MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2026
Gabe Hurrish, South Sudan
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I lived in South Sudan for eight years. I seldom had total access to internet, newspapers, TV or radio news. It has occurred to me that this was a sort of blessing. There is so much bad news being reported over and over again. South Sudan alone has an overabundance of negativity every day. How depressing if one allows that side of reality get under their skin. In situations where there is nothing but dark news most of the time, I often ponder how I can teach non-violence, peace and hope? Is it realistic under these circumstances? My faith in God leads me to believe there is always hope and that peace is the only way.
A South Sudanese man delivers bags of charcoal from his motorbike.
I incorporate my beliefs into my teachings and lifestyle. In South Sudan, there were so many young minds watching me at all times in the parish. It may not be apparent but they were learning from what I did and what I said. I could be talking with person A but in reality it is person B standing off to the side who was listening. I sowed seeds but will not see the result. Only the Holy Spirit’s movements will tell with time.
An African elder once said to me: “Foreigner, we know you come from a far away, great, rich country. We know you have left your family. We know you can’t speak our language or know our culture. Yet, you are here. We accept you.”
It always seems like hatred wins. That evil is overwhelming us. That we don’t stand a chance. Yet, I believe that God wins with defeat. In a great mysterious way, God uses defeat to bring about His Kingdom. Look at Jesus on the Cross. Seemingly, utter defeat and loss. Yet, somehow, someway, a miracle occurred. Here we Christians are thousands of years later as the dominant force for good in the world. How did that happen from a young man hanging on a cross? Believe in miracles.
A crucifix is attached to a wall in a South Sudanese Chapel.
There are shining lights of joy and happiness in the dark world. In South Sudan, I saw men and women who were somehow surviving and thriving in spite of the rigid political system and a repressive security state. I didn’t have to work hard to find those beautiful people who kept their faith even in such situations.
Many years ago, I was working in an emergency situation where hundreds of thousands were at risk. Millions of dollars were pouring in. We were tracking and accounting all that aid. Then we received a check for $3.87. I thought it was a mistake. But NO! It was a Mongolian kindergarten class that cared about the suffering people and wanted to help. I dropped everything that very moment to write a heartfelt thank you. Like the widow’s mite in the Bible, they gave from their want. With young people like that, our world is not lost yet!
May God send the Holy Spirit to create generous hearts that shine their lights in the darkness. There is always hope. Amen.
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Gabe Hurrish works in parish ministry at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Riwoto in the South Sudanese state of Eastern Equatoria. He has served as a Maryknoll lay missioner in South Sudan since 2018.
