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CHIC2K Money Aids Sudanese Farmers
ROSEMONT, IL (January 29, 2001) - Six months ago, 6,500 people at CHIC2K - the Evangelical Covenant Church youth conference, - raised more than $125,000 for ministries earmarked for the South Sudanese Covenant Church.
That money is already being used for good, said Jim Sundholm, associate superintendent of the Northwest Conference. Sundholm gave a Good News testimony of how the South Sudanese church has benefited from some of the CHIC2K funds after returning from a three-month stay in Africa.
Sundholm told those at Monday's final Youth Workers Connection worship service that CHIC2K monies have been used for agricultural projects. Other finances aided victims of an October raid in Maiwut, Sudan. Sundholm spent time teaching at Nekemte Christian College in Ethiopia, located just across the river from South Sudan, and traveled to refugee camps in Sudan along with his academic responsibilities.
"I know millions have watched Survivor (the well-known show) on television, but nobody in the Western world is doing anything about the real survivors, except nearly 7,000 people who showed up at a conference last summer," said Sundholm who was stationed in Gambella, Ethiopia, during his teaching experience. "What happens there will not make Good Morning America. But, what you did last summer is making a difference."
Sundholm told about giving $100 to a group of young people interested in farming in Sudan. The 2,000 Birr (the Sudanese currency) enabled the farmers to buy tools and seed to grow corn - the tools were in use and the garden growing by the time Sundholm left Africa for the United States. After some 40 people were killed in a militia raid, the $2,890 given to that area was used to buy materials for mosquito netting and clothing.
"It's wonderful to have funds when you're there and be able to do something right away, immediately responding to the crisis of war," said Sundholm. "And it's nice to help with the long-range plans to help respond to the war."
Jerry Rice, director of administration for the Northwest Conference, said future uses for CHIC2K money include more agricultural projects in South Sudan and a partnership with other organizations to aid the refugee camps there. Field irrigation training begins in refugee camps and the low cost of this technology will enable families to garden 100 feet of garden using just 10 gallons of water for under $5 per farmer.
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