Generosity Meets Needs. . . Even in a Pandemic

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

What was already a critical time for our brothers and sisters from South Sudan, is now even more critical because of coronavirus. The pandemic’s impact has no boundaries. The Holston Foundation has been closely involved in the Holston Conference’s work from the beginning in South Sudan and continues now as our brothers and sisters survive in refugee camps in Uganda.

Mandela Wani, a South Sudanese leader in the refugee camps, recognized that necessary health information was not available in their languages and from trusted sources. Misinformation and drastic restrictions on travel in the country had left many of our brothers and sisters in the dark for much of the pandemic.

The need was clear: Communicate lifesaving health information in their native language from those they trust the most. The Holston Foundation and Holston Conference connected the need with a generous donor from Kingsport who made a gift that funds the communication of lifesaving health information to the Bidibidi refugee camp.

Sharing important health information looks a bit different in a refugee camp where not everyone even has a radio. Enter the opportunity for creative ministry and communication: Madela put speakers on top of a truck to share information in their native languages to broadcast as they drove through the refugee camp including integrating new music to share about coronavirus. Posters are displayed throughout the refugee camp to share information and facemasks are being made

Watch the ministry in action Click here to view video

We give thanks for those who use their resources to help meet the needs of others, both locally and globally, during this time. We give thanks for those who find creative ways to do ministry and reach the most vulnerable. We give thanks for the opportunity to connect donors with their passions to make a difference.

If you would like to give a gift to support local needs or our brothers and sisters in South Sudan during this critical time, please contact Paul Bowman to learn more about how your generosity can make a difference.

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