Reigniting Hope and Possibility in South Sudan

Amidst the tumultuous landscape of South Sudan, where continual conflict and displacement have left deep scars, the return of Seed Effect brings a glimmer of hope. 

Just a few years after the peace agreement was signed that ended 25 years of civil war, Seed Effect was launched in Kajo Keji, South Sudan in 2009. Kajo Keji was our home for seven years. Then, war forced us to flee to Northern Uganda. And now, after serving almost 90,000 families over the past seven years, Seed Effect is heading back into South Sudan while we continue expanding throughout Northern Uganda. Eighteen months of planning and praying have birthed a pilot project, signaling a pivotal moment in the community’s plea for restoration, resilience, and sustainable solutions. 

On February 26th, Seed Effect South Sudan was relaunched in Kajo Keji! And we couldn’t be more excited. Isn’t coming home the best feeling?

Yet, many things have changed. Over the past seven years, the population of Kajo Keji, once depleted, has slowly been growing. Yet it is still a fraction of what it once was. Many shops are still boarded up. Many schools have yet to reopen. Bullet holes in nearby buildings are a reminder of what took place here not too long ago. It is, without a doubt, a place that is still rebuilding. This is why we felt the need to return. 

This decision reflects our unwavering dedication to the hard places. Our holistic approach, centered around providing financial services, business training, and spiritual discipleship, has empowered tens of thousands of individuals to know Jesus and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Our program fosters social cohesion and collective resilience, equipping communities with the tools and support networks needed to weather challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. Who needs this more than a country rebuilding after war? 

As we re-establish our presence in South Sudan, we are reigniting hope and possibility for those who have endured years of hardship and uncertainty. And it is a sign to others to come home. In a sense, we are saying, “Return when you are ready. We will be here to support you.” 

And there are many reasons for the people of South Sudan to return. The area has been peaceful for several years. The monthly rations have been cut in the refugee settlements, making life in Uganda even more challenging. It is planting season, and the land in South Sudan is fertile from laying fallow. And, of course, because it is their home. 

There is still a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds for South Sudan, and returning after seven years is not without its challenges. The trauma of war remains, and the country continues to grapple with political instability, economic hardships, and humanitarian crises. Some might say it is too soon or too risky for Seed Effect to go back. We say that Seed Effect’s mission is to serve in the hard places, and the South Sudanese need tools to rebuild their lives now. 

It is not lost on us that seven is a number that represents fullness and completion in the Bible. It took seven years to establish Seed Effect in South Sudan. For the past seven years, we have refined our model and experienced tremendous growth in Uganda. And now, we can’t wait to see what the next seven years will hold. We pray with Seed Effect leading the way, the journey towards sustainable development and transformation in South Sudan will take a significant step forward.

Welcome back, Seed Effect South Sudan. It is good to be home!