Vicky Waraka
Death, Destruction and Bombs: A way of Life
In 1956, Sudan gained their independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, national politics have been controlled by military regimes with Islamic platforms. Southern Sudan, which is non-Muslim and non-Arabic, has been fighting for freedom from the Arab Northern Sudanese military, who attempted to obliterate the cultural fabric that binds the south by burning crops, poisoning wells and destroying schools, hospitals, and churches. The civil war ended in 1972, but broke out again in 1983. The damage done by this second civil war combined with famine totaled more than 2 million deaths and 4 million Sudanese displaced over a period of just 20 years. (CIA, 1 November 2005, Sudan [Online], Available: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/su.html) This displacement has lead to tribal disagreements and violence between crowded, conflicting people groups.
The American response to the terrorist attacks in New York on 9/11 and the re-election of George W. Bush weakened the Iraqi and Al-Quada support of Arab government in Northern Sudan. Without the support of their allies, the Northern Sudanese Government was forced to cease fire allow the Christians in Southern Sudan to live in peace. (Peter Hammond (16 January 2006). Peace In Sudan [Online]. Available: http://www.frontline.org.za)
As a result of the government’s bombings and attacks on South Sudan, most of the people are very poor and unable to bring home much income. Many were killed leaving widows and orphans to eek out a living on their own somehow. With few resources or jobs available, most South Sudanese wonder where their next meal will come from. Those who were lucky enough to survive the war, find themselves entreated to take in their friends’ or relatives’ orphans, even though they can’t really afford to feed their own children.
Vicky Waraka
Vicky completed her master’s degree in Uganda, and turned down several high paying positions with the government there because God called her to return to her people in Sudan. Vicky has never been married or had any children of her own, but currently, she has 11 children in her care. Their ages range from 5-20. Vicky does not see herself as merely a guardian, providing shelter, food, clothing for them, but also as their mother, taking responsibility for discipling and counseling each of them individually. Each morning, she and her children enjoy daily devotions together, before the school-aged children head to school. If caring for 11 children doesn’t keep her busy enough, through the Women’s League, Vicki serves others in the community who need assistance.
Vicky showed herself to be a true servant when ITMI missionary, Thomas Kenning, contracted malaria while in Sudan, and she sat faithfully at his bedside as if he were her own son, even though she was risking her own health. Vicky has a willing heart that is always ready to serve, but she is limited by her means.
Vicky is “just the most gracious, sweet, unimposing, invigorating, gentle, wonderful person,” says ITMI Director, Steve Evers, who met Vicky on his last trip to Sudan, “I try to take pictures of her face, but I can’t do her justice. I don’t think there’s any way to capture joy and gentleness with an image.” Vicky shared with Steve that some days, she struggles to get out of bed because she doesn’t know how she will feed her children that day. Vicky does not have a steady income to support her large family with. Knowing the challenge that it is for a married couple to raise 11 children in America, with all of our luxuries, then imagine raising 11 children alone, without even the luxury of running water or a telephone. These are the obstacles that are in Vicky’s path as she serves her family, church and community, but she does everything with a cheerful heart, glad to be considered worthy to serve her Savior.
The Women’s League: Hope for the Hopeless
The Women’s League of the Church of Sudan, made up of the women of the church, has been and continues to be a light in the darkness. Their extensive, creative and industrious outreaches to the community have provided hope for the hopeless and have been instrumental in showing Christ’s love to the widows, orphans and needy of the community. The ongoing activities and outreaches provided by the League include women’s seminars, aid for widows, especially those with children, aid for the elderly and orphans. The women’s seminars offered by the League are a cherished opportunity for the women of the area to grow and fellowship. The women desire to be a part so badly that they will come from miles around: some walk 70 miles to attend. One of the past projects of the League was purchasing a flour mill, which allows the women of the community to turn their grain to flour easily. Before the local mill, women hiked 17 miles with their grain in tow to the flour mill. While this is a service to the community, it is also a wise business investment on the part of the Women’s League: the money it raises goes directly back into their treasury and is used in the community.
This is truly an exceptionally motivated and worthy group of women who desire to serve Jesus with what they have been given. They have endured much for their faith and have been strengthened by the fire of persecution. They have shown that they are committed to Him though the cost is great. Their hearts and hands are willing, but their resources are limited. Its members, individually and corporately, live to serve their families, their church, and their community.
The Women Served
These women are a good example of the need for the ministries of the Women’s League. These are some of the women who attended a seminar put on by the Women’s League. Two of these women had such a need for spiritual encouragement that they walked 70 miles to attend! They are the only two Christians in their village, so there is no church to encourage, teach or disciple them in their faith. They desire to learn and grow in their faith so they can reach the rest of the people in their village, and the Women’s League in Mundri has been instrumental in their journey to knowing Jesus better.
