ONMI January 2025 Field Report
Shalom to you, brothers and sisters, in the name above all names, Yeshua the Messiah. On behalf of my family and ONMI, I want to wish you a blessed and prosperous year 2025.
Advancing Community Development in South Sudan through Operation Nehemiah
We are making significant progress in South Sudan, and I am pleased to share our experiences. I departed from the USA on December 23rd, 2024, to join my family engaged in the Operation Nehemiah Mission and to oversee our initiatives. Our mission is dedicated to supporting local communities, with an emphasis on education, Spiritual growth in Holy Biblical Living, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture to enhance the quality of life.
The contrast between Massachusetts of USA and Eastern Equatoria State of South Sudan is stark. While Massachusetts is a winter wonderland, South Sudan's climate is tropical and arid, affecting daily life and increasing wildfire risks. Despite challenges, the resilience of local communities is inspiring.
In summary, while I miss Massachusetts winters, my time in South Sudan is rewarding. The warmth of the climate matches the warmth of the people, and I am dedicated to fostering hope and change through Operation Nehemiah Mission.
Exploring Tropical Plants: A Journey into Home Remedies and natural healthcare
At home, Sarah and I and exploring our surroundings. We've developed an interest in local tropical plants for home remedies, like aloe vera and lemongrass, which have medicinal properties. This journey into natural remedies has enriched our lives and strengthened our partnership.
Growing up, we learned about plants for treating ailments like stomach aches and headaches. Our parents taught us the importance of natural remedies, fostering a deep connection with nature and a responsibility to preserve these resources. This knowledge is integral to our community's health practices.
On the mission front, we are implementing a drip irrigation system to combat a four-month dry season drought from December 2024 to March 2025. This system optimizes water usage, promoting healthier crops and improving food security. We aim to plant crops for harvest by March, supporting local needs and reducing import reliance.
We are preparing for 2025's dry season by cultivating new land for diverse crop rotation, essential for soil health and sustainable agriculture. We need funding for tools like chainsaws, seeds, and nursery beds to support these initiatives, empowering local farmers and fostering resilience.
ONMI's Financial Requirements for Transportation and Construction Equipment: ONMI requires $90,000 to accomplish three primary objectives by the end of February 2025.
1- The road leading to the Beth Israel farmland is not just rough; it is a challenging and arduous journey characterized by rugged terrain that can be quite punishing for any vehicle attempting to traverse it. This particular path is laden with deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and steep inclines that demand a robust and reliable vehicle, one that can withstand the rigors of such an environment. Unfortunately, the aging vehicles we currently possess, which have faithfully served us for the past decade, are no longer equipped to handle these demanding conditions. Their wear and tear have become increasingly apparent, resulting in frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues that hinder our ability to efficiently access the farmland.
Securing a Reliable Toyota Land Cruiser for Challenging Terrains
To address this pressing need for a dependable vehicle, we have identified the Toyota Land Cruiser as the ideal choice. Renowned for its durability, off-road capability, and overall reliability, the Land Cruiser is specifically designed to tackle challenging terrains, making it perfectly suited for the conditions we face on our journey. Furthermore, we have learned that these vehicles are available for purchase through auctions conducted by various UN agencies, which presents a unique opportunity for us to acquire a new pickup that meets our requirements.
However, we have also been informed by the UN agencies that in order to participate in the upcoming auction, we must prepare financially. The estimated cost for securing a Toyota Land Cruiser is projected to be between $25,000 and $27,000. This amount is significant, and we are advised that the bidding process will commence in the first week of February. Therefore, it is imperative that we begin saving diligently to ensure we have the necessary funds available by that time. This preparation will not only enable us to place a competitive bid but will also ensure that we can secure a vehicle that will support our operations on the farmland for many years to come.
2- We require a concrete mixer truck for our construction activities. Since last year, ONMI has been restructuring its vision for sustainability. While we have made substantial progress, we continue to face challenges in implementation due to aging vehicles that require constant repairs. The concrete mixing vehicle will be available for hire by local businesses and will also support ONMI's ongoing projects, including the construction of a dormitory for our students and our main church. With various construction projects planned for this year, we need this equipment to facilitate our work, and we rely on your support to meet these needs.
3- Overall Mission activities both in the USA and South Sudan also need financial support.
In order to effectively carry out the various mission activities in both the USA and South Sudan, it is imperative to secure adequate financial support. The missions are designed to address a multitude of critical needs, including sustainability development, education, and health services. In the USA, mission activities often focus on outreach programs that aim at sustaining the main office, fundraising activities etc that empower individuals and families in South Sudan. These initiatives require substantial funding to ensure they can reach their full potential and positively impact the lives of those they serve. Similarly, in South Sudan, the need for financial backing is even more pressing due to the ongoing challenges towards long term sustainability inititiaives to access to essential resources. Mission activities in this region often involve providing food security, clean water, healthcare, and educational opportunities for children and adults alike.
Transformative Church Planting: Translating the New Testament into Madi Burulo
In the area of church planting, last week we had the privilege of hosting a dedicated pastoral team of church leaders, which was headed by the esteemed Bishop Gabriel and Bishop Nicholao. This gathering was not just a routine meeting; it was a significant and purposeful assembly aimed at addressing an urgent need within our community. The primary focus of our discussions was the important and transformative project of translating the New Testament into Madi Burulo, a language that, until now, has been one of the last remaining languages in South Sudan without any New Testament translations.
Fulfilling the Great Commission: Matthew 28:19 Through Madi Burulo Scripture Translation
This lack of accessible scripture has posed a considerable barrier to spiritual growth and understanding for the speakers of Madi Burulo, and our team is committed to bridging that gap. The translation process is not merely a linguistic task; it involves deep cultural understanding and sensitivity to ensure that the message resonates with the local population. We are excited about the potential impact this translation will have on the lives of the Madi Burulo speakers, as it will enable them to engage with the teachings of the New Testament in their native tongue, fostering a deeper connection to their faith and enhancing their ability to share the gospel within their communities. The collaboration among our pastoral leaders exemplifies a unified vision for church growth and spiritual development in South Sudan, and we are hopeful that this project will inspire and empower many.
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