Help John Ajing Dut

Dear Friends,

Since our lives have crossed paths over the last twenty years, you have probably been blessed to know John Dut, one of the ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’ who lived with us in Atlanta while he earned his U. S. citizenship, his undergraduate degree, and completed his masters in international policy.   After eight plus years as an extended Stokes family member, his dream was always to return to Sudan to make it a safe country in which he could raise his own children; and so, one month after he graduated, John did return to South Sudan

Other than being with. his mother, sister, wife and three children, his years back in South Sudan have been a disappointing struggle due to continuing conflicts there.  He has a government job; but for the last several months he has received no salary.   Despite this, John recently also facilitated the development and planting of a community garden.   However, for his family to survive, John now finds it necessary to return to the U.S. and find a job.  Our immediate plan is to have John come to our home in New  England to rest for awhile and to get him ready to settle into a job and plan his family’s future.  He has a U.S. passport and visa in hand.

John needs your help right now, first and foremost for cash for travel and living expenses and hopefully a reliable car and computer.  Once he has rested, he may also need help settling into a community, finding employment, and paying off college loans.

John isn’t asking for your help. We are.  We have been financially supporting John monthly since his return to Sudan, but as recent retirees, we simply don’t have the full resources needed to fly him back to the U.S., help with student loans, and provide a car and living expenses until he can find work and get on his feet again. 

Charlie and I know many of you love and respect John as we do and have the highest regard for him and his approach to life and making the world a better place.    We hope you will find it in your heart to support this young man as he continues to manage his difficulties and help others at the same time.    Please consider making a contribution and sharing with friends who may be willing to offer support. 

Since we are not a nonprofit, gifts are not tax deductible, though the satisfaction of helping John succeed will far exceed any tax deduction.  All support received will go to John. For anyone who makes a gift, we will provide updates on the total funds collected and on John’s progress once he returns. If you would prefer to mail a check, please pm Laurie for details.  

Thanks in advance for any help you can give to this inspiring young man.