Need for New Dormitories as BNPA to vacate the defunct BSS by December 2025

Dear Collaborators in the Great Commission, shalom to you and your family in the name above all names, Yeshua the Messiah! With immense gratitude and excitement, I reach out to you today to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support and for uplifting our efforts in the vital work of Operation Nehemiah Mission, both here in the USA and in South Sudan. Your commitment and dedication are truly invaluable, playing a crucial role in the transformative efforts we are passionately undertaking in these regions.

Operation Nehemiah, as you may know, is the mission wing of the Nile Beth Israel Messianic congregation. This incredible organization is devoted to carrying out a wide array of mission activities and services aimed at serving the wonderful people of South Sudan. Our mission is much more than a series of projects; it is a heartfelt commitment to bring hope, healing, and restoration to a nation that has endured tremendous hardship. Through various initiatives, we strive to address the immediate needs of the community while also laying the groundwork for sustainable development and long-term growth.

K1 pupils at BNPA

BNPA: Empowering South Sudanese Children Through Biblical & academic Education

In this article, I am thrilled to highlight an important initiative—the Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy (BNPA) located in Bethlehem of Borongole, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan. Established in 2021 as part of ONMI’s strategic plan for 2021-2025, this academy aims to provide educational opportunities for South Sudanese children, especially those whose parents have recently returned from exile. These families are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives from the ashes of war and displacement, and education is a critical component of that rebuilding process. BNPA stands as a beacon of hope, offering a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and dream of a brighter future.

A Vision for Holistic Growth at Bethlehem Nursery & Primary Academy

ONMI, together with the student body, parents, and leadership team at Bethlehem Nursery & Primary Academy, deeply appreciates your generosity, which supports the stability of our academy where children from diverse backgrounds study. Despite being in a rural area often seen as lacking, we provide high-quality Christian education to students from Juba, Nimule, Torit, and our local community in Magwi County, South Sudan. Inspired by Dr. John Garang's vision of bringing urban opportunities to rural areas, we offer a comprehensive education that fosters academic, physical, and spiritual growth, even amidst challenges like limited dormitory facilities. Our students engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, including worship at BIMK, agricultural development, community outreach, and sports, gaining valuable credentials and Christian life experiences crucial for South Sudan's food security and their development as responsible citizens. ONMI's mission also extends to Bethlehem of Borongole, Messiah Ambassador's House in Kerepi Mutala, BILA's Beth Israel Farmland, and Yerushalayim Summit on Mt. Gordon, equipped with amenities like internet, water, a medical center, and agricultural land. Your children are in the right place.

Urgent Need for New Dormitories as ONMI Faces Eviction from The defunct Borongole Secondary school Facilities

  ONMI has been asked to vacate two facilities used as a dormitory for BNPA students by December 2025. Since 2021, these facilities, part of the defunct Borongole Secondary School, have housed male students and are located opposite ONMI's compound. Female students reside temporarily in church and hospital buildings within the compound. A Christian organization, ONMI protected these structures during South Sudan's 2016 crisis, maintaining them undamaged. Throughout the civil war, ONMI acted as the school's legal custodian. After the conflict ended in 2020, returning residents have not acknowledged ONMI's preservation efforts and have requested BNPA's eviction. This situation necessitates the urgent construction of new dormitories to ensure the school's sustainability despite the uncertain future due to a dwindling student population.

a)       This proposal addresses both the need and opportunity aligned with the vision and goals of Operation Nehemiah Missions and the Nile Beth Israel Messianic Kehillah. It seeks to achieve ONMI's five-year strategic objective for 2021-2025, focusing on providing essential services to South Sudanese individuals and families returning from exile. These individuals and families are working to rebuild their lives following the 2016 civil war, which led to their displacement. Returning home presents significant challenges, as they require services to support their recovery and reconstruction efforts. This includes establishing schools, food security initiatives, water access, medical facilities, and places of worship.

b)      The primary necessity and opportunity we are addressing is the construction of the Bethlehem Nursery and Primary academic dormitory, which must be completed by December 2025 due to the deadline to vacate the current facility housing male students. We require a new tractor to ensure food security for our community, as our existing tractor is in high demand and frequently experiences mechanical failures. The completion of the nearly finished nursery building is essential to serve as a classroom for BNPA’s K1-K3 pupils. Additionally, a cafeteria is needed to provide a sanitary dining area for our 350+ students, ensuring proper hygiene. We also aim to repair key equipment, such as the backhoe, dump truck, and interlocking machine for block production, as part of the infrastructure needed to conduct cost-effective construction activities for ONMI.

BNPA: Cultivating Future Leaders Through Holistic Biblical & Class Education

The establishment of BNPA was not just a response to the immediate educational needs of the community; it was a proactive step towards fostering a generation equipped with knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and holistic, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on character development and spiritual growth. Our dedicated teachers, who are passionate about imparting knowledge and values, are instrumental in creating a safe and inspiring learning atmosphere for all students.

Communities Through Education and Unity at BNPA

Moreover, the impact of BNPA extends far beyond the classroom. By providing a stable educational environment, we are helping to instill a Biblical sense of education, sense of normalcy, and security in the lives of these children, many of whom have experienced significant trauma. The academy also serves as a community hub, where families come together to engage in various activities that promote unity and collaboration. This holistic approach ensures that we are not only educating children but also strengthening the fabric of the community as a whole.

As we continue to advance the mission of Operation Nehemiah and the development of the Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy, we invite you to remain engaged and supportive. Your prayers, resources, and encouragement are invaluable as we navigate the challenges ahead. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children and their families, helping to pave the way for a more hopeful and prosperous future in South Sudan.

Prayers needs

We are planning to construct two dormitories, each accommodating 100 students, with one designated for male students and the other for female students. This initiative aims to eliminate the eviction threat. The cost for each building is outlined in the accompanying table. These dormitories will bring significant positive changes to Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy, primarily by enhancing its permanent, sustainable infrastructure. Secondly, this initiative aligns with ONMI's vision to provide quality Christian education to South Sudanese families and their children as they return from exile to rebuild their lives after the challenges of war and displacement. Thirdly, well-maintained dormitories will encourage parents to enroll their children at BNPA, assured of a clean and hygienic environment that justifies their investment in their children's education

Time frame of proposal (start/end dates):  September 1- December 31, 2025

Amount Requested (USD) $350.900

(a) Dormitory 1 for boys - $100,000, Dormitory 2 for girls - $100,000

(b) Completion of BNPA, Nursery building - $34,000

(c) BNPA Cafeteria - $30,000

(d) New Tractor and Implements - $35,000

(e) Repair of Dump Truck, Backhoe, Hydraform Block Machine, and Land Cruiser - $20,000

(f) Contingency/Office Administration: 10% of the total budget - $31,900

Total Amount Requested: $350,900

Would you join us and pray for these needs today?,

 Your donations are tax deductible and online donations can be made to www.operationsnehemiah.org.

Checks can be sent to Operation Nehemiah Missions PO Box 563 Lanesborough, MA 01237.

Thank you for your generosity and honesty. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

In His grace

William Levi, Founder and CEO,

 Operation Nehemiah Missions PO Box 563 Landsborough, MA 01237.