Congrats to our Founders on 21 years of marriage!
From Theil: My wife, Aluel, and I moved to the second floor last year, and we are still here this year. August 4th marked our 21st wedding anniversary. Yay! We give God all the glory for the love, joy, and peace that we enjoy in our marriage for these 21 years. Our journey has certainly not been without challenges, but one thing is sure: we have remained united in love and committed to God and our vows, even during the toughest times. I am reminded of Psalms 91:11, which says, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Indeed, God has been watching over us in all our paths, for which we are immeasurably grateful. Without Him, we can do nothing and wouldn’t have made it to the second floor.
Some of the factors that kept our marriage alive and beautiful include, but are not limited to, our daily prayers. My wife and I have been praying together for over 20 years, except when travel, illness, or other circumstances kept us apart. Now, our children join us in our daily prayers, and our 5-year-old daughter, Nina, took the lead in gathering us each evening at 7 PM to pray and give thanks to God.
Another key factor that has strengthened our marriage is the dedicated reflection time we set aside long ago to give each other quality time and undivided attention. We refer to this as our Sabbath and Family Day. It’s a day in which we rest and reflect. Nina also plays a vital role in this tradition; she ensures that our phones and laptops are locked away in my office from 7 AM on Sundays until 7 AM on Mondays, except when we go to church, during which we allow one phone to be used for calling a taxi.
Friends and family also played a vital role in keeping our marriage alive and thriving. We are especially grateful to our friends in the US who welcomed us into their homes, allowing us to stay with them or visit. Through these real experiences, we observed how they maintain their marital relationships, particularly the roles each spouse plays at home. We learned a great deal from these examples and have applied many to our own marriage.
In recent years, Undying Hope has played a crucial role in helping us live and lead by example, prioritizing character and integrity in everything we do. God has given us a big vision along with numerous obstacles and setbacks. My wife and I often feel inadequate to fulfill such a huge vision in South Sudan and beyond. Through it all, we continue to walk by faith (Hebrews 11:1) and trust that God will help us stay true to ourselves, live by example, and provide for us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of His children.
I am reminded of brother Casely, who once said, “I am glad you are feeling inadequate; it means you are allowing God to lead.” My American father, Jim H., encouraged me to keep going, believing that God and I are the majority. Dr. Charles advised me to “make no small plans, ” trusting that God will guide and make a way for my plans. Pastor Greg has consistently encouraged me to adhere to God’s words and support my children in their spiritual growth. Dr. Staff has always trusted in my abilities, encouraging me to aim high and pursue my goals. Kurt P. referred to me as the “tip of the spear,” while Pastor Brian, brother Jeff, as well as BACC and the Livingstone family helped me experience the importance of chewing on the Bible daily. My professors and friends at Raritan Valley Community College, Rutgers University, and Eastern University, among others, have instilled in me a sense of faith, courage, and determination to keep moving forward. The list of influences is endless.
Overall, my small tribe, The Theils culture, friends, family, professors, and Undying Hope contributed hugely to keeping love, joy, and peace in our marriage.
We look forward to our 22nd Wedding Anniversary!
With much love and gratitude,
Theil and Aluel
Undying Hope Operations:
As you know, Undying Hope is a vision for South Sudan and beyond. We are passionate about impacting other countries beyond South Sudan’s borders. To turn our vision into action, we started the process of registering Undying Hope as an NGO in Kenya. We have made several successful strides in the registration process; however, we encountered a hiccup because the name “Undying Hope and Undying Hope International” is already in use. We are now working to identify other names that resonate with our mission and vision, which we will present for review and approval. I will keep you updated.
Seasonal Flooding:
Every year around this time, South Sudan faces severe flooding. This year, one of our properties in the Maper area, which has a pond, is completely submerged. However, our second property in the Kuom region, a larger piece of land, remains safe. All our fruit trees on this property are unaffected by the seasonal flooding and are in good shape.
Story of Hope from South Sudan:
The story of Undying Hope is also about Mr. Garang Majok Mangok’s story. See below. Also read my story, “Theil Story,” to connect the dots. Both stories show that Undying Hope is not just a name; it represents a painful journey I have carried throughout my life. Our collective prayers and support have the power to change lives and impact societies. Together, we can make a difference!
Kuom Shooting Survivor Expresses Hope and Optimism
Mr. Garang Majok Mangok is one of the residents in Kuom currently and was among the survivors when the Sudanese armed forces shot at civilians in Kuom in March 1986. Garang said that he was a young boy when the shooting happened and studying at Jamuria Primary School with his classmates and colleagues. Together with his friends, they were playful and happy until the incident took place and destroyed everything.
I was told that a car land mine exploded and killed and injured several soldiers while coming from Wau to Aweil town in a military convoy, said Garang Majok. This infuriated the military leader known as Isiah Paul and ordered the soldiers to shoot at civilians in Kuom. We were at home with our mother that morning when we heard the gunshots. Mother got confused, and my siblings and I lay down in our small hut. My father, Majok Mangok, went out to make charcoal but came back rushing to the house when he heard gunshots.
When I arrived at home, many people from the neighborhood were shot and killed, and soldiers were still approaching our house. Garang said they were force to flee their house toward a nearby bush for safety but unfortunately his baby sister Abak Majok was shot and killed while being carried by the mother and his elder brother Mr. Deng Majok Mangok was shot multiple time but miraculously survived and lived until he was killed in Renk of Upper Nile State as SPLA soldier in South Sudan conflict by the rebels fighting against the government.
Garang Majok said that those killed that day were many people, several were injured, and many houses were burnt down. harshes12 cows and 30 goats were burnt in a hut. Jamuria school was shut down as a result of that incident. We lost hope, Garang added, because Jamuria Primary School was the only School in Kuom at that time.
The first primary school was opened in Kuom in 1990, initially as a Kuala or Quaranic school, which was shortly closed down due to the students’ protest against the forced teaching of Islam. A Primary school was established by the Commissioner of South County, Mr. Aleu Makur, after the CPA was signed in 2005. That school did not survive for long, and we all lost hope of ever going back to school, Garang narrated.
In conclusion, Garang Majok said that with the coming of Undying Hope International Organization and the subsequent establishment of its base in Kuom, restored our hope and optimism that even if we don’t go back to school, it will be a golden chance for our children to get the quality education we have been longing for.
Athian Athian Dut
Coordinator, Bahr El Ghazal Region,
Aweil, South Sudan
Prayer Request
● For wisdom and courage upon all Undying Hope leadership and staff
● For good health and overall protection to every member of the Undying Hope family
● For the nation of South Sudan: politics, social, and economic aspects.
● For the success of the trees planted in Kuom Farm.
How to Give:
You can make an online donation by clicking here.
Or mail your check to Undying Hope’s address below:
Undying Hope International
P.O. Box 2514
5350 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, Texas 77402
With much love and gratitude:-)
Theil & Aluel
-Founders
Undying Hope International, Inc.