Catholic Bishop Tells South Sudanese Youths to Be Resilient: “Your present situation is not your final destination”

The South Sudanese Catholic Bishop advises young people not to lose hope when faced with life’s challenges, saying, “Life will sometimes delay you, reject you, disappoint you and make you question your future. But do not give up on God, and do not give up on yourself.”

He further encourages the youth to look beyond their current circumstances, especially when facing setbacks that may cause them to question their abilities or prospects, cautioning them against interpreting delayed answers as God’s absence.

“Your present situation is not your final destination. Sometimes God does not answer immediately because He is also building patience, courage and character in us,” the Bishop says.

While acknowledging that young people may face delays, rejection and disappointment, Bishop Hiiboro emphasizes that such experiences should not define their lives and that faith should be accompanied by perseverance and a willingness to take responsibility for matters within their control 

“Pray, but also work. Believe, but also prepare. Fall, but rise again. Be humble, but never lose your dignity. Start small, but keep going,” he says.

The Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Diocese sees a connection between the Christian understanding of perseverance and lessons from Stoic philosophy and entrepreneurship.

The Stoics, he says, “remind us to focus on what we can control. Great entrepreneurs remind us to learn from failure, persevere, and keep building. The Canaanite woman teaches us to bring all of this together with faith in God.”

Bishop Hiiboro appeals to the young people to remain committed to God while continuing to work towards their goals rather than allowing difficulties to weaken their faith and trust in God.

“My dear brothers and sisters, especially our young people: remain faithful, remain resilient and keep moving forward. God never abandons those who trust in Him,” he says.

He also prays that South Sudan would have a generation of young people who refuse to surrender their hope, faith and aspirations despite the challenges they encounter.