God is Good in South Sudan
GO! | God is Good
June 25, 2019 – As many of you know, I arrived back home a week ago from my 12th trip to Africa since 2006. We traveled to both Kenya and South Sudan but did not make it to Zambia as our plan was altered along the way.
During my travels to Africa I have oftentimes heard “God is Good” and the response is “And He’s Good all of the time”. A visit to a place like South Sudan may call this theory into question, however, after my time there I would have to add, “and He’s good in South Sudan too”!
A few unflattering South Sudan Facts:
Around 83% of the country’s population lives in circular stick and mud structures called “tukels”. These rustic cottages generally have no windows are tall and have thatched-grass roofs
More than 4 million people are displaced because of conflict and hunger, including 2.2 million who have fled to neighboring countries since December 2013
At the height of the crisis, close to 72 percent of South Sudan’s children were not in school, the highest proportion in the world
The U.N. children’s agency estimates that 19,000 children have served as child armed combatants or support staff in the conflict since 2013
Since independence for Sudan in 1956 it is estimated that the people in the south (South Sudan) have experienced just 5-years of peace
Disruption to trade routes and food markets mean the conflict is increasing hunger even in areas not affected by the fighting
About 60% of South Sudan is inaccessible by road during the rainy season, complicating relief efforts
Poverty is endemic with at least 80 percent of the population defined as income-poor and living on an equivalent of less than US$1 per day
5.5 million experience food insecurity and are in danger of starvation
O.K., I think you get the picture. During my 6 or so days in South Sudan, it was not difficult to see the need. It was everywhere you turned. In fact, if you’re not careful it can become overwhelming. I was looking and observing, but I couldn’t help but see the possibilities for the people of this beautiful land. So much beauty and so much good is happening in South Sudan. You just have to see the forest through the trees!
This doesn’t mean that the people don’t need help, but I firmly believe if the peace can be maintained, that the people of South Sudan will prosper. Especially vulnerable in this transition are the children -specifically the orphaned children.
So how do we help? First, we keep feeding the now 600 children that we feed at two schools in the Aweil area of South Sudan. You simply can’t beat the efficiency of feeding so many children all for about $0.20 per serving. This is life sustaining for many of these vulnerable children not to mention that the kitchen volunteers, the teachers, and the security personnel who also get a meal.
Second, our plan is to invest in these two schools, and maybe other locations, to build latrines, kitchens, and storage facilities that will allow the World Food Program to provide the food for these children in 2020. This partnership will sustain this feeding program for these 600 children and maybe even serve more children in need next year. Time is of the essence as WFP will make their school decisions in October. I am just waiting to receive specs on what is needed and then we’ll get our costs together. We also have $7,000 to raise for the sorghum that will provide for this program through the end of 2019. You can feed a child today here!
I am so thankful to witness so much hope in a place like South Sudan, and grateful too for so many of you that have walked out in faith to provide for the least of these. God is good!
Blessings, Scott
P.S. For many of you that are aware of issues that Ernie experienced in South Sudan I wanted to let you know that he arrived home safely on Tuesday of last week, and we are both thankful for all of the prayer during our time away.
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at South Sudan Nutrition.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.