Equipping To Go!

This year, we had the joy of training 50 evangelism students from four regions—Tonj South, Tonj East, Apuk, and Alur. Each one completed a rigorous 10-month journey that culminated in a two-hour exam designed to measure their understanding and readiness for ministry. Of these students, 36 proudly received their certificates of completion during a special ceremony held in front of Calvary Church Tonj, while our monthly gathering of pastors was in town for training.

It was a beautiful moment to see the church family come together to celebrate this milestone. The pastors and congregation blessed, honored, and prayed over these new evangelists, commissioning them as they prepare to return to their home villages.

Our prayer is that God will use them powerfully to preach the gospel, strengthen local churches, and bring hope to their communities. Please join us in praying for them.

The Power of Prayer!

Everything we do at In Deed And Truth Ministries is built on a foundation of prayer. Without God we can do nothing, but through Him all things are possible! This month our 7,000 Community Health Evangelists (CHE’s) gathered for prayer walks around their villages, over 100 villages in total!

There were beautiful times of worship, dancing, thanksgiving and intercession. Already we are in awe of the wonderful things God is doing in our midst, but there is still so much suffering, and so many South Sudanese who have not heard the gospel.

We are praying that more witchdoctors, chiefs and families in South Sudan are transformed by Christ’s love and forgiveness of sin this coming year.

Carried to Jesus!

Every month, all our pastors gather for training and to share the incredible testimonies of what God is doing in our 41 village churches. This month, one story deeply touched our hearts.

This is James Chol. He was tragically injured when a bullet passed through his shoulder and neck, leaving him paralyzed and fully dependent on others. His wife chose to remain faithfully by his side, caring for him with remarkable devotion.

During a pastoral visit, two of his brothers were also present. As our pastors shared the gospel, the message touched each of them. That day, the paralyzed young man, his wife, and both brothers surrendered their lives to Christ.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved you and your household.” Acts 16:31

Two weeks later, the entire family came forward for baptism. Watching his wife and brothers carry him into the river reminded us of Luke 5, where friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. Though he has not yet received physical healing, he is overflowing with spiritual joy and peace.

New Neonatal Ward!

While in South Sudan, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the construction site of our new neonatal ward. Standing inside the walls that will soon shelter our tiniest and most vulnerable patients filled me with deep gratitude and renewed purpose. Each brick laid represents hope for a mother, strength for a fragile baby, and the promise of a healthier future for our community. Seeing the progress firsthand reminded me that this project is more than infrastructure — it’s a lifeline to South Sudan’s preemies!

Holding these tiny babies and praying over them, wow!! South Sudan still has one of the highest infant mortalities in the world, and IDAT Hospital is the only facility with incubators and oxygen. These precious lives are the reason we build and serve.

Thank you to everyone whose generosity and prayers are making this vision a reality. Together, we are building hope — one life at a time.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:40

A Gift that Saved a Life!

While in Tonj, my husband Zeke rolled up his sleeve to give blood — a simple act of kindness that turned into a miracle. The very same day, his donation was used to save the life of a young child suffering from severe anemia caused by malaria.

In South Sudan, malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children, and access to safe blood is often scarce. Every pint truly makes a difference — and in this case, it meant a second chance at life for a little one who might not have survived the night.

Are you willing to let God use your life to touch someone in need? Whether through blood donation, prayer, or financial support, each act of compassion multiplies into hope for others. Thank you to everyone who stands with us in bringing healing and life to the most vulnerable.

100^th CHE Village Opening!

Five years ago we had a vision – to bring the gospel, health training, and community development to 100 villages through our Community Health Evangelism Program (CHE) over a 10-year period. We’re excited to share that this month, we reached that milestone in half the time we thought possible, with the opening of our 100th CHE village in the village of Pankiir!

It’s overwhelming to think of the tens of thousands of people who have met Christ, left witchcraft, received health training, medical care, education, clean water, healthier diets, and healed marriages, but we’re just getting started! If you would like to help us expand CHE into more villages, we invite you to pray about becoming a monthly partner of this program.

It was great having our CHE Director, Dr. Jono Macleod, visit for the occasion, as well as to provide further training for our CHE team, and join IDAT leaders in planning for CHE 2026. Please pray for God’s guidance in deciding which villages to include next, as we have over 100 villages on our waiting list!

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.