In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world’ (Jn16:33)
My Fellow South Sudanese Christians,
Easter greetings to you all in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Although we may not enjoy the Easter celebration together this year as usual because the whole world has been locked down and threaten by Coronavirus pandemic, I want to let you know that the first Easter happened at a time of great fear, sorrow and despair like we are experiencing this year. The disciples were all at home with doors locked fearing for their lives.
The Easter story began in fear and despair, but it ended in hope and great joy. The disciples locked themselves in in fear, but the risen Lord entered the place where they had locked themselves in and said to them: “Peace be with you” [John 20:19]. It is my prayer that this year the risen Lord will visit each one of you in your homes with the same message of peace, joy and protection over your life.
May His victory over death be ours as we struggle to fight the threat of this pandemic disease and at the same time struggle with the full implementation of the revitalised peace agreement in our country of South Sudan.
I urge every individual, and all South Sudanese families, to take this moment of lockdown as a moment of great revival, repentance, renewal, reconciliation and time of persistent prayer for God’s divine intervention in our nation and every country in the world.
May the blessings of the Risen Lord be upon you all.
Happy Easter.
The Most Rev’d Dr. Justin Badi Arama
Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Metropolitan Bishop of Juba Diocese
