Partnerships in Christ!

Obstetric fistula is a condition that occurs because of lack of access to skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care. In an obstructed labor, the tissues of the woman’s body are compressed, and the blood supply is damaged, while she suffers in the agony of futile contractions for many days. Some women in countries like South Sudan do not survive such an ordeal. Those who do are often left with damage to their bodies, causing urine or faeces to leak uncontrollably. Not only is this physically devastating, but these women can also be socially rejected, divorced and shamed because of their condition. Until now, we have found it close to impossible, as well as financially prohibitive, to find good surgical care for these suffering women.

Praise God that last month, He opened the door for a partnership with a world class fistula repair ministry, called the Barbara May Foundation, who have recently begun work in Juba and are doing incredible work all around Africa. We recently sent 13 women to them in Juba for surgery. Praise God for their successful operations and safe return to Tonj.  Pray God’s blessing over an ongoing partnership that will bring hope to many more Tonj women in the future!.

A beautiful rainbow appeared as the fistula patients left the IDAT compound for Juba. A symbol of the new hope of being healed and His promise to never leave us or forsake us.

Cleft Lip and Cataract!

Nyanchiek said that she was being teased and called names at school because of her cleft lip.  In Deed and Truth Ministries was honored to partner with our friends at Samaritan’s Purse, when they sent a team of medical professionals to Juba to repair cleft lips. The surgery not only transforms the appearance, but it brings hope and healing in other ways. Samaritan’s Purse run a cleft lip program in Juba every year and repair over 100 cleft lips. We sent Nyanchiek along with 10 other patients to receive this life changing surgery and the results were incredible.

Often the deformity is seen as a curse and people spend their lives living as outcasts in their community.

After the surgery Nyanchiek was so happy and said she feels beautiful and that the kids will stop teasing her.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Every few years IDAT hosts a cataract team from Tenwek Mission Hospital in Kenya. Samaritan’s Purse helps them and us logistically with getting the team and equipment into Tonj and covers the costs of this life changing surgery. Our team in Tonj has been busy registering 500 patients in need of cataract surgery and preparing to receive the visiting team of 16 medical professionals.

Sports Outreach

The youth of Tonj are so excited to take part in this year’s IDAT Sport Outreach. It is going really well, with volleyball, basketball and soccer.

For one whole month our pastors are sharing the gospel at every game and we are already seeing an increase in church attendance. Several people have shared their testimony in church of how the Lord touched their heart through the sports outreach.

• We are still in need of $12,000 to cover the cost of this outreach. Please go to our website if you feel led to help.