Looking Back: Where We See God Moving

In the past month, we have witnessed God’s hand in many areas. A shipping container filled with food and construction materials is successfully on its way and is expected to arrive in late April or early May. We see these children leaning into the Love of Christ.

Food Sustainability

Northside Christian Church and Lifeline Ministries have teamed up with a goal of supplying over 60,000 meals as part of the church’s Serve Day project in New Albany, IN. Additionally, we have secured local wholesale prices and availability on rice and beans, which can be mixed with Nutri-Plenty nutrient packs from Alliance for Better Nutrition, purchased through our friends at Love the Hungry. This will allow the single meal a day we currently provide to be healthy. Nutri-Plenty micronutrients reduce childhood morbidity by over 60%.

Drought and Heat Wave

NorthsideOver the past two weeks, we have experienced severe drought and a heat wave, which has significantly impacted the local community. Due to these extreme weather conditions, the government has temporarily halted daily school activities to focus on the children’s health and well-being. Though school was not in session, the compound is still the safe haven.

Facilities Improvement

Our friends from Partners for Compassionate Care recently completed a scouting and planning visit to the orphanage. They laid out the site for the replacement of our four classrooms, which will take place later this year. The team also connected the compound to the internet, enabling us to continue teaching, coaching, training, and discipling our teachers and staff.

Local Juba Volunteers and Staff

We want to highlight the dedication and sacrifice of our local team. We average between 30 and 40 folks in country who daily put these children’s needs ahead of their own. NOC is working to help offset their sacrifices financially.

Looking Foward: Where We Believe God Will Work

Discipleship Training in April and May

Our partners, including Tim Ferree from Discipleship Global (DG), will be leading discipleship training sessions. Our local team, led by Tor Jacob, continues to teach the basics of discipleship to our local team and six surrounding schools. In June, a team from Teach to Transform will provide trauma training and ministry for our young leadership and teaching staff. NOC strives to utilize what God provides us, as illustrated in the story of the two fishes and five loaves.

Using God’s Local Provision – He Always Finds a Way

The story of the two fishes and five loaves, found in John 6:1-14, tells of Jesus feeding a multitude with just five barley loaves and two small fish. Despite the seemingly insufficient amount of food, Jesus gave thanks and distributed it to the people. Miraculously, everyone ate as much as they wanted, and the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. This miracle demonstrates God’s ability to provide abundantly, even from the smallest resources. It reminds us to trust in God’s provision and to be grateful for His blessings, no matter how small they may seem.

Relief Container

We are working towards obtaining the funds to send another shipment of food to Juba, leaving in early summer. Goal to fill with items we cannot source in country and provide food relief, working towards a second meal daily for the children.

Board Updates

The NOC board has welcomed two new members: Ted Miller from Jasper, IN, who recently retired from the healthcare industry and brings a wealth of godly wisdom, and Evan Nord from Louisville, KY. Evan and his wife, Katelyn, went on a mission with us to Juba last year. Both have been assisting the board on committees, with Evan officially joining the board this past session.

Founder Mission

John Deng Ater and his wife Deborah and their 5 children are planning a 2 month trip back to Africa this summer. This will allow Deborahs mother the first time to see 4 of her grand children. John will spend much of the time in Juba with the local staff. John and Deborah have given tirelessly over the past 12 years to drive and maintain NOC in South Sudan. If you would like to walk with them with support click the donate button.

March 2025