In 2005 God spoke to the hearts of the members of Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church regarding the suffering taking place in South Sudan and the needs of the Sudanese people. Since then, Holston Conference has been working actively in partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Yei, South Sudan, of the East Africa Conference of The United Methodist Church.

   In honor of our continuing partnership, this year’s Annual Conference mission offering will be directed toward support for education in South Sudan.


We will seek to address these specific needs:

• Greater access to education, especially for girls
  
• Post-primary education
  
• Support for teachers through training, supplies, and scholarships
  
• Support for students through school supplies and scholarships
  

Civil war has devastated the education system in South Sudan

• eacher shortages – 1:90 teacher/student ratio
  
• 85% illiteracy rate
  
• Limited educational access (especially among girls)
  
• Only 12% of all schools are located in permanent buildings – 33% of all schools are open air
• Only 50% complete 6th grade
  
• Classroom equipment is severely limited
  

Together, we can change the lives of these children and create a brighter future for this community. Together, we can reach our goal of $175,000. Please give generously when your church offering is received in May. Holston Conference mission teams have provided medical care, construction and agricultural expertise, Vacation Bible School, and leadership training for clergy, teachers, and youth workers. Donations from members of the Holston Conference have helped to build the GRACE Home for Children orphanage and the Captain’s house, a residence for the Holston-assigned Sudan District Superintendent and mission team members.

---