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As President of Africa Sunrise Communities, I thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for the crisis situation in South Sudan. We have been notified that hundreds of thousands of civilians are fleeing the cities of Jalle Payam and Maar as a result of another heavy attack from the rebels. Shortly after we released the first newsletter, we learned that rebels attacked a passenger bus on the Juba-Nimule road In the South Sudan. Many passengers fled for their lives and hid in the bush to escape further violence. According to South Sudan Times, “…at least five people were reportedly killed.” http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?iframe&page=imprimable&id_article=57091Those passengers that survived and were able to flee were fortunate, but now they have the tough choice to travel back to Juba or proceed to Uganda. Even though the rebel situation appears to be under control, there is no way to know when another attack will happen.These continued attacks serve as a painful reminder of the uncertain situation in South Sudan. As you will recall from a few weeks back, my mother-in-law was killed in a similar rebel attack and four of my nieces and nephews were displaced. We at Africa Sunrise Communities have been raising money to transport these children to safety in a Ugandan Refugee Camp and provide food and school for them going forward. So far, out of the $2900 needed to get them to safety, we have raised $1,093. I spoke with people in the area last night and the situation is still very dangerous for the children. We’re looking to get them out of the village as soon as possible.As I reflect on these latest events, the Lord spoke to me through the following Scripture: My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you… (Galatians 4:19) I want to share with you my motivation and encouragement for Africa Sunrise Communities, as I feel that God has given me the task and burden to bring this ministry to realization. I feel that it is my responsibility to open the world’s eyes to the situation in my home country, and the joys and pains of “birth” that are mine to bear as I see this ministry take off. God has seen me through many difficulties and I trust He will provide for this ministry. However, I cannot do this alone—I need your support through these challenges as well as praise to our Lord in times of rejoicing. During this time of pain and suffering, I know that the Lord is restoring and I look forward to its fruition.Thank you for your continued prayers and support,Rev. Jacob Thon GuotPresident and Founder

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As the world looked on the November 13 Paris attacks in horror, another horror was occurring in South Sudan. Rebel forces swept through Maar Village killing women, children, and the elderly without heed. ASC’s President, Jacob Thon Guot lost 23 family members and another 80 people in the village were wounded. Thousands of people have fled the area. This comes after attacks in late October in which Guot lost two family members and one of Paul Deng’s relatives was injured. These incidents have forced many women and children to escape to islands in the swamps where sickness is rampant without medicine or protection from mosquitos. With the constant danger, schools have been shut down, aid organizations are forced to put a pause on their efforts, and peace seems farther away than ever.Civilians are wedged in between rebels, government forces, factions, and tribes all fighting for control. This is the very type of thing Africa Sunrise Communities wishes to stop. Attacks like this are happening every day and there is no place of safety for those caught in the crossfire. It is with heavy heart that we report that Jacob Guot’s mother-in-law was killed in the most recent attacks. She had returned to South Sudan with four of her grandchildren to attend the memorial service of her son who had been killed in 2014. Guot and his wife, Rebecca are devastated from the loss and are determined to protect their four nieces and nephews who managed to escape.Rebecca’s 19-year-old brother, Mobior Deng Majok has been taking care of the children since the incident. The memorial they were set to attend was for the father of two of the children. The father of the other two was badly wounded in the same attack and unable to care for the children either. The mothers are desperate to keep their children safe and that’s where ASC comes in. We ask you to partner with us in our efforts to transport the children to safety. With your help, they will be relocated to Uganda Refugee Camp where our supporters and Rebecca’s sister will be able to take care of them.God’s Word tells us that in this world we will have trouble. We know that to be true but we are still saddened as we try to survive in this imperfect world. The past few weeks have only made us more aware of the frailty of our position.Africa Sunrise Communities is trusting God’s providence in this situation. We are thankful for your support and generosity. We ask you to pray with us that God will get the four children to safety and that he will provide financially for their trip to Uganda. For our organization, we request prayer that God will bless our work and guide us in the steps to take. Finally, for South Sudan, we pray that God will show his compassion and grace in allowing peace to come to the war-torn land.We have looked into the situation of the four children and have created a plan to get them to safety. We are looking to raise $2,900 to transport the four children and one adult to the Uganda Refugee Camp and provide for their immediate needs. This includes:

  1. $300 for three days of food and a boat trip from their village to the city of Bor.
  2. $250 for food and lodging while awaiting a flight (2-3 days).
  3. $650 for airfare from Bor to the capital city of Juba, including food and lodging.
  4. $400 for bus travel, lodging, and food for the trip from Juba into Uganda.
  5. $500 for entrance visas into Uganda
  6. $400 for the basic provisions for the children including beds, sheets, and clothes at the refugee camp in Uganda.
  7. $400 for food while they are waiting to get food rations cards in the refugee camp. This can take anywhere from one to three months.

This cost has risen in the past couple years due to increasing safety concerns with road travel. We will be using air travel, as it is usually safer than travelling on roads.The $2,900 is only to get the children to the refugee camp and provide for their urgent needs. This does not cover their ongoing needs. The most important thing for these children is to get an education. This offers hope for the future and is vitally important in their lives. Education is the most important catalyst for peace in the coming years. The cost for each child for a semester is $300. With three semesters in a year, we need $3,600 to send all four children to school for one year.We’re asking you to partner with us as we seek the wellbeing of these children. Africa Sunrise Communities is dedicated to bringing a message of restoration. Join us in creating safety and hope for these children and for the whole of Africa.Thank you for your continued prayers and support,Rev. Jacob Thon GuotPresident and Founder