic occasion with our ALARM Sudan staff. I would like to thank our partners who have prayed, given, trained, supported, visited, encouraged, and served the suffering and persecuted Chuch of Sudan. My prayer is that we will be willing to make the ultimate sacrifices for the sake of Christ, not only in South Sudan but also in the northern regions of Sudan.
With Love from Celestin in the NEW South Sudan!
