Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan - Update
John Jock, UN Education Coordinator for the Ethiopian Refugee Camps, surrounded by children from the camps
Nearly 400,000 people live in six United Nations Refugee Camps in western Ethiopia near the border with Sudan and South Sudan. People have been in the camps since the 2013 civil war in Sudan, UN average stay is 20 years.
The Outreach Foundation has worked in the camps for years. Most recently, with the help of our donors, we provided 20,000 Bibles in the Nuer language for people in the camps. The results have been incredible. These Bibles have helped create a conducive Christian atmosphere. There are now 178 churches in the camps. There is Bible training, Christian education, and evangelism. The results have been remarkable.
On a recent trip to this area (Gambella, Ethiopia, about a one-hour flight from the capital city of Addis Abba) we had planned to visit the camps (this takes UN permission and three days of form approval and interviews). We were finally granted permission to go. On the day of our visit, rebel insurgents entered Gambella City and the whole region went into lockdown, including the camps. Airports, roads, schools, and businesses were closed. The people in the camps were very disappointed as they were eagerly awaiting our team’s arrival. So, to share their program and excitement, they created a short video of some of the songs they had prepared. I think you will find it beyond precious.
There are several requests for assistance. Most of the people in the camp are in need of trauma healing. Classes have begun but more resources are needed to continue. In addition, the camps are requesting more Bibles (cost is $7). Most needed are prayers for the beautiful people of Africa that have been displaced through no fault of their own. Should you choose to give, designate gifts to Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan.
Mark Mueller
Executive Director
Read more about Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Rebuilding Hope in South Sudan. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help address the needs requested by the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan including trauma healing training, early childhood education, Bibles, and emergency relief. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.