God gave Jacob a “Nehemiah Vision” for bringing restoration and hope to his homeland. For 25 years, the southern portion of then-Sudan was wracked by a civil war. Villages were burned, people have been displaced, thousands were killed, and families and orphans were left with little hope. Jacob’s “Nehemiah Vision” dares to offer hope against […]

As I rise, my focus is upward, just like the arrow on my logo—pointing toward hope and endless possibilities. On my hat and the t-shirt I wear, the arrow points up, symbolizing my journey of rising above the ground, lifting my spirit, and moving forward with purpose. Rising Hope is filled with many expectations, but […]

In Dinka culture, names carry deep meaning and identity. Today, I proudly wear the name “Thonmayen”—which translates to “Yellow Bull of Cow”—a vibrant symbol of strength, resilience, and distinction. For those unfamiliar with it, my yellow spirit flows through the name “Thonmayen,” and I’m embracing this connection today. To my American friends, you might see […]

Bible Verse: “We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord.” – Nehemiah 10:35 (ESV). In Nehemiah 10, the people of Israel renew their commitment to God, promising to bring the best of what they have […]

Nehemiah’s journey showcases an unwavering resilience as he confronted daunting challenges, from fierce opposition to internal strife and the overwhelming magnitude of his mission. His steadfast leadership offers a profound lesson for South Sudanese leaders: true leadership is defined not by the absence of obstacles, but by the courage and resolve to overcome them. In […]

Verse: “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea.”— Nehemiah 9:9 (ESV). Nehemiah 9 reveals the Israelites confessing their sins and remembering God’s faithfulness. Despite their exile, God heard their cries and showed mercy. For the South Sudanese in the West, this chapter is a […]

Bible Verse: “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” — Nehemiah 9:6 (ESV) Introduction: Life’s […]

Dear Friends,  Africa Sunrise Communities and the Rising Hope Community Center project need your help urgently! Rising expenses in South Sudan are depleting our bank account. We must build it back up in order to continue our work in establishing our school in my hometown of Bor. Please read through this report to see the […]

Dear Friends, We are almost ready for School Phase 1! The final touches on the security wall around the compound in Bor, South Sudan, are nearing completion. Progress has been hampered by weather and inflation, but now the final layers of block are being laid and the razor wire is going on top of that. Our next task is […]