South Sudan is in turmoil five years after becoming the newest nation of the world. The joy that independence brought has disappeared as violence recently erupted in the streets of the country’s capital Juba. After heavy fighting, a tenuous ceasefire is holding—for the moment.

Nonetheless, several hundred people are already dead, and thousands more have fled their homes in Juba. More than 4.3 million people were already facing severe food insecurity and people are becoming desperate as widespread hunger and malnutrition grow.

Samaritan’s Purse has had a longstanding commitment to serving the beleaguered, war-weary people of South Sudan. We’ve been there throughout the country in the Name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His compassion for more than two decades—serving both refugees who’ve fled Sudan as well as people affected by ongoing armed civil conflict. Samaritan’s Purse is not suspending services to the vulnerable people of South Sudan. We will do everything possible to continue meeting the emergency needs of the South Sudanese people.

Please pray for the 12 million people of South Sudan. Pray that peace will prevail. Please pray for God’s protection of our staff—that His presence, peace and provision will be experienced. Pray that our staff will be strengthened to meet the needs of so many desperate people.