Encouraging homesteading initiative for a thriving community in BILA

Dear ONMIs co-laborers and Prayer partners in the Great Commissions,

Shalom to you and your family. As we close the month of Many 2026, I thought is it imperative to give you an update on the current progress in the field here in South Sudan.

Mission and Core Values

ONMI is a Christian relief and development organization focused on serving the persecuted and displaced people of South Sudan, particularly in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State. Its mission combines humanitarian aid with spiritual discipleship, emphasizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation for community rebuilding and personal transformation. The organization operates on the principle of discipleship of one person, one family, one church, and one community at a time, aiming to restore dignity, faith, and self-reliance among returnees.

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History

ONMI was founded on July 31, 1993, as Operation Nehemiah Missions. The founder, William Ochan Levi, along with supporters from the Beth Israel Messianic Congregation and South Sudanese exiles, organized the rally to advocate for the voiceless communities suffering under the Islamic regime in Khartoum. Since then, ONMI has grown into a registered nonprofit headquartered in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, USA, with decades of ongoing work in South Sudan.

Programs and Initiatives

ONMI’s programs are multi-faceted, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term community development:

• Healthcare and Water Access: Provides basic healthcare services, health education, and clean water initiatives to improve the well-being of returnees and host communities.

  
  

• Education and Vocational Training: Established the Nehemiah Polytechnic Institute, offering 12-month vocational training in trades such as nursing, IT, plumbing, solar and wind technology, and small business management. This initiative aims to retain skilled workers in South Sudan rather than sending them abroad.

  
  

• Economic Empowerment: Supports employment and micro-business opportunities to foster economic independence for South Sudanese families.

  
  

• Community Rebuilding: Engages in church planting, pastoral discipleship, agricultural development, and repatriation assistance for families returning from exile.

  
  

• Humanitarian Relief: Provides aid to communities affected by war, displacement, and persecution, including food programs and infrastructure support.

  
  

Impact and Outreach

ONMI is primarily staffed by South Sudanese Christian nationals ensuring that programs are culturally relevant and locally led. The organization has a strong focus on self-reliance and indigenous leadership, aiming to create sustainable communities and a “City on a Hill” in the New Sudan. Its initiatives have reached thousands of families, providing education, vocational skills, and spiritual guidance to rebuild lives after decades of conflict.

How to Support

ONMI encourages support through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Contributions help fund healthcare, education, vocational training, and community development programs. Volunteers can participate in field missions, educational programs, and local initiatives in South Sudan or support administrative and fundraising efforts from abroad.

In summary, Operation Nehemiah Missions International combines faith-based discipleship with practical humanitarian and development work, aiming to rebuild South Sudan from the ground up, one person, one family, and one community at a time.

Six Months of Impact: Advancing Education, Agriculture, and Community in South Sudan

The end of April 2026, marked my 6 months here in South Sudan. I arrived at the end of October 2025, tasked with a trip to Israel to attend Christan Media summit in Jerusalem, Israel, oversee the construction of 4 dormitories for Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy here in South Sudan,  expand on ONMI’s agricultural development in Beth Israel Farmland, conduct daily teaching on NTC 97.3 FM Gospel radio on daily bases  and work with local Chrisitan community and establish  a  permanent and sustainable revolving economic to overhaul food insecurity and encouraged people to move away from relief dependent syndrome mindset. We put emphasis on the driving motive behind the vision and the goal of ONMI.

1. The compelling and prevailing motivation of Operation Nehemiah Missions is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ( Yeshua the Messiah) thereby bringing people to repentance and eternal Salvation for their soul upon this premises rest the welfare of any community and the Bible is the final authority in all matters of life. 2 Timothy 3:16- 18 

2. All our humanitarian and developmental initiative to rebuild South Sudan from the ashes war and Islamic persecution rest upon these principles. Our core principle is  the discipleship of one person, one family, one church and one community at a time. 

3. The Bible: We believe that the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the only infallible and authoritative Word of God. We recognize its divine inspiration and accept its teachings as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Many people to whom we minister the word of God, as they return from exile come  from nominal Christian families or from  homes comprising of  diverse South Sudanese ethnic composition of the 64 tribes  that are not Christ centered. Some come from homes that still live in paganism and practice witchcraft or Islamic religion. So with your support we are able to encouraged and disciple tto share the Good News with tge people in their  neighborhood and bring the message of the Great Commission to them which ahs been transforming their lives  as children of God shining in darkness.

Six-Month Progress Report: Mission Field Achievements in South Sudan (Nov 2025 - Apr 2026)

Highlight of six months progress during my stay in the mission field here in South Sudan from November 2025 to  April 2026 .Where does things stand at this point ?

1-      We truly want to thank God for your prayers and support for helping us finish The Bethlehem Nursery and Primary Academy construction project initiative for four dormitories accommodating at least 80 students each has been completed which will accommodate a total  of 320 students.  Dormitories will be ready for use beginning May 22^nd 2026. However, we need $30,000 for plastering all four buildings by Mid- May 2026.

Significant Achievement: Completion of a Biospetic-Enhanced Sanitary Facility

2-     Another highlight of our work on the ground related to the infrastructure for BNPA is the completion of a public sanitary and hygienically clean bathroom retrofitted with a Biospetic system. The successful completion of this toilet marks a significant achievement in our mission to address the sanitation and hygiene challenges that have faced our students for the past five years.

