Introduction

Jalle is a small village located just north of Bor Town in South Sudan. Before the Islamic-based Government of Sudan started its campaign of genocide against the African Christians of the South in the 1980s, this vibrant village was home to over 30,000 people. After over 20 years of civil war, Jalle’s population has been estimated at only 1,500. The rest were either killed or moved to neighboring refugee camps in Kenya and Uganda.

Now that the war is technically over, the UN is pressing the refugees to return to their homelands. The problem is that there is nothing for them to come home to. There are not enough farms to support more people, there is very little drinkable water, no electricity, no schools or health care. The Jalleans live a very difficult life. However, what the they lack in basic necessities and infrastructure is made up by their love of the Lord and a strong community dedicated to overcoming the persecution they have experienced at the hands of radical Islam.

In a gesture of Christian solidarity, Grace Chapel Church in Leipers Fork, Tennessee is partnering with the people of Jalle to build a community center designed to provide a place of worship, schools, medical clinic, clean water and more. This will not only provide services to local Jalleans but will give returning refugees hope and a reason to move forward with their lives. In an amazing show of support by Grace Chapel members, almost $300,000 was raised to fund this project.

As of January 1, 2009, project assessments have been completed and building structures are currently being fabricated in Uganda. These six large steel structures are schedule to be delivered to Jalle in the mid-February timeframe. In preparation for the erection of these buildings, Grace Chapel commissioned Fred Beesley, David Green and William Garang Majok to oversee the construction of the structure foundations before they arrive. They will also provide oversight for the entire construction phase of this project. These strong men of faith with their servant hearts began their journey to Jalle on the morning of January 13, 2009. This blog will be used as a communications tool to post updates of their adventures, prayer requests, successes, challenges and, hopefully, a few pictures when they are able access the internet periodically.

Please keep these young men in your prayers daily as Fred, David and William absolutely covet them for the journey they have embarked upon.