When Bishop Emmanuel visits Sirimon and Kuda, two of his parishes within Rokon Diocese, South Sudan, he meets hardworking people experiencing real pain. Most of the men in those parishes have been killed or recruited by armed raiders, meaning the women shoulder the burden of providing for their families. These women want to grow their own food, but they need tools, seeds and training to produce enough for their families. And despite being assessed 9 times by other NGOs, neither community has been given any outside support before.
Bishop Emmanuel says:
“People are crying “Please support us. We are hardworking people, but we just need some seeds to start. We need some tools to start. If we are given all this, we’ll be able to support ourselves.”
Sirimon and Kuda are just one part of a hunger crisis in South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world on the brink of civil war. 6 million people face a life-threatening lack of access to food because of ongoing conflict and displacement.
On the surface, the situation seems hopeless. But we have a God who sees people that the world turns its back on, who calls us to help our neighbours in need, and who can bring joy and comfort even in the midst of deep sorrow.
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy“ – Psalm 126:5
Determined to help Sirimon and Kuda, Bishop Emmanuel approached AID, who have worked with him for years, for support to run an agriculture project. The new project aims to give 250 farmers seeds, tools and training by local experts to feed their families, beat hunger and earn a living by selling crops. And through prayer, Bible reflection and farming in family-like groups, it will help people traumatised by conflict heal together and encounter the hope of the gospel.
From 9th-22nd, could you help us raise £20,000 for church-led agriculture projects like Bishop Emmanuel’s in time for planting season in March? As well as Sirimon and Kuda, we are raising money for an agriculture project for South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda, led by Bishop Seme. Over the next fortnight, every pound you donate will be matched. £10 becomes £20, £50 becomes £100 and so on.
Can you donate today to double your impact and help South Sudanese families reap a harvest of joy and hope?