“They are coming to start from zero,” - Albino Akol Atak, the South Sudan Minister of Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management.  

Dear Friend,

It is not easy to read the news on South Sudan.  Oftentimes, it is hard to comprehend how an already difficult situation can get any worse. Flooding disaster struck Renk County, South Sudan where Five Talents works, and submerged and damaged many properties. Houses collapsed, roads were destroyed, people were displaced from homes, and the only transportation means are by canoe or footing.

And yet, Five Talents seeks to minister in the places of most need. So, in some ways the recent sobering news is confirmation we are where we need to be. Five Talents continues to support our partners who are working with the Savings Groups in these areas. 

Renk is also the epicenter of a refugee crisis as thousands flee war in Sudan in the North.  An article in the New York Times states Renk is one of two border towns that “received tens of thousands” of refugees. "The war in Sudan has set off a mass exodus of people who years ago fled a bloody civil war in South Sudan to seek safety in Sudan…but they are returning home to a country still in the grip of political instability, economic stagnation, and an immense humanitarian crisis.”  Albino Akol Atak said, “They are coming to start from zero.” 

Our recent letter to you tells the story of Lyla, who not only lost to theft her herd of goats that had provided her family sustenance during the South Sudan crisis, but also her faith in her community. Our Savings Groups were a refuge for her and helped turn her life around. 

If you are able, please consider a gift to help our program in Renk to continue during these devastating times. https://fivetalents.org/donate

And please join me in prayer to lift up our brothers and sisters in South Sudan at this time.

With heartfelt gratitude,