Zaitun

December 13, 2021

What if you had a toothache that caused the entire side of your cheek to swell up but you couldn’t go to the dentist? Most people living in the Nuba Mountains region have no access to dental care. Without it, an infection like this can become serious – even life threatening.

Thankfully the Mother of Mercy Hospital exists to serve people in this remote area who would have no help elsewhere.

In August, Zaitun began to experience these troubles. Zaitun is a 25 year-old mother of two girls and two boys in Jimezai, South Sudan. When she developed a severe toothache, she initially tried to ignore it, hoping the problem might resolve itself. However, the pain only grew more and more intense. After persevering for two weeks, one side of her chin was swollen up from an abscess and the pain was excruciating.

Zaitun went to a nearby clinic in Ardikanaan where she received some pain relievers. However, it was not enough to halt the progressing infection or the pain. Zaitun needed to go to the hospital.

She endured a two-hour motorbike ride over muddy roads and rough terrain to get to Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel. There she was seen by missionary doctor Tom Catena, the sole physician and surgeon who presides over the facility, and has served thousands of patients over the past thirteen years.

Zaitun was given medications and two days later underwent a minor surgery to have the abscess drained of the infectious fluid. The next day an extraction for her tooth was scheduled. She was thrilled to at last experience relief from the swelling and intense pain she had endured for so long. Left unchecked, a seemingly innocuous toothache can spawn an infection that spreads to the brain and becomes fatal.

Now smiling, Zaitun said, “I am very happy to God, to Dr. Tom, and to all those who help this hospital. My pains were so severe and unbearable. But after taking the medicines and after the surgery, I am really better.” She continued, “Thank you so much for your gracious generosity. May God bless you!”

 

Would you like to pray for us? Lifting Up South Sudan is a group of people helping transform lives in South Sudan through the power of prayer. You’ll receive a new prayer request weekly by email. You’ll be part of a vital team praying to bring light and hope to this despondent part of the world. To learn more or sign up to receive prayer requests, go here.

Loreto Rumbek Schools Update
from Principal Sr. Orla Treacy

November 16, 2021

October was a month marked with cheer, good news, and positive developments for the Loreto Rumbek schools.

Rainy Season Ending

The rains are slowing down, and cessation of the rainy season typically brings a welcome drop in malaria outbreaks. Thankfully, the campus health clinic is equipped to treat students and staff, due to the generosity of donors whose support supplies needed medicines to battle the ubiquitous disease.

Distinguished Academic Achievement

The much anticipated results of academic exams and rankings arrived this month. Loreto Rumbek was thrilled to learn their 2021 graduating class took first place in the state, and third place in the national rankings for the government exams. This includes both the boys’ and girls’ schools. There was much celebration, with acknowledgement extended to the hard work of the students as well as the dedicated teachers to achieve this distinction.

International Day of the Girl Child

Loreto Rumbek campus hosted this year’s International Day of the Girl Child. Female students from schools all around Rumbek came together to support one another and explore what they can do to effect change in the future. Girls from Loreto Rumbek presented a powerful poem entitled, “Roll Call,” which speaks boldly to the challenges girls face in South Sudan.

New Counselor at the Clinic

The health clinic is very happy to welcome their newest staff member, Anne Loria, who will work as a counselor to help students who need guidance or support. She is also a registered nurse. The campus is grateful to have her onboard.

Teacher’s Day

The role of teachers as nation-builders through their contributions as mentors, guides, and knowledge givers, was honored during the annual Teacher’s Day celebration. It was a colorful and festive event, and further heightened by the good news which arrived that day of the school’s excellent state and national ranking achievements. Loreto Rumbek schools is especially grateful to their teachers who remained on campus to continue serving last year despite the pandemic challenges.

 

 

 

Bakhita

November 12, 2021

Bakhita is a 13-year-old girl whose name means “Blessing.” She came to Mother of Mercy Hospital, a referral hospital supported by Sudan Relief Fund, which is the only facility of its kind for hundreds of miles with the resources to provide high-level critical care – the kind that Bakhita urgently needed.

Bakhita had been the victim of a house fire, and suffered massive burn injuries. With partial and full thickness burns covering over 80% of her body, the staff at Mother of Mercy Hospital held little hope that Bakhita could survive. Nevertheless, they went into action immediately.

One of the greatest concerns with burn injuries is the danger of infection, since the skin’s protective barrier has been completely taken away. Bacterial infections can spread to the bloodstream, becoming septic and deadly. Victims can also go into shock. One of the most grueling recoveries, burn victims endure a long road to healing.

