Friends,

There are days, like today, where I look out my window and I am truly surprised by what I see.  This morning, for instance, I saw snow…in mid-April…in a year where I barely saw any during the “winter months”.  That is not what I was expecting, and my first thought was about how that snow was going to negatively affect the commute for so many people.  It seemed like a big deal.

Then I got to work, and my perspective changed rather dramatically.  Our friends and partners on the ground in South Sudan have recently been looking out their windows and seeing surprising things too.  But for them it isn’t snow or even strange weather.  For them they are seeing conflict.  And they are hearing conflict.  And their commute isn’t being affected, their lives are being altered.  And that’s why I am writing you today.  We want your prayers.  They need your prayers.

In the last few days, much of the staff at our project in Aweil East, South Sudan have been relocated to Aweil Town.  Relocatable staff and all vehicles have been moved, and some of our project implementation has been suspended for safety reasons.

Staff have been moved to strategic locations so that if air evacuation is needed, we can move quickly and efficiently.  In fact, our partner on the ground has changed their assessment of the security level to a Level 3 – which basically means “prepare to evacuate”.

These staff members are amazing men and women (mostly from neighboring countries) who have given up much to work in difficult conditions.  While they would never be comfortable with the label, they are my heroes.  And they are heroes to the South Sudanese men, women and children they are there to work alongside.  Would you take a moment and pray with us for the situation there?  We are praying for:

    • Safety for the people in the area of conflict – civilians and staff of organizations (ours and others working in the area)
    • Emotional protection and healing for those frightened by the conflict – especially children
    • Peace in the region – a complete cessation of hostilities of any kind and physical and emotional peace for the people there.  Peace is especially important for farmers needing to plant their crops.  It is difficult to get out and plant in an environment of fear – thoughts are more toward fleeing to safety than to the daily work necessary for staying.
    • Continuity of our project – we are in an incredibly important season for our project.  The rainy season begins in May, and right now is when we distribute seeds to the people we work with.  Missing the planting has long term impacts on people’s food security.
    • Stability so that the much needed projects there can move ahead as planned and long term sustainability can be achieved

Thank you for your prayers and your partnership.  Your partnership makes everything we do possible, and your prayers are coveted – especially during times like these.

On behalf of our partners, thank you.

Eric Frans, CFRE

Director of Philanthropy