Homecoming To Tonj!

After months away, stepping off the plane in Tonj, South Sudan felt like coming home. The warm, familiar faces of Tonj greeted us, but this time it was extra special — I wasn’t returning alone. Stepping off the airplane with me was my husband, Zeke.

At the airstrip, the smiles, songs, and waves from friends reminded me just how deeply we’re loved here. At the compound, the team gathered to welcome us with singing, dancing, and joyful embraces. Seeing their excitement to meet us and their gratitude for God’s goodness filled my heart to overflowing.

For Zeke, it was a glimpse into the faith and resilience of the people who have become family to me. For me, it was a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness — how He weaves our stories together in unexpected and redemptive ways.

We’re thankful to be back among our South Sudan family, as we continue the work God has begun — now together, side by side.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

Sunday School Joy!

We’re overjoyed to share that the construction of our new Sunday School classrooms is being used even though we’re only 90% complete — and it’s all thanks to your generosity and prayers! For years, our little ones gathered under a tree for Sunday School, often sitting in the scorching hot sun, or in mud during the rainy season. Many times, lessons were cut short when the rain poured down, but their joy and hunger to learn God’s Word never faded.

Because of your support, that scene has completely changed. Now, 200–300 children meet inside four new brick classrooms, protected from the elements and filled with songs, laughter, and learning. The children are divided into age groups so each one can grow in faith at a level they understand.

What a beautiful reminder of how the body of Christ works together — your giving has provided not just shelter, but a place where young hearts can meet Jesus and know they belong.

Church Planting!

Last year, 13 of our national pastors and CHE leaders began an exciting journey toward earning their Certificate in Church Planting. These faithful men have been serving their churches and villages with passion, often with little or no formal training. Now, through this ongoing course, they’re gaining a deeper understanding of God’s Word and practical tools to shepherd their communities more effectively.

Each session combines classroom teaching, group discussion, and hands-on ministry experience. Their eagerness to learn and grow together is inspiring to witness. One pastor shared, “This training helps us preach truth with confidence and care for our people with wisdom.”

We’re deeply grateful to Intensive Care Ministries for their partnership to equip strong, biblically grounded leaders who will continue to multiply God’s work across South Sudan.

Food Crisis!

This month, we are overjoyed to share the impact of your generosity and prayers in supporting Internally Displaced People (IDP’s) in South Sudan.

Over 17,000 refugees from North Sudan, fleeing violence, face homelessness in Tonj. Communal conflicts also destroyed annual food stores, and late rains have produced a poor harvest. Many sleep under trees, starving and unemployed.

We’ve distributed 1,000 sacks of food, each shared by two families of about 10, feeding an estimated 20,000 people. Every $20,000 raised sends another truck with 500 sacks to support these vulnerable families. Please keep this in your prayers.

We’re grateful for the body of Christ uniting to provide hope and sustenance. Your support is a lifeline for those in need. Thank you for standing with us to serve the hurting in South Sudan.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

Testimony of Faith!

This is an incredible testimony of faith and healing from the Arab Women’s Ministry.

Meet Flora, a courageous mother who recently fled the conflict in Khartoum and resettled with her family in Tonj. While the challenges of starting over in a new place were heavy enough, her greatest burden was her young son’s health. His foot had been developing abnormally, leaving him in constant pain and unable to walk.

In the midst of this struggle, Flora was invited to attend IDAT’s English classes for Arab women. There, she heard our missionary Sarah share the gospel. As she listened, Flora felt her faith in Christ reignite. She knew God was calling her back, and she recommitted her life to Him.

With renewed faith, Flora began praying fervently for her son’s healing. Just days later, the swelling and deformity in his foot disappeared—and he was able to walk again! Filled with joy, Flora returned to class and boldly shared her testimony. In front of her peers, a class full of Muslim women, she declared that because she returned to Jesus, her prayers were answered.

Flora now thanks God, and also IDAT, for being the vessel that restored her faith and brought healing to her son. Her story is a powerful witness of Christ’s love and the miracles He continues to do among the Arab women in Tonj.

CHE Gardens!

Recently, the War-Machar CHE center gathered for a workday, weeding their community garden under the hot sun. Their goal: to ensure a strong peanut harvest to help feed vulnerable families during this season of need. Through faith, unity, and hard work, the CHE community is not only cultivating crops but also hope for the future. Please join us in praying for abundant harvests and God’s provision for those unable to farm due to the ongoing conflict.

Beyond the fields, our 6,000 Community Health Evangelists continue their weekly ministry, visiting homes and sharing the gospel. The fruit has been incredible—this year alone, more than 5,000 people in CHE villages have made decisions to follow Christ. Just last month, three former witchdoctors, including Aguer from Akook-Akieu, dedicated their lives to Jesus.

We praise God for both the physical and spiritual harvests He is bringing forth through CHE. Please keep our dedicated volunteers and pastors in prayer as they carry the good news of Christ to the remote villages of South Sudan.

San Diego for South Sudan!

Last month, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to San Diego to raise support for our ministry serving in South Sudan. It was an honor to attend the mission weekend of Suzy’s sending church, Horizon Church in Rancho Santa Fe, and connect with ministry partners and new supporters. We shared stories from the field of transformation, faith, and evangelism, as well as how our ministry is impacting thousands through medical care and CHE, bringing hope amidst great challenges and ongoing insecurities.

The heart of the trip was connecting with people who believe in the vision and are eager to join the team and support the incredible work the Lord is doing in Tonj. One of the blessings was receiving a check from children attending Vacation Bible School at Horizon! Such a joy to witness these little kids collecting money for missions.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible by hosting us and providing a car. We are grateful San Diego, for standing with us. Together, we are making a difference!

As I am new to this specific networking and fundraising role, I am asking for your help. It doesn’t matter what state you live in, I’d love to come and share with your church or you can host a fundraising evening/event. Please prayerfully consider introducing me and IDAT to your church, the more people praying and partnering with us the more villages we can reach with the gospel.

Beard Family Back in Tonj!

On May 6, the Beard family joyously arrived in Tonj for their 2025 ministry service. Sadly, within weeks, tribal conflicts and cattle raids swept through the town, creating insecurity and fear in every home. After just four weeks, the Beards were evacuated to Kenya, leaving Tonj with heavy hearts.

God faithfully redeemed their time in Kenya, where they made some important connections and completed Community Health Evangelism (CHE) TOT 1 & 2 training. In his new role as Operations Director, Ben strengthened existing IDAT relationships, formed new missionary partnerships, visited two significant mission hospitals and preached in churches. What the enemy intended for harm, God used for good.

Four weeks ago, a new governor in Tonj began peace efforts, with a mass disarmament and began engaging with communities in conflict. Stability quickly improved, allowing the Beard family to return. Their joy in reuniting with the community was great, but the season also revealed the spiritual battle behind the unrest.

The IDAT leadership team was burdened by the disruption to our ministry and the gospel being shared, and so prayer became our strongest weapon of warfare! We called on missionaries, partner churches, and believers in Tonj to intercede daily for peace. Hallelujah,  peace has been restored and the Beards are back! Please continue to join us in praying for our communities as they recover from this unrest.

Hope in a Time of Hunger!

In Tonj, a mother’s hardest decision isn’t what to cook—it’s how she will ration her food (if she has food) and when her children will eat, today or tomorrow?

Recent tribal fighting, cattle raids, and insecurity in our area have created a food crisis, with thousands of families facing hunger and rationing food. Just because we don’t see it firsthand doesn’t mean it’s not happening. The problem feels overwhelming to us but it’s not to the Lord Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, scripture reveals God’s deep love and concern for the poor, and He calls His people to open their hands and hearts to defend their cause and to treat acts of kindness toward them as service to Him.

In Deed and Truth Ministries (IDAT) is committed to helping in any way we can by responding with urgently needed food relief. We have already begun food distributions to reach widows, orphans, and displaced families. We invite you to get involved and help us reach more people in need.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17

Through prayer, partnership, and perseverance, we believe both physical and spiritual hunger can be met in South Sudan.

Supporting Tonj Amid Crisis!

The ongoing cattle raids and retaliatory attacks in Tonj, South Sudan, have escalated insecurity. Our missionaries were evacuated to Kenya, where I was able to travel and reunite with them, offering encouragement and spiritual support as they navigate this difficult season. It was great to visit Samaritan’s Purse and Calvary Chapel Eldoret, as well as other missionary partners.

Despite the unrest, our trip was fruitful; we still delivered the supplies for Tonj to the missionaries and met with African Mission Healthcare, who sponsor many of our medical students.

Please join us in praying for peace in Tonj, protection for our missionaries and national team, and strength for the community as we trust God’s guidance and timing for their return to the field.

