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?

Many things are the same. Our seasoned team members (many of whom served with us in Uganda and, originally, in South Sudan) are overseeing this launch from the same office where photos from our first seven years still hang on the wall. Our staff has shared story after story of driving through town in the same truck down the same roads and running into familiar faces like Celina Guo, who welcome us back and are eager to rejoin a Seed Effect group. In some ways, it feels like not much has changed and we are simply picking up where we left off. 

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!

A word from Bismarck, Seed Effect South Sudan’s Country Director:

“In contemplating the significance of Seed Effect’s relaunch in South Sudan, I am reminded of the scripture that says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

I firmly believe that God’s hand is guiding this endeavor, orchestrating events, and empowering individuals to be agents of His grace and love. Through Seed Effect, I envision God working miracles, transforming despair into hope, poverty into abundance, and brokenness into wholeness. As we embark on this journey, I trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and to use Seed Effect as an instrument of His divine purpose in South Sudan.”

It will cost $85,000 to start 30 new groups, empowering 750 families to know Jesus and provide for their families with dignity. To contribute towards this project: