Lobong to parents: Prayers, not partying, will save your children from problems

By Theophilous Ochang

Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong, has called on parents to guide back their children to the church as a quick-path to spiritual nourishment and answer to their every day challenges.

Speaking during the celebration of Bishop’s Anniversary at St Peter’s and Paul Cathedral Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Torit on Saturday, Lobong attributed the pilling challenges to the public straying away from God and instead spending time on entertainment.

“Our country is facing challenges because we have neglected prayers. This is likely caused by the large number of people, especially youths, failing to go to church. These people just spend their time on entertainment rather than worship,” the Governor said, claiming that places of worship have been left for older people.

Youth, he said, have also stopped attending important social meetings in communities, missing out on the crucial element of knowledge sharing and networking.

To reverse this situation, the Governor urged parents to guide their children into attending church services.

“Let’s go out there, talk to our children and convince them to go back to  church, and pray for the country so that together, we can help solve the challenges spiritually,” he said.

“We are seeing many youths joining gangs and other criminal enterprises. Young boys joining Niggas group and very young girls moving around.” 

He urged the public to remain optimistic despite the biting challenging times.

South Sudan has faced various political and economic challenges ahead of its anticipated elections. The governors message could come in handy by nurturing a well-bred and unified society.

Young people have in many political campaigns used to fan and met violence on people. Police crackdowns have continued to nab a large group of youths suspected to be criminals, as theft of items such as handbags and phones become common in some parts of the city.