Mid-Year Praise Report

In the first half of 2025, In Deed And Truth ministered to 21,730 children and mothers through Noah’s Place Mission Hospital, sharing Jesus’ love via healthcare and Gospel preaching. The effective prevention through CHE (Community Health Evangelism) and medical outreaches has created a slight dip in pediatric inpatient and outpatient visits.  Our maternity department has increased deliveries, and we also experienced an increase in neonatal care, and outreaches, maintaining overall activity levels. We thank God for these opportunities to serve and share. Testimony: The Tonj Triplets – In South Sudan, triplets are more common than the global average, and Noah’s Place Mission Hospital recently welcomed a set. Cholok, a mother, began labor early one morning but continued her chores. By 7 p.m., while showering, she realized a baby was coming. Unable to reach the hospital on foot, our ambulance quickly brought her to our maternity ward. By 8 p.m, Cholok safely delivered 3 healthy babies with our skilled staff’s help.

She expressed deep gratitude, saying the ministry’s support made this safe delivery possible. We praise God for His grace in Cholok’s story.

Redemption Through Faith!

John Magar, a respected witchdoctor in Tonj North, visited Noah’s Place Mission Hospital seeking help for a sick family member. During the outpatient process, he reached the pastor’s station, where a chaplain shared the Gospel. Touched by the message, John and his wife surrendered their lives to Jesus. News of their decision reached Tonj East, sparking family disapproval. Undeterred, John attended In Deed And Truth’s daily staff devotions to deepen his faith.

The hospital’s chaplains stood by him, even traveling to Tonj North to help him burn his witchcraft charms, ensuring no return to his past. John’s faith continued to grow in his village, and he has now become a great evangelist. He says, “I want to find all of the people that used to use my witchcraft services so that I can share the Gospel with them and lead them to Jesus.” We praise the Lord for these awesome testimonies of how the Lord is using our hospital for physical and spiritual healing, bringing hope to a lost world.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Meet Michael!

We are thrilled to announce that Michael Herzinger has joined our ministry team in South Sudan as a dedicated missionary and trainer of our pastors at the Tonj Bible Institute.

Michael has been attending the diploma training through Intensive Care Ministries (ICM) so that he can lead the program for IDAT going forward. With a heart for equipping church leaders, Michael brings a wealth of experience in theological education and pastoral mentorship. His passion for fostering spiritual growth and empowering local pastors aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen the Church in South Sudan.

Michael will focus on equipping our 48 national pastors with deeper biblical knowledge, effective preaching skills, and strong leadership to serve the 42 IDAT church plants and communities. His commitment to cross-cultural ministry will help build a strong foundation for the Gospel’s impact. We are excited to see how God will use Michael’s gifts to inspire and uplift our pastoral network, fostering hope and transformation across South Sudan. Join us in welcoming Michael to this vital role! Please prayerfully consider supporting Michael or Tonj Bible Institute, with a monthly recurring donation.

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2

Happy Healthy Homes!

As well as health education, evangelism, and community development projects, another pillar of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is the ‘Happy Healthy Homes’ initiative. We encourage each of the 10,000 homes we are helping to try and establish 17 key health and spiritual practices within their home. For example, tippy taps utilize local resources to create a home handwashing station, which reduces the spread of infectious diseases.

Improved fireplaces more than halve the firewood mothers need to collect for cooking, as well as eliminating the risk of children being burnt by open fires. Sleeping under treated mosquito nets dramatically reduces rates of malaria, which is the number one killer of children in South Sudan. Vegetable gardens help families broaden the range of essential nutrients in their diet, which is vital for the health of children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

And family prayer times and joining a bible listening group help foster unity and spiritual growth. Please continue to pray for wisdom and safety for our 6,000 Community Health Evangelists as they face insecurities, with rains beginning, and they cycle over muddy tracks to take the gospel to these remote and unreached villages.

State of Emergency!

We are currently experiencing insecurity in our villages from cattle raids and retaliatory attacks, particularly in the Tonj area.  President Salva Kiir has declared a six-month state of emergency in our state.  There is a curfew in place. Despite the deployment of military forces, their ability to curb violence has been limited. Fighting and insecurity have driven significant displacement, with thousands now living without shelter, food, or water.

IDAT made the difficult decision to evacuate the Beard Family to Kenya, and Zeke and I have switched to travel to Kenya instead of South Sudan and will meet them and Michael in Nairobi. Pray for safe travel, strength, and unity as our team reconnects, peace and protection for our staff in Tonj, and effective intervention to curb violence and support displaced families.