Video: Sunday worship in South Sudan

One of the most memorable experiences from my trip to South Sudan was Sunday worship with a Church of Christ in the rural village of Parajok, just north of the Ugandan border. More than 100 Christians squeezed under a tattered tarp and thatch roof to praise God. (Read a story about the church and see our related Sudan coverage.)
As the service concluded, the Christians exited the humble structure one-by-one and lined up. As they sang, every Christian shook the hand of every other Christian.
For me, though, the most moving part of the service happened before the final song. A boy in tattered clothes, with an open sore on his face, walked up to me and handed me a cup of water. The water came from the nearby river, and I had been warned not to drink from it. One of the church members — not knowing if I knew that or not —  jumped up quickly and took the cup from me. He led the boy away.
Every time I buy bottled water at Wal-Mart, I see that boy’s face.

Christians shake hands and sing as worship concludes in Parajok, South Sudan. (Photo by Erik Tryggestad)

• Feedback
  Thank you Bobby! I look and I see the spread of God’s kingdom all over the world. This story is so inspirational in many ways. Keep up the good work
  of reporting as much news as you can.

  Raymond Coats

  July, 9 2011

  Erik, Inspiring ! Willis

  Willis Page

  July, 9 2011

  My time working for the church in Elbasan, Albania was brought back to mind reading your story of the saints in South Sudan. In the villages we used to see some horrendous sights, and it always made me realise just how lucky we are in the west.
  Here in the UK even we Christians complain about almost everything. It’s a national hobby of ours. Maybe we should see more like that little boy and his cup of water. I am sure, like I was in Albania, thanking God for what I had.

  PeteHodge

  July, 9 2011

  Erik…great story and praise God for what He is doing all around the world. Thank you VERY much for always keeping our eyes open to such important stories!

  Jeff McMillon

  July, 11 2011

  A cup of water is quite a gift. May we all emulate the giver, and help HHI and other efforts to help our brothers and sisters have good water to drink, and gardens to grow food! Lazarus is knocking at the door.

  Robert Grissom

  December, 8 2011