December 26, 2025
Dear friend of Sudan Sunrise,
In times of darkness, good and evil are in stark contrast. Twice, I have traveled to Chad with Darfurian activist Dr. Abdelillah Douda to interview refugees. Never before have I heard testimonies of such war crimes. Nor have I ever witnessed good people rising to the occasion as I did in those refugee camps.
Dr. Douda introduced us to the “For You” clinic and feeding program. It was staffed by doctors, nurses, and others who had lost everything in the Rapid Support Force’s attacks in Geneina, Darfur. Instead of being paralyzed by their own loss, these heroes got busy helping their fellow refugees. People who came to the clinic were overjoyed to find the doctors and nurses who had cared for them back home! The “For You” clinic is primarily supported by a remarkable Jewish philanthropist who enables these Muslims to help their fellow refugees. In this divided world, I love the opportunity we have to help expand the network of this inspirational effort.
The war in Sudan has created the “worst humanitarian crisis on earth.” The UN estimates 11-12 million Sudanese are internally displaced, and nearly 4 million have fled to neighboring countries. Bordering Darfur is South Sudan, which is now the “poorest country on earth.” Exacerbating this crisis, the biggest source of relief, USAID, has been shut down, and US foreign aid to Sudan and South Sudan cut to zero.
What can a small organization like Sudan Sunrise do in the face of such cataclysmic need? Sudan Sunrise is nimble and pivots to work with locals who are doing what they can. Put simply, Sudan Sunrise connects worthy projects in Sudan and South Sudan with donors in the US.
For example:
St. Mary’s Girls Secondary Boarding School: Archbishop Abraham Nhial, as a Lost Boy, learned the importance of ethnic groups working together and the importance of education. His vision began to take shape. “Let us bring together two girls from every tribe in South Sudan to go to high school together. Let’s include Muslim girls from Darfur. These young women will become agents of healing for our divided nation.” Abraham is pressing ahead to complete construction and open St. Mary’s in February of 2026. With an eventual enrollment of 500 girls, St. Mary’s will be the first girls high school in Aweil, and the first girls school in South Sudan to bring together girls from every tribe.
Empowering Farmers: Thousands of refugees from Darfur have flooded across the border into South Sudan near Aweil. They have lost everything but they are not helpless. To grow their own food, the refugees need land, tools, and seeds. A generous grant to Sudan Sunrise made it possible for the Diocese of Aweil to provide what was needed. The first growing season was a big success. Now the refugees are appealing to the Diocese to expand the project. A plow pulled by an ox, hand tools and seeds are all that is needed. The refugees will do the rest! This will enable these Muslim and Christian refugees to provide for themselves, and have food to sell in the market.
Soccer for Sudan: In Virginia, four high school seniors, Christian, Solomon, Jonah and Junayed had an inspired idea. They organized an effort called “Soccer for Sudan” and raised $1,313 for the “For You” clinic to help provide meals for children and medical care for refugees. These four high school students empowered refugees to help refugees.
The Sudan Tribune is an independent and respected news source for Sudan and South Sudan. Financial problems caused by the war have placed the continuation of the Tribune in jeopardy. “The first casualty in war is the truth.” The Sudan Tribune has had millions of viewers, and losing this news source would be a serious setback. Now, with Sudan Sunrise’s help, donors can contribute online, and have 100% of their contribution to go to keep this trusted news source functioning.
Manute Bol Primary School: Founded by Lost Boys, Victor Anyar and his colleague, Sinjin, the Manute Bol School in Turalei, South Sudan, provides free education and one free meal a day to 675 boys and girls, through eigth grade. Sudan Sunrise built the school and pays the teachers and staff. An additional goal for 2026 is to get enough benches and tables for the whole school. A growing number of students who had their first 8 years of school here have now graduated from university.
Refugee Camp Dinners: Juma Seif Shaibu of Nashville, TN, linked Sudan Sunrise with the Muslim and Christian refugees of the B’wale refugee camp in Uganda. For the past several years Sudan Sunrise has funded two celebration dinners, Christmas and New Years, for Muslims, Christians, and the most needy in the camp. In addition our Moringa project has been an enormous success, giving refugees year round access to added nutrition. The celebration dinners have become a highlight of the year. As Juma, a Darfurian Muslim, wrote, “What a beautiful day to see them enjoy life during Christmas. Elderly and children coming together is the peace and love of Almighty God.”
There are other inspiring efforts, and new initiatives will likely arise during 2026. As a Christian, I see Jesus’ birth in an occupied land as the light shining in the darkness, of which we are meant to be agents in our day. Simply put, “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” kindles God’s light. Thank you for helping shine a light in the darkness! In times when hate and division predominate, let us redouble our investment in efforts that grow love, unity, and understanding.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, New Year’s blessings to you and your loved ones,
Tom Prichard
Executive Director