Bakhita went through many operations to remove destroyed skin and tissue. After several months of cleaning, she was ready to begin the process of skin grafting. It took three separate skin surgeries to cover all the burned areas on Bakhita’s body. Even so, the surgeries were a success. Miraculously, she walked out of the hospital with completely intact skin six months later.

Missionary Dr. Tom Catena, the sole surgeon at Mother of Mercy Hospital, credits the dedicated staff and their round the clock care for Bakhita’s recovery, noting how they never gave up on her during those months. 

It requires extensive resources in personnel and medical supplies to treat a patient with such severe burns, and Mother of Mercy Hospital is the only facility equipped in this manner in the entire region. Without Sudan Relief Fund and their faithful donors, patients like Bakhita would have nowhere to go for this lifesaving treatment. Because of the support, girls like Bakhita can have this help and this hope. 

 

Would you like to pray for us? Lifting Up South Sudan is a group of people helping transform lives in South Sudan through the power of prayer. You’ll receive a new prayer request weekly by email. You’ll be part of a vital team praying to bring light and hope to this despondent part of the world. To learn more or sign up to receive prayer requests, go here.

New Malaria Vaccines Raises Hopes for Reducing One of Africa’s Deadliest Ongoing Diseases

November 10, 2021

The World Health Organization has endorsed a new vaccine to be used in the arsenal against malaria – a disease that claims half a million lives each year, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, with 260,000 of those deaths being children under age 5.

The vaccine, called Mosquirix, is produced by GlaxoSmithKline. It is not only the first malaria vaccine, but the first of its kind to fight a parasitic disease. Developing a vaccine to thwart a parasite is considered far more complex than for a viral or bacterial disease, and research to discover a formula effective against malaria has been going on for a hundred years.

The vaccine rouses an individual’s immune system to thwart a pathogen known as Plasmodium falciparum, considered the deadliest and most prevalent of the five malaria pathogens that plague the continent of Africa. While Africa has the highest concentration of malaria cases, the disease is also found in South Asia and parts of Central and South America.

In clinical trials, Mosquirix has been approximately 50% effective against cases of severe malaria during the first year. By the fourth year the vaccine was no longer showing efficacy. Nevertheless, experts are saying it will help turn the tide in places like Africa in the battle against the ubiquitous disease.  

The World Health Organization Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, estimated the breakthrough could save tens of thousands of lives each year. Dr. Pedro Alonso, the director of W.H.O.’s global malaria program, calls it “a historic event.”

One model study estimated a rollout of the vaccine in countries with the highest incidents could prevent 5.4 million cases, and 23,000 deaths among children under age 5, every year.

Cases of malaria are rare in developed nations, and generally the result of travelers returning from affected countries. There are approximately 2,000 cases reported in the US annually.

The World Health Organization’s endorsement of the vaccine is the first step in a process that is expected to lead to a wide distribution in poor countries.

Read more on this story here.

Military Takeover Dashes Hopes of Peaceful Transition To Civilian Led Government in Sudan

October 29, 2021

Sudan’s fragile alliance between military and civilian groups was dissolved on Monday, October 25, when military forces under Sudan’s top general launched a military takeover of the government and declared a state of emergency.

The move has demolished hopes for a peaceful transition to civilian-led power after ousting former president, Omar Al-Bashir, two years ago, following his thirty-year rule. A tenuous transitional government formed of combined military groups and civilian leaders, known as the Sovereign Council, has governed Sudan in the interim. According to the peace agreement, the military was scheduled to turn over leadership of the council to civilian control within the next few weeks.

Now led by top military general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sovereign Council was dissolved as of Monday. The country’s prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, and his wife, were temporarily detained by the military forces, but have since been returned to their residence “under tight security.” Numerous other government leaders and cabinet officials were also detained, and many are still being held in unknown locations.

This is a developing story: https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/25/africa/sudan-coup-explained-intl-cmd/index.html

The Forgotten

October 11, 2021

Noeleen Loughran is nothing short of a hero. The missionary nurse served for years in the Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda providing medical aid to South Sudanese refugees. She would seek out parts of the camp where there was absolutely no aid being delivered. She wanted to serve the forgotten. Remind them that they are not alone and were deserving as much as all God’s children. When the refugees started to return home, Noeleen saw a need to move with them to continue to provide aid as they began a new chapter, hoping to rebuild their lives in their native country.


Once she arrived, she discovered a group of displaced and severely ill people. These people were destitute and suffering the effects of a terrible disease – leprosy. This ailment left them ostracized from local communities and unable to fully care for their own needs. They had nothing. They were starving. Most of the children did not even have clothing on their backs. Noeleen realized at once that this is where she was needed. And thanks to her incredible compassion and the compassion of our supporters, a new life is beginning for the people of the leper colony of Malo.

