The country of South Sudan has been decimated by 55 years of civil war that has resulted in an enormous number of orphaned and abandoned children. More than 90% of the population lives in abject poverty. The heavy hand of persecution has fallen on the Sudanese natives by the Islamic controlled government. The Arabs who have been colonizing South Sudan and other areas in the country have denied access to education. This is not only a slavery tactic, but it keeps people marginalized, and has ruined the country beyond comprehension.

Orphans from Southern Sudan who make their living through fishing. "No fish, no eating," one of them said with a desperate tone. I murmured to myself that schooling these less fortunate children would be the only way of making a lasting difference in their lives.Such a desperate life has pushed many children into unhealthy coping mechanisms and survival strategies like begging, prostitution, theft, and child labor. In such a terrible situation, lack of education plays a major role in the destitution of the orphans and the entire population. Inherent illiteracy and poverty has passed on to children for generations. A full 95% of the South Sudanese population cannot afford to send their children to the few private schools in the country.

To create hope for these orphans and transform the lives of people with such a tragic past requires much prayer, and the efforts of altruistic individuals, especially those of Christian faith. Therefore, let us join our hearts and hands and ask God to bring peace into this devastated land and to send His workers to help transform the country and lives of these bereft children.

As members of Christ’s family, there is no better way of expressing our faith in Him than reaching out to those in desperate need. We ask to share His saving grace and unfailing love. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn".(Rom. 12:15).

In response to their unspeakable suffering, the South Sudan Lutheran Church Mission (SSLCM) in partnership with some congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) will endeavor to build a school that serves more than 1,000 of these fatherless and motherless children. We call it the Good Samaritan Lutheran School.

Two buildings with 8 classrooms that need to be refurbished so that unsponsored orphans will soon start their classes.Currently, our Good Samaritan Lutheran School Project is helping St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Yei, South Sudan to refurbish two buildings with 8 classrooms. There is an immediate need for 861 unsponsored children, so one building will have a roof and the other without so the children will have an opportunity to get started.

A school with 20 classrooms is our long term goal, which may take a while to get completed. We are kindly asking people of all faiths to join in this noble project which will provide quality education to these less fortunate children. Christ-honoring service is motivated by compassion, so our response to helping those in need is for His glory, not ours.

We are pleased and thankful to God for allowing us to bear His witness in this life saving project. Through your prayers and support, these children will know that they are not alone in their hardship.

“Because I delivered the poor who cried out, the fatherless and the one who had no helper” (Job 29:12).

Addressing more than 800 orphans in their Headquarter-St. Paul Anglican Church, Yei, South Sudan: January, 2015.