New Hope Sunday

Sunday, September 22

New Hope Sunday

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Hallelujah! Less than one year from the formal kick-off date of the New Hope Campaign we have raised pledges of over $3,730,000. This surpasses our original goal of $3,6000,000. You have show faith, hope and charity helping us to lift up our needy brothers and sister here and in Kajo Keji. As a Diocese I believe we have matured in our mutual faith. We have grown as we have left our personal agendas behind and met at Christ's side, following, His agenda. This is loving others as ourselves.

As you read this, we are receiving grant application from local parishes to support new outreach initiatives. In Kajo Kei, we have completed one third of the college. This month we are breaking ground to build the first New Hope primary school in Romogi. This fall, Trip Tepagnier, Chair of the World Mission Committee, and I will be meeting with the representatives of Grameen Microfinance Bank in Washington, DC and the Five Talents Microfinance organization in Virginia to begin to develop our microfinance project.

Our fund raising work is not yet completed. Due to changes beyond our control, we need to raise another $400,000 in pledges. This is due to three factors:

1.Our original estimates of the costs of building the schools were roughly 200% lower than the actual costs

2. The government of the New Sudan has doubled the minimum number of classrooms per school.

3. Due to the building boom in the New Sudan, concrete and other construction materials have experienced hyper-inflation, some commodities have tripled in price.

Without these additional funds two schools will not be built and supported, taking the promise of a better future from over 500 children per year. The literacy rate in Southern Sudan is estimated to be 15 to 20%. In ten years time our New Hope primary schools alone can double the literacy rate. You can insure that a child learns to read, read the gospels. We can start a virtuous cycle of success. This week, I increased my pledge to New Hope. I ask you to join me.

Charlie Barebo

New Hope Chair