The first tremendous effort Noeleen undertook was to negotiate with local tribes for the colony to keep their land, as neighboring villages threatened to claim it as their own. Now secure, progress is being made.  Food is being delivered, small homes are being constructed, a bore hole for clean water was drilled and the reframing of a building that will become a small health clinic is underway. These people are no longer forgotten. Fully 100% of these improvements for the people of Malo have been achieved through Sudan Relief Fund and our faithful supporters. You are providing hope. 

Pictured here is an 89-year-old grandmother whom Noeleen found lying on the ground outside. She was weak from starvation and could no longer stand. She is the matriarch to ten grandchildren she had been trying against all odds to provide for. When Noeleen first encountered her, she told Noeleen in desperation that she was lying there waiting to die, waiting for God to take her, because there was simply nothing left. No food for her or her grandchildren. She had lost all hope and they had accepted the impending reality of starvation.

But that was before. Through our incredible partner, Noeleen Loughran, and you, our steadfast supporters, the future is changing for these 700 people. Now this grandmother of ten looks forward to joyfully greeting Noeleen every week, as food, soap, and essential supplies are delivered to her and her family. She is also smiling in this photo because this week Noeleen brought her two mattresses and some bed sheets. She will no longer sleep on the dirt floor. Even more important is perhaps the medical care Noeleen can help provide. Last week one of her youngest granddaughters accidentally fell into the fire and was taken to receive medical treatment for her burn injuries (also pictured). Previously, healthcare of any kind was a nonexistent dream for those living here.

Hope has returned to the people of Malo. It is just the beginning. Leprosy is a treatable disease but with the lack of any care available for years, many people have suffered long term effects of the illness. With your help, we can continue to make a difference in this community by supporting the health clinic, farming initiatives and clean water projects. Now they can look forward to the future. And Nurse Noeleen says she’s the luckiest person in the world to be a part of it. 

Your partnership is making this transformation happen. Would you consider supporting Nurse Noeleen’s work? Please go here to give a gift of any amount, or consider monthly giving.

Lifting Up South Sudan is a group of people helping transform lives in South Sudan through the power of prayer. You’ll receive a new prayer request weekly by email, and be part of a team praying to bring light and hope to this despondent part of the world. To learn more or sign up to receive prayer requests, go here.

Fatima

October 4, 2021

Fatima is approximately 50 years old, and as you see by her radiant smile, she is extremely happy these days, delighted to no longer be suffering from the frightening symptoms that were debilitating her life.

It began one day when she started experiencing intense headaches. Soon the headaches came more and more often, until Fatima could do nothing under the intensity of the pain. She found her way to a local clinic and received some medicine, which unfortunately helped for only a short period of time. 

When the headaches returned, they were worse than before. A local pharmacist suspected she had malaria. Fatima received some tablets, but it was not enough to alleviate her pain. Her symptoms continued to worsen and her condition deteriorated. Soon her body was shivering and stiffening, and Fatima would often scream out loud in pain.

She was taken to a local hospital, where the staff referred her to the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel. Run by missionary doctor, Tom Catena, and supported by Sudan Relief Fund, the hospital treats patients who need care that goes beyond what their local facilities can provide. It is the only hospital of its kind for hundreds of miles and has saved countless lives.

In addition to the previous malaria diagnosis, Fatima learned she was also suffering from dangerously high blood pressure and intensive stress. At Mother of Mercy Hospital, she received a full diagnosis and a combination of medications to treat her complete condition. Within a few days, she experienced welcome relief from her terrifying and incapacitating symptoms. She recovered well and was released to return home.

Here Fatima is pictured with her daughter, who is thrilled to have her mother back. “I cannot hide my joy upon seeing my mum’s full recovery,” she said. “If this hospital wasn’t here, my mother could have died.  I want to thank all those who keep the doors of this hospital open. Thank you for helping in the healing of my mother. God bless you.”

Would you like to pray for us? Lifting Up South Sudan is a group of people helping transform lives in South Sudan through the power of prayer. You’ll receive a new prayer request weekly by email, and be part of a team praying to bring light and hope to this despondent part of the world. To learn more or sign up for emails, go here.

Saint Bakhita’s Orphanage Evacuated Due to Attacks from the West

September 27, 2021

A brutal faction swept across the western border of South Sudan into the Tombura region, causing thousands to flee their homes as gunshots and fires tore through communities. Those living at Saint Bakhita’s Orphanage were also evacuated. We have confirmation that all the residents of the children’s home have been successfully moved to a safer location for the interim.

