Written by Bekah, UK and Chloe, USA

Welcome to North Africa, a desert land full of culture and history. Among the North African population are many Sudanese refugees, who have fled the dangers of over 30 years of civil war, and a subsequent genocide. These refugees have relocated from their homes in the Nuba mountains to various countries bordering Sudan.

Meet Maryam one of the refugees who was forced to flee her home 4 years ago. Maryam currently lives in a small apartment on the top floor with her son, 2 daughters and granddaughter. Shortly after escaping, Maryam's husband passed away from health complications.

Since her husband's death, Maryam has been the primary provider for her family, despite battling her own trauma and medical problems. She can't afford to access needed medical care, much less send her children to school. They must work to help meet the family's needs.

'Looking at my situation now, it's hopeless. My only hope is in God' - Said Maryam.

Upon entering the family’s living area, flies swarm around, and a stale smell fills the air. The family sleeps on two filthy mattresses inches above the dirty, cracked tile floor. Empty shelves line the kitchen walls, as the family struggles to secure enough food for each day, and essential appliances such as a refrigerator are absent. It is difficult for the family to practice basic hygiene as layers of grime coat the sink and toilet. There is no shower or running water, so the family must climb many flights of crumbling steps with buckets of water.

Maryam and her family dream of returning to the community and country they call home. However, brutal violence and unrest are preventing them from doing so.

“If Maryam and her family are to thrive, it is essential their living conditions are improved. The family are suffering the consequences of their previous trauma and currently are at high risk of serious physical illness due to the insanitary conditions they are forced to live in.” - Dr. Jessica, UK.

They are in dire need of our help. 

Your generosity will restore their hope and remind them of how precious they are to God.

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.”

1 Samuel 2:8 NIV