Harvesting Crops from Seeds of Faithfulness

Nyamal* has always understood the value of a seed.

Her parents and grandparents were farmers, much like the other families in her South Sudanese community, who passed down knowledge from the generations before them. She knew how to preserve seeds, prepare the land to sow, and care for her crops with an expectant hope for a bountiful harvest. That knowledge helped sustain her family through difficult seasons of drought, floods, and civil unrest.

But as conditions became more unpredictable in South Sudan, traditional methods of farming alone were no longer enough. Hunger was often a daily reality for Nyamal and her family as she helplessly watched her crops fail.

Training and Planting for Food Tomorrow

Through Samaritan’s Purse training and support, however, Nyamal can plant seeds, increase her harvest, and sustain herself and her family around her.

“When you are multiplying seeds, you are multiplying life,” she said.

Our food security programme in South Sudan taught Nyamal new agricultural techniques focused on seed preservation, land preparation, pest management, and how to handle large harvests. This helps her increase crop yields despite uncertain weather conditions and helps ensure a reserve of food just in case of famine or forced evacuation—both unfortunate and common occurrences in South Sudan. Families in the programme also receive seeds and tools—such as a garden hoe and harvesting sickle.

“Now things have changed so much for me since I underwent the Samaritan’s Purse training,” Nyamal said. “I am now able to plant and preserve sorghum and okra, which are resilient in this region. I do not see seeds as something small. These seeds are our future. If you lose them, you lose everything.”

Though once unable to find food to feed herself, Nyamal now feeds those around her with the abundance she’s harvested since Samaritan’s Purse began to help.

Since Nyamal’s training, she’s seen bountiful harvests and, has become a trusted voice in her community–sharing the knowledge she’s received from Samaritan’s Purse with her neighbours who are struggling to cultivate. While food insecurity remains one of the greatest challenges for her community in South Sudan, Nyamal has seen her community move beyond survival toward resilience together.

“I am also able to plant beans and pumpkins, which have helped feed some people near me during the dry season,” she said. “People come to me because they know I will not keep knowledge to myself. If I learn something, I teach it.”

One mother to receive training from Nyamal is Marial*, who experienced repeated seasons of poor harvests and food shortages for her family. Using the techniques Nyamal shared, Marial planted more drought-resistant crops and made sure to preserve a portion of her harvest for the lean season.

“Nyamal taught me how to preserve seeds and prepare land properly before planting,” Marial said. “Before, we only planted the way we always knew. Now I see farming differently because it can help sustain the whole family.”

Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Sowing and Reaping

Nyamal’s corn, sorghum, beans, pumpkin, and okra are more than food on the table for her children. These crops are the start of a new business and lifestyle where she does not have to worry about tomorrow.

After feeding her household, she sells part of the harvest to pay school fees for her children and support daily needs. The rest she carefully dries, preserves, and stores as seed for the next planting season.

“A seed is like a family,” she said. “It comes from another, and it continues. If that stops, life becomes very difficult.”

But in everything—even a small seed—the mother is reminded of God’s faithful love.

“A seed reminds me that God created life to be passed on and sustained, and that what we receive is also meant to bless others,” Nyamal said. “Without seeds, there is hunger. But when we save and multiply them, there is hope. What we all really need is hope. Hope that tomorrow will be better and that our land will continue to provide for our families.”

Finding Joy in the Work

Near Nyamal’s farm, a father named John* has opened a seed store out of the abundance he produced from his own crops.

Though once unable to feed his own family, the training and support from Samaritan’s Purse have enabled John to help feed other families through his small business.

“Seed vending is very important to me,” he said. “It has helped me send all my children to school, take care of my wife, and provide for my family’s health needs any time they come up.”

Before, John followed his herd of cows, going from place to place unable to settle down and grow a crop from germination to harvest. Through the Samaritan’s Purse education and encouragement, however, John sees the potential for his booming seed business to grow even more.

“I have come to learn that God provides opportunities for people to support their families and live well when they are willing to learn and work hard together,” he said.

Pray for Nyamal and John, as well as the many other mothers and fathers in South Sudan supported by this Samaritan’s Purse programme. Pray that their harvests will be plentiful, pointing them to the God who provides.