Transformative Agricultural Practices at Beth Israel Farmland in 2026

3- The Beth Israel Farmland in 2026 marks a transformative year for our agricultural practices. Just two months into the farming season, we've made unprecedented progress in resource organization, including farming tools, fuel, land, seeds, and human resources. We've prioritized making our sole tractor operational through necessary repairs and maintenance. Additional tools like hoes, chainsaws, machetes, picks, and axes have been procured for tree clearing. We're utilizing seeds preserved from last year to kickstart planting, aiming for a large-scale production of food crops for both domestic and commercial use. We've expanded our land by 30 acres and are committed to replanting previously used areas. Our approach to human resources emphasizes hiring locally, understanding worker needs, ensuring timely incentives, and allocating land for personal cultivation. We also focus on spiritual growth, guiding workers to find purpose in faith, encouraging sobriety, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards their families and community.

Encouraging New Settlers: Supporting Beth Israel Levi of Akko Mountain

In 2026, we decided to offer people the chance to move to Beth Israel Levi of Akko Mountain, encouraging them to settle by providing a homestead and an acre of land for cultivation to support their families. We have just received commitments from five family heads who are willing to relocate there. Our financial challenge is to raise $,000 between May and June to support this initiative.

NPI/JJMPI has officially opened its doors for the third academic calendar, marking an exciting new chapter in its commitment to providing high-quality vocational training. This year, the institution is welcoming students who are eager to develop their skills in several dynamic fields, including Information Technology (IT), welding, tailoring, and beauty salon services. Each of these programs has been meticulously designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce or enhance their existing skill sets.

Information Technology (IT)

In the realm of Information Technology, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as programming, networking, cybersecurity, and data management. The program aims to foster a deep understanding of modern technology and its applications in various industries. Students will have access to state-of-the-art computer labs and the latest software tools, allowing them to gain hands-on experience that is crucial for success in today’s tech-driven world.

Welding

The welding program at NPI/JJMPI is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to excel in this vital trade. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical training, students will learn various welding techniques, safety protocols, and the use of specialized equipment. This training is not only focused on traditional welding methods but also on emerging technologies, preparing graduates for a diverse range of job opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries.

Tailoring

For those interested in the art of tailoring, the program offers a unique blend of creativity and technical skill development. Students will explore fabric selection, pattern making, cutting, and sewing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on both traditional tailoring methods and contemporary fashion trends, enabling students to create bespoke garments that meet the demands of a diverse clientele. Additionally, the program encourages entrepreneurial skills, preparing students to potentially start their own tailoring businesses in the future.

Beauty Salon Services

The beauty salon program is tailored for individuals who are passionate about enhancing personal appearance and well-being. Students will receive training in various beauty treatments, including hairstyling, makeup application, skincare, and nail care. The curriculum is designed to combine practical skills with customer service excellence, ensuring that graduates are not only proficient in beauty techniques but also capable of providing exceptional client experiences. Workshops with industry professionals will further enrich the training, exposing students to the latest trends and innovations in the beauty industry.

New Spiritual Kehillah to Opens Along Juba to Nimule Highway

The Nile Beth Israel Messianic Kehillah has recently inaugurated a new church located at the scenic Aswa River, which is positioned in a very strategic area along the bustling Juba to Nimule Highway. This new establishment aims to serve as a spiritual hub for the community, providing a welcoming space for worship, fellowship, and outreach activities. The choice of location is particularly significant, as the highway is a vital artery that connects various regions, facilitating easy access for congregants and visitors alike. In addition to its prime location, the church is designed to accommodate a diverse congregation, offering a range of services and programs that cater to individuals and families of all ages.

Overview of the Aswa River Bridge .Messianic Kehillah Church Building Project

The Aswa River Messianic Kehillah is currently engaged in an important church building project aimed at renovating their existing structure. This initiative is crucial not only for the physical enhancement of the church but also for the spiritual and communal growth of the congregation. The building, which holds significant value for the local community, is situated right at the picturesque shore of the Aswa River, providing a serene backdrop for worship and fellowship.

Collaboration with ONMI and Nile Beth Israel Messianic Congregation

To support this renovation, the Aswa River Messianic Kehillah has partnered with ONMI (Organization for Messianic Initiatives) and the Nile Beth Israel Messianic Congregation. These organizations are committed to fostering community and spiritual development within Messianic congregations. They recognize the importance of this project and have decided to contribute essential materials to aid in the renovation efforts.

Contribution of Timbers from Beth Israel Agroforestry

One of the most significant contributions comes from the Beth Israel Agroforestry initiative, which is part of the Nile Beth Israel Messianic Congregation. This program focuses on sustainable forestry practices and aims to provide resources that can be used for various community projects. The timbers sourced from this agroforestry project are not only environmentally friendly but also durable and suitable for construction purposes. This thoughtful contribution underscores the collaborative spirit among the Messianic communities and their commitment to building a stronger foundation for worship.

Financial Aspects of the Renovation Project

The entire renovation project is estimated to cost around $5,000. This budget encompasses various aspects of the renovation, including the procurement of materials, labor costs, and any necessary permits or fees associated with the construction process. The congregation is actively seeking additional support and donations to meet this financial goal, as every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the success of the project.

Additional Information

Operation Nehemiah greatly appreciates your donations. The financial gifts you give help support our ministry and allow us to continue in our mission to rebuild the minds, bodies, and spirits of the South Sudanese people who have been brutalized by war and persecution. You are the arm we are the hand without you we cannot reach out to heal the nation of South Sudan.

Interested persons can choose to make a one-time or monthly support donation with other giving options.

We are grateful for your support in rebuilding South Sudan. Currently, ONMI needs $30,000 to complete dormitory plastering and funds for a new tractor to enhance food security. Your financial support to Operation Nehemiah Missions is appreciated.

 We appreciate your support. All contributions to Operation Nehemiah Missions are tax-deductible. Online contributions can be made to Operation Nehemiah Missions at Donate Now.

Or send your Tax-deductible contribution to Operation Nehemiah Missions PO Box 563 Lanesborough MA 01237 USA

In His grace

William Levi, CEO and Founder Operation Nehemiah Missions