Searching for Some Relief

Displaced South Sudanese families gathering in New Site, Juba, 

searching for some relief.

Last month, our South Sudanese partner church completed an emergency relief intervention to reduce cases of starvation and provide supplementary rations for 400 vulnerable families living in the New Site IDP camp in Juba, South Sudan.

The period between harvests when food is scarce is known as the "lean season". The term does little justice to the food crisis currently being felt throughout South Sudan. According to UN data, 7.5 million people across the country currently face "severe food insecurity" and are in need of humanitarian assistance.  Although international aid has been coming into Unity State, where famine had been declared, persistent armed conflict is leading to widespread starvation and destitution.

Hundreds of people lining up for the May Distribution at New Site

For a closer perspective and understanding of the crisis, we recommend reading the story of Mary Cholil published today in the Guardian. Mary is one of the countless displaced people desperate for help. She found her way to an IDP camp in the community Pibor, as she sought food and shelter for her children after their village was raided and burned by soldiers. Sadly she did not reach the camp soon enough. During her five-day walk to the camp, her three-year-old daughter died. Mary had to leave her body behind under a bush as she pushed onward with her other children.

As journalist Jason Burke tells the story of Mary and others in the Pibor camp, he ends his article by sharing a scene that has become familiar to us.

"Outside Pibor’s battered primary school a group of schoolgirls gather as goats are handed over by an aid agency to the families of former child soldiers. The students form a line and dance slowly and carefully.  

“There is no more rejoicing in our country. There is no more moving together in our country. But in the name of Jesus, we hope for ever,” they sing."

Beneficiaries received cooking oil, maize flour, and beans

As families measured out supplementary rations during the May relief distribution, pastors and parishioners from the FEBAC church were there to help. 

The FEBAC relief projects work hard to show no favoritism. Beneficiaries are selected in consultation with local authorities and agencies with a focus on helping the most vulnerable in the community. First help goes to pregnant and lactating mothers, the elderly, and disabled.

The concern and solidarity of the church helped people to know that they are not alone.

Rev. Jeremiah Deng overseeing the ministry in Juba

Following the May distribution, the small local FEBAC church began seeing people from the camp coming to their worship services. More than the supplementary food rations, the community is searching for hope.

"There has been remarkable spiritual impact as well," shared Rev. Saphano Riak. "After the distribution of the food items, the following Sunday was full. In attendance were most of the beneficiaries and during the service thirty-one people accepted Christ and gave their lives to Jesus."

Please join us in praying for the country of South Sudan and for the ministry of the Faith Evangelical Baptist Churches. We pray for the pastors and small communities of faith that are struggling to bring hope and relief to their communities.