4th February 2026

Violence and conflict in South Sudan rarely makes the international news. Since the start of the year, fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), has intensified in Jonglei state. Tensions in South Sudan escalated in early 2025, exposing deep divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. UNICEF warned yesterday that more than 450,000 children in Jonglei state are at imminent risk of acute malnutrition as escalating violence has caused widespread displacement and disrupted essential health services.  According to the government agency Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, 250,000 people have been displaced, primarily in the northern and central regions of the state. UNICEF also warned of a potential cholera outbreak in Duk County.   UNICEF country representative Noala Skinner said in a statement. “We know that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die.”  She encouraged all parties to immediately stop the violence and ensure “rapid, unimpeded, safe access” for humanitarian aid and workers to reach highly vulnerable, displaced groups. 

Loving God, we place into your care all in Jonglei state affected by the wider conflict across South Sudan. Console with your presence all who are fearful, exhausted, and grieving. Bring hope for healing in the region.  We ask that you will travel with, and lead to safety, all displaced from their homes. May they have food, water, support and a secure shelter. Embrace with your love all who now face an uncertain future.  Lord Jesus, you challenge us to love our neighbour, to do good, and to seek justice, and so we give you thanks and praise for the staff at UNICEF and all who are working in South Sudan to provide humanitarian aid.  We ask your protection for them, and your blessing upon their work.  We also pray that you will guide the leaders of fighting factions to come to a place where violence can cease, talking begin, and the needs of the people they seek to lead can be made their main priority. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

A customer rushed into Evans Food Mart in Fort Worth, Texas, one morning with alarming news. Bobbi, a homeless woman, was lying frozen outside. Without hesitation, Faris Hussain, the manager of the convenience store, ran outside to help. When Faris reached Bobbi he found her stiff and frozen solid, barely able to move.  “She felt like a rock, as stiff as a rock. When I picked her up, her entire body was just – it was like no matter which way you picked her up, her body was going to stay the same form,” he said. She had been out all night in the rain and freezing temperatures. Faris carried her into the store, where she slowly began to warm up. Paramedics were called and took Bobbi to the hospital where she recovered.  Bobbi later said that night had been her 50th birthday, but the warm shelter she where she had planned to spend the night was already closed. Bobbi said she crawled through the ice trying to get help, even leaving her shoes behind because she couldn’t get them on. “You know, it’s kind of like, ‘God was watching over you—like, no, we’re going to make sure you’re good,’” Faris said. Bobbi thanked everyone who had helped her, saying that she hopes her story inspires others to step in when someone is in need.

Psalm 23 (CEV)

You, Lord, are my shepherd.

I will never be in need.

You let me rest in fields of green grass.

You lead me to streams of peaceful water,

and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,

and you lead me along the right paths.

I may walk through valleys as dark as death,

but I won’t be afraid.

You are with me,

and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,

while my enemies watch.

You honour me as your guest,

and you fill my cup until it overflows.

Your kindness and love will always be with me

each day of my life,

and I will live forever in your house, Lord.