Prior to the evacuation, workers fled the orphanage in fear for their safety, leaving Sister Bianca Bii isolated with 80 children. Determined not to leave the children alone, Sister Bianca stayed with them while local partners arranged for their transport out of the area.

The fighting stems from tribal conflict which originated from the western state of the Central African Republic. Being a fragile and divided nation within itself, the government of South Sudan has not responded or sent troops to protect its citizens from the aggression. As a result, residents had no choice but to flee to unaffected areas.

Certain NGO’s and UN organizations have stepped in to aid the nearly 30,000 displaced by the recent assault and have sent in peacekeeping forces. Several parishes in the region where Sudan Relief Fund works are currently hosting displaced populations. We are working with our partners like Bishop Eduardo Kussala and Father Avelino to send in relief supplies.

Hundreds of families have settled temporarily in Father Avelino’s parish, and he has kept the schools and churches open for them. Encouraging the displaced population, Father Avelino said, “I have told them that when one has to run, one may lose everything, land, house, properties, but two things we carry with us wherever we go: our faith and our education.”

While we are thankful Sister Bianca and the children are also in a safe location, there are over five thousand people sharing a makeshift refuge in the same area. Every day this large population needs significant resources to meet their needs. Many cannot return to homes and lands that have been burned and destroyed.

We are grateful for your commitment to take care of the needs of the children of St. Bakhita’s. Right now your support continues to be as vital as ever, to bridge the current crisis for Sister Bianca and the children until a more permanent arrangement can be made. As they look to her for leadership and consolation, Sister Bianca, who is in her 70’s and now their sole guardian, is tasked with caring for 80 children on a daily basis in a temporary camp environment.

Harvest, Celebrations, and Higher Ed Mark New School Year

September 17, 2021

Sister Orla, Principal of Loreto Rumbek Schools, sends greetings and updates from her area as the new school year begins. Loreto Rumbek Schools is a combined campus of primary and secondary schools, which contains other facilities such as a health clinic, dormitories for secondary level girls, and agricultural projects. Sudan Relief Fund and our donors are instrumental in supporting these activities. 

Strong Enrollment

Primary school is in session once again, and Sister Orla was encouraged by how many parents came to enroll their children – a welcome sign of progress in a country with traditionally the lowest rate of school attendance in the world.

Tenth Anniversary

The schools recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their nation’s independence. While challenges in the country remain, the school is grateful for all that’s been achieved and for continuing to move forward. Students celebrated the day with a focus on finding ways to advocate for a more peaceful nation, and exploring ideas to create change even in smaller ways within their campus.

Higher Education for Women

The school gave a special send off to five graduate interns who have served in the administration the past two years. Three young women are headed to Kenya to continue their education, and two will attend nursing school in a neighboring state. All five girls expressed their deepest gratitude to the donors of Loreto Rumbek Schools, without whose support they would not have the rare opportunity they are embarking upon. Often young women here who gain the chance to achieve higher education return to their communities to share and give back.

Harvesting Together

It is harvest time in the area, and students who chose not to go home during the holiday could stay and earn money by assisting with the harvest. Each year they work in teams to uproot, dry, shell, and roast ground nuts which are used throughout the school year in the kitchen. Coming from various backgrounds and regions of the country, students exchange techniques and share their different harvesting methods with each other.

Malaria Spikes

The rains are returning to the region, which invariably bring increased mosquito populations. Over 300 students tested positive for malaria in one week so far, which equates to one in every four students. Thanks to the ongoing support you provide, Sudan Relief Fund is able to offer medicines and additional measures to keep children safe. 

Student Returns to Give Back

Alumna Elizabeth Nyanakak was welcomed back to the Loreto Rumbek schools, only this time she arrives as a licensed midwife. Having just completed her studies at the Catholic Health Training Institute (CHTI) in Wau, Elizabeth has returned to serve on campus. The clinic here not only treats the needs of students and staff, but has been instrumental in serving the public, as one of the only healthcare facilities in the region to remain open during COVID. Elizabeth is an uplifting example of giving back to the institution that enabled her to gain a higher education, and using it to help others.

Teachers on Wheels

With over 1200 primary students across morning and afternoon sessions, it’s imperative that teachers can commute to class. Many teachers live a great distance from the campus and spend significant time walking each way daily. Recently the administration was able to purchase several bicycles to speed up the process. The bikes were well received and accepted with enthusiasm by school teachers.

Thank you for partnering with us to support all the many activities of Loreto Rumbek schools. You are giving the vital gift of lifting up children here through educational opportunity.