HHA East Africa Visits the UK

This month, we launched our Rebuild Hope Appeal as we raise money to build a new health clinic for returning refugees in South Sudan. Over 15 years ago in Haiti, we asked you to support the dream of building a health clinic to serve some of the poorest communities in the western hemisphere. Now that clinic is a leading hospital serving 30,000 patients a year and supporting 300+ Haitian staff. This Spring, we are asking you for that same support and faith once more as we embark on a dream, that began in 2016, to help those in desperate need in South Sudan. Read more about the appeal and watch the official appeal film to learn more!

Our initial plans in Kajo Keji, South Sudan, were abruptly interrupted by the devastating civil war, which left our South Sudanese team fleeing for their lives as refugees into Uganda. Since then, our East Africa response has mainly focused on the refugee crisis in Uganda, saving and transforming the lives of thousands of people. Today, with reducing food rations in the refugee settlements, some families are making the difficult decision to return to South Sudan, but are finding their communities devastated. Within Kajo Keji there are very limited health services and a critical need for support. The local community have called upon HHA to help and have identified a derelict building which they need our help to transform into a new health clinic. In many ways, it feels like the original Haiti dream is starting again.

HHA CEO, Carwyn Hill had the privilege of visiting this community just over a month ago and the urgent need for our support was obvious to see. On the morning of his visit, he was heartbroken to hear about a tragic massacre that had happened just 35km to the north, needlessly claiming the lives of 30 people. Within a few hours, the compound where our new clinic will be based was flooded with displaced families desperately needing support - including many women and children - who’d fled this massacre empty handed, some coming bare foot, not even having the chance to put on shoes as they fled their homes. Pastor Edward, Chair of the HHA East Africa board welcomed them with open arms and has since been providing emergency relief to around 600 individuals. It was incredibly humbling for Carwyn and the team to see the critical needs of these families. 

Having seen God’s faithfulness in Haiti, we’re confident that with your support this new health clinic will be able to provide for families in 2023 - ensuring mothers, babies and persons with disabilities have the care they need.

This month we were blessed to have Pastor Edward and Isaac (our East Africa Program Manager) visit the UK. They had a busy trip speaking passionately to many of our partner churches, helping to launch our Rebuild Hope Appeal with first-hand accounts of life as a refugee and the needs of returning refugees in South Sudan. Thank you so much to all the churches and partners who hosted Edward and Isaac allowing them to spread the word and pray together.

Edward and Isaac also had the chance to experience some other parts of life in the UK such as trips to watch some live rugby and football (a particular highlight for sports fan, Isaac). They also enjoyed chips at the beach in Brighton, and a day with the UK team. It's been a pleasure to have Edward and Isaac with us and we pray for their safe return to Uganda with renewed strength to take on the work to come in South Sudan.

If you can support our Rebuild Hope Appeal with a regular gift or a one-off donation, it would be a huge boost as this important work begins. If you'd like to discuss anything about the work of this appeal, please get in touch.