Tragically, after surviving decades of civil war and achieving independence, South Sudan continues to endure cycles of ethnic, political and resource-based conflict. This violence, however, does not reflect the hearts of the masses who long for a peaceful future for their children. While South Sudanese work diligently to address these issues, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Reformed Church in America have joined their efforts by sending Reverends Nancy & Shelvis Smith-Mather. Shelvis is the Principal of the RECONCILE Peace Institute(RPI). The RPI equips leaders to initiate sustainable peace in places of high conflict and trauma. Nancy is the Project Manager for the South Sudan education and peace building project, developing peace and advancing education in collaboration with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, Across, Yei Teacher Training College and RECONCILE International.