From Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Stand with South Sudan
Nationwide famine and widespread violence with ethnic targeting in the world’s youngest country is resulting in the quiet death of South Sudan, and we are seeing it covered in very few news stories. The devastation is great. We must act now. Six million of our South Sudanese siblings, half of the country’s population, are struggling to find food and clean water, and 4 million have been displaced because of this complex disaster.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is funding large-scale emergency relief projects for South Sudanese displaced people and refugees, working through Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency, the humanitarian arm of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS). In addition to emergency relief projects, PDA is working to support livelihood and food security, peacebuilding and education for civil society. The ministries supported by the Peace & Global Witness Offering are providing ongoing advocacy and aid to those working for peace.
“We need your prayers and support in all ways, including advocacy,” said the Rev. Peter Gai Lual, PCOSS moderator. “It gives us strength and hope that we are standing as Christians together until we have peace.”
The needs for the response are great. God’s people are once again called on to stand in the “GAP”—Give. Act. Pray.
GIVE:
Financial support for famine relief efforts may be designated to DR000042. Gifts to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts may be designated to PG999999. Gifts may be made online, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check, which may be mailed to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
ACT:
- Download and use the bulletin insert,
- Make sure your congregation is planning to receive the Peace & Global Witness Offering this
- World Communion Sunday (Oct. 1). Learn more, and download resources.
- Learn how you and your congregation can help and stay informed by liking us on Facebook, as well as downloading resources and sharing updates with your congregation.
- Write to members of Congress and the secretary of state to share your concern about the crisis in South Sudan. Find resources online from the Office of Public Witness.
PRAY:
That in the heartbreak of all that has been lost by the people of South Sudan, our God of peace will, as Psalm 147 says, “Heal their broken hearts and bind up their wounds.” That the people will experience reconciliation and have courage to participate in peacebuilding, and that the government and those who are seeking to make a difference will be wise in their efforts to put an end to violence, allowing survivors to return to their homes, their fields and cattle, and their livelihoods. Click here for a prayer for South Sudan by the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, PDA coordinator.