In February 2016, Greg Force joined a mission trip to South Sudan, supported by Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, which funded humanitarian aid and peace initiatives responding to government violence against citizens.
The team’s original plans to return to Pibor for water and sanitation work shifted due to political instability. Instead, they visited South and North Pochalla Counties to assess needs among the Anayaak people near the Ethiopian border.
On February 23rd, the South Sudanese Army attacked opposition forces in Pibor, burning the town and forcing evacuations. Force expressed gratitude that local friends escaped safely.
Pochalla Trip Success
The Pochalla mission proved productive. The team evaluated medical needs, supplied medical resources, distributed over 200 Talking Bibles, and provided theological training for church leaders from five denominations. Force noted the communities’ overwhelming spiritual hunger.
Water and Sanitation Assessment
As a geologist specializing in environmental consulting, Force evaluated water infrastructure. Pochalla village, situated on the Akobo River, has 14 wells drawing from three aquifers. However, three pump mechanics lack proper maintenance tools and replacement parts. Across six South Pochalla villages, conditions varied: some wells needed maintenance, one had collapsed, two had broken pumps (people using riverbed holes and river water respectively), and one remote village of 280 families depended entirely on the Gilo River. In North Pochalla, one village had a single well while another 250-family community walked over an hour to reach the Akobo River.
Community Needs
The Anayaa maintain sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, livestock, fishing, and hunting. After meeting with governors, kings, mayors, and church leaders, Force identified pressing needs: the region needs approximately 40 qualified teachers and health professionals. Two volunteers—a nurse and teacher—sustain local clinic and school operations. Communities require additional wells, surface water filtration systems, ordained ministers for sacraments, theological training, and more Talking Bibles.