Tribute to the legacy of Brother John MacLean

Shalom Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua,

  Greetings to you all in the name above all names, Yeshua the Messiah. It has been quite a while since we last communicated, and I am eager to bring you an update on the ongoing work of Operation Nehemiah Missions (ONMi) here in the United States and South Sudan. Your prayers and support have been invaluable, and I am excited to share the latest developments with you.

I have been in the United States since June 30^th, 2025, and I will be returning to South Sudan next week. The work in the field is ongoing, and I am continually amazed at how God is doing His work through your unwavering support and commitment. Your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed, and it is truly inspiring to witness the impact we are making together.

Tribute to the legacy of Brother John MacLean, Sr.

On behalf of the staff and families of Operation Nehemiah Missions from the USA and South Sudan, Sarah and I express our deep sadness at the passing of John McLean into Eternity. Please join us to express our condolences to the Maclean family during this difficult and trying time. However, our mourning is not in vain. We weep with you and grieve with you.

In his faith and spiritual journey, John was a man of unwavering prayer.  We are confident that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Yeshua the Messiah, in whose name he served on this earth as His distinguished witness. John 11:25. John has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith. "Now there awaits him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day—and not only to him, but also to all who have longed for His appearance. 2 Timothy 4:7-

In recognition of his generosity, we honor him with 2 Corinthians 9:9-15.

John MacLean (right, in a blue shirt and khaki trousers, with his head raised in prayer for South Sudan) was a dedicated intercessory prayer warrior and an ONMI benefactor for 30 years, who has now passed into eternity.

With His widow Judy and son Bill at John MacLean Memorial service

With his son James at the Legacy memorial service for Brother John MacLean Sr.

We hold immense gratitude for his unwavering dedication and support over an extraordinary 30 years to Operation Nehemiah Mission International. He stood firmly, interceding for the persecuted Christians in South Sudan, becoming a voice for the voiceless and giving selflessly. John and Judy contributed tens and thousands of dollars to Operation Nehemiah over the course of three decades, insisting that their names remain unmentioned to give glory to Jesus until now we can at least say something about them. Brother John McLean was not just a benefactor to ONMI's various projects; he was a prayer warrior, financial counselor, dear friend, and my spiritual father and mentor. His influence extended to every aspect of ONMI's ministry, encompassing church planting, radio stations, education, water, building, and medical projects. He single-handedly funded and supported most of our long-term projects.

Evaluating ONMI's Five-Year Development Plan: Insights and Future Directions

Since my return, there have been some significant updates from the field. As we approach the end of 2025, we face the critical task of evaluating ONMI's five-year development plan, which was established for the period from 2021 to 2025. I have been diligently examining the successes, challenges, and opportunities that we have encountered during these past years. This evaluation is crucial as it will guide our future efforts and ensure that we remain aligned with our mission and vision for the next five-year plan, the ONMI Development plan, from 2026 to 2030.

Revitalizing ONMi's Mission: Rebuilding South Sudan Amidst Crisis

In 2021, we oversaw the return of most of our staff from exile, allowing them to continue the vital work of ONMi amidst the national crisis that South Sudan faced from 2016 to 2021. This was a pivotal moment for our organization, as we reaffirmed ONMI’s commitment to rebuilding South Sudan both physically and spiritually. This initiative not only propelled us forward but also encouraged us to implement various programs, including church planting efforts, the training and raising of more pastors to shepherd the flock, and expanding agricultural initiatives aimed at achieving food security. Additionally, we brought in new medical equipment and expanded our medical initiatives in regions where hospitals and clinics are not readily accessible.

Achievements in Education, Community Support, and Leadership Development

We proudly established two educational institutions: Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy, and Neha Polytechnic Institute. These institutions play a vital role in the community, delivering quality education to the youth and shaping a brighter future. Moreover, over the past six years, we successfully secured and fortified three of ONMI’s mission compounds during South Sudan's national crisis, and we were blessed with an additional compound, the Messiah Ambassador’s House in Kerepi Mutala. We also completed the renovation and restoration of the home of our founder and overseer, William and Sarah Levi, in Beth Israel Levi of Akko Mountain. In 2023, we had the privilege of ordaining three new pastoral leaders who are now serving their communities with dedication and passion. Additionally, we restructured the Board of Directors and transitioned to a new administration, which is crucial for steering the ministry toward permanent sustainability.

Comprehensive Report on Agricultural Development and Food Security Initiatives

Here is the comprehensive report that outlines our significant agricultural development initiatives and emphasizes the crucial aspects of food security for the ONMI in the field. This document serves not only as a summary of our ongoing projects but also as a detailed analysis of the strategies we have implemented to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food sources for our communities.

In the subsequent sections, we will explore various facets of our agricultural development initiatives, such as innovative farming techniques, including drip irrigation and the introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties, as well as the implementation of advanced irrigation systems. Furthermore, we will address the significance of community engagement and education in promoting a culture of sustainable farming practices.

Securing Funding for New Dormitories at Bethlehem Academy

We are confidently advancing our efforts by securing funding for the construction of two dormitories at Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy, designed to accommodate 200 students. We are profoundly grateful to our long-time ministry partners who have generously contributed $235,000 to Operation Nehemiah Missions for this project, which will serve both boys and girls. This substantial contribution is a crucial step towards our overall goal of $350,900, and we deeply appreciate their generosity. We invite you to match this donation dollar for dollar to help us achieve our total funding goal.

1. Exciting changes are happening while I'm away in South Sudan! The Operation Nehemiah Missions office will remain fully operational, so keep your correspondence with ONMI consistent. I'll be sending you thrilling weekly updates from the field straight to your email, and you'll also receive a hard copy of the field report via post office box from a third-party mailing business. Stay tuned!

2. As I prepare to return to South Sudan for the next 4 to 6 months, I confidently encourage those who feel inspired to support this ministry, whether monthly or as guided, to use the online donation platform for Operation Nehemiah Missions. Due to limited staff available to retrieve mail with Checks sent to Operation Nehemiah Missions, PO Box 563, Lanesborough, MA 01237, this method ensures the timely receipt of your donation information, enabling us to issue receipts and acknowledgments promptly.

   
   

3. For those who prefer to transfer funds directly from bank to bank, which will streamline the process, please find the necessary information attached below:

   Account Name: Operation Nehemiah Missions

Account Number: 827160781

PO Box 563 / 424 Summer St

Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA

Bank Name: Greylock Federal Credit Union

Bank Address: 150 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Routing Number: 211885250

Important Contact:

4. If you wish to contact me directly while I am in the USA, please use this new number:413-212-8699 and the emails below

   
   

5. For communication in the field, you can reach me via WhatsApp at William Levi - 413-770-4711, by email: wmlevi@operationsnehemiah.org or WLevi1607@gmail.com

   
   

All contributions sent to Operation Nehemiah Missions are tax-deductible and Checks should be mailed to PO Box 563, Lanesborough, MA 01237.

Online contributions can be made to Operation Nehemiah Missions here: Donate Now

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many in South Sudan, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you as we progress in our mission.