They are igniting the spirit of hope.
Poverty in South Sudan is strikingly severe, even when compared to neighboring Uganda. Mitch Chapman, director of Texans on Mission Water Impact, experienced this firsthand during his visit to South Sudan, describing the poverty as unlike anything he had encountered in his extensive travels across Africa.
In response to the dire need for clean water, Texans on Mission (TXM) launched a nonprofit in South Sudan in April, with Chapman serving on its board. The organization’s focus is addressing water shortages in the country, which is in desperate need of rehabilitation for non-functional wells. South Sudanese on Mission, the new initiative, is headquartered in Nyamliell and will spend its first year assessing long-term sustainability. The goal for the first year includes rehabilitating 35 wells, drilling several new ones, and initiating 40 Bible studies and hygiene classes.
A significant challenge in South Sudan is the prevalence of poorly constructed and shallow wells, many of which were drilled by organizations before the civil war began in 2013. South Sudanese on Mission plans to refurbish these wells and provide hygiene education in the surrounding communities. In addition to addressing water needs, the organization is introducing Bible studies, regardless of the existing churches in an area, and encouraging locals to choose the church that suits them. If no church exists, they collaborate with local church groups to establish one near the well.
The organization’s work also includes educating people about hygiene, emphasizing handwashing and well maintenance to prevent contamination. As the project enters the implementation phase, Chapman expressed concerns about the political instability affecting the region, but asked for prayers for the safety and success of the team’s mission in South Sudan. The goal is to meet the water needs, spread the Christian faith, and support the development of local believers.