New Year Greetings From CRS Sudan

By Mark Snyder

On behalf of the Catholic Relief Services staff and the people we serve in Sudan we wish you and your family a peaceful and prosperous new year!

As we welcome 2009, we share your hope that the world will soon emerge from economic crisis and that we will see more peaceful times. In Sudan, one of our biggest hopes is the attainment of a lasting peace so people in Darfur can return to their villages and people in the south can enjoy the fruits of their tireless efforts to construct a new and peaceful environment.

We are also grateful for your continued prayers and financial assistance that empower us to maintain lifesaving work in Sudan. It is critical that we meet the basic needs of displaced people for food, shelter and education while also providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives. Let us not forget that when we meet these needs that we also contribute to the kindling of hope in the hearts of the people of Sudan.

We urgently need your help in 2009. We are hopeful that with your support we can:

• continue to feed over 160,000 people affected by conflict in Darfur
• provide quality education to the underserved children in the northern corridor of West Darfur
• contribute to caring for the region's fragile natural resources by using alternative construction methods as we build homes and schools for those displaced by the violence
• support farmers and women so they can become self-sufficient and provide for the food and household needs of their families
• work with communities in southern Sudan to help people rebuild their livelihoods and reconcile their differences after 40 years of intermittent fighting

The staff of CRS Sudan and the people we serve hold so much gratitude in our hearts for your continued support and prayers. We know you share in our belief that it is our solidarity and shared hopes that will help us usher in a more peaceful and prosperous New Year.

You can reach out to the people of Sudan by partnering with CRS. The global financial crisis has, of course, hurt everyone. It has made helping more difficult even as it increases the desperation of needy people. If you are at all inclined and able to help, know that what may seem an insignificant amount to you is nothing less than lifesaving. Even a little bit can make a big difference.

Mark Snyder is Catholic Relief Services' country representative for Sudan.