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For many years, the country of Sudan has been torn apart and ravaged by civil war leaving more than two million Sudanese dead and more than four million displaced. Plagued by war, disease, and famine, the Sudanese people live in survival mode, isolated from the rest of the world. Currently, they’re in great need of schools, medical clinics, and clean water—most of which are unavailable in many areas.

Aid Sudan, a Hope for the World Missions Offering partner, was founded in 2000 and serves to develop strong southern Sudanese communities dedicated to serving Jesus here and in the Sudan. Recently, a Nashville-based ministry center was opened under the direction of Leigh Ann Cates, a member of Brentwood Baptist.

As for the recent project funded by the missions offering, Kerry Henderson, the Sudan Country Director at Aid Sudan, went to oversee the completion of the project. He said, “God was definitely there and He orchestrated everything perfectly, as usual!”

Kerry met Gai Luom at an airstrip in rural Africa and they traveled to the village of Biong. Gai, a Brentwood Baptist member, lives in the Nashville area but is originally from Biong, so he acted as Kerry’s Sundanese host during the trip.

“Upon my arrival there, I was thrilled to see the drilling rig parked at the site where Gai and the community had chosen for the well,” he said. “It’s a great place under the big shade trees where the ladies will be able to wait in the shade for their turn to get water.”

On the first day, the drilling crew hit water at 18 meters, but continued working tirelessly to drill deeper over the next few days, stopping at 56 meters. Kerry said, “This depth along with drilling in the dry season should give the people of Biong ample water year round!”

During this time, a large feeding truck arrived to provide food for the villagers. “Everyone was so excited and they all thanked me for Aid Sudan sending this food to them!” he said. “A group of women were also very excited and kept shaking my hand and thanking me for the food.”

“To see the smiles on the people's faces and to be there for their gratitude made all the work insignificant in comparison to the hope it gave the people of Biong—and not hope in us, but in our great God who always keeps His promises,” he said. “It was truly a humbling experience!”

For more information on Aid Sudan, a Hope for the World Missions Offering partner, go to BrentwoodMissions.com or AidSudan.org.