Donate for Life-Saving Ambulance in Juba

I am appealing to you today with a bit of urgency. On March 15, in Juba, South Sudan, there will be an auction of United Nations-owned Land Cruisers and ambulances. We are hoping to purchase an ambulance. As of right now, $18,500 is pledged.

I am writing to you on behalf of MAMA Project, Intl. The name stands for Mujeres Amigas Miles Apart, which means Women Friends Miles Apart. The organization's founder is Dr. Priscilla Benner of Pennsburg, PA. In 1987, it began as a cooperative effort between women in the US and in Honduras to help the children in the villages. Dr. Benner works as a volunteer. Since then, MAMA has grown to include efforts in maternal and child wellness in Central America, Kenya, South Sudan, and India. The work is able to go forward because of the generous and loving support of good people in the US and Europe.

In the last two years, MAMA Project has partnered with Transformation of the World in Christ (TWIC). TWIC is working in the displaced persons camps in northern South Sudan. As a result of 35 years of war, the people are devastated. Thousands of women and children face the most brutal conditions of malnutrition, poor health, starvation, and thirst. TWIC, with MAMA's support, has created 5 health care clinics, purchased an ambulance, and provided food for those in the camps.

When a mother-to-be faces a crisis in childbirth, sometimes the only transportation to the hospital is by oxcart. Currently, MAMA Project is working on a plan to purchase several 3-wheel ambulances, which cost $7,000 each. Though inexpensive, they are not very suitable during the rainy season when many roads become impassable due to mud and flood conditions.

MAMA Project has also been working on fundraising to help in this effort for emergency transport. They have hoped to purchase a new Toyota Land Cruiser. Without ambulance fittings and with the discounted price for the non-profit, the cost is approximately $50K.

In the last couple of weeks, MAMA Project became aware of this auction through someone who works in the UN. A contingent of TWIC from Wau, South Sudan, including the director and a mechanic, will fly to Juba to hope to successfully bid on a suitable vehicle. Our understanding is that the cost of a Toyota Land Cruiser is likely to be approximately $20K.

The work of TWIC is carried out under the leadership of Rev. Abuna Paul Leuth Kat. The work of this amazing man can be followed on Facebook.

We hope and pray that you may be moved to care for these most destitute people. In spite of their most abysmal circumstances, they are a people full of joy. They express with overwhelming exuberance their appreciation for everything done on their behalf. We welcome you to join with us in caring and sharing with these loving people. Blessings.