True Love is Sacrificial

Maria Valan, JRS Chad Project Coordinator 

Part six of our JRS Lenten Reflection series

For many, the journey from suffering to resurrection is prolonged by unjust social structures that deny them their right to dignity. Many, including children, carry the physical and emotional wounds of war, with bullets still lodged in their bodies. This is more than an act of charity—it is a profound testimony to the world. In an era where societies are closing themselves off to strangers, these communities embody the words of Mother Teresa: “Give until it hurts.” Their generosity is a reminder that true love is sacrificial, and in giving, we find the essence of Easter—hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over suffering. 

An Invitation for PRAYER 

Choose a specific refugee community or an individual story to pray for throughout Lent. Each day, offer a simple prayer for their strength, healing, and the resolution of conflicts that force people into exile. 

An Invitation for FASTING 

Replace time spent on distractions (such as excessive social media or entertainment) with reading about the struggles faced by those forced to flee and the resilience they show to the world, allowing their reality to move your heart.

An Invitation for ALMSGIVING 

Participate in creating those spaces for healing and resilience by donating to JRS programs.

A highlight on Chad

For nearly two years, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict that has created one of the world’s worst civilian protection crises in decades. Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alongside renewed intercommunal violence in Darfur, has forced millions of people from their homes. Almost one million people have sought refuge in neighbouring Chad, including over 200,000 returning Chadians.

The conflict in Sudan has further exacerbated the situation of protracted displacement that women, men, and children have been forced to live for years. JRS has been active in Chad since 2006, focusing on education, livelihoods, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). In response to the Sudan crisis, JRS prioritised access to safe and quality education for as many children as possible. Working with local partners, JRS Chad identified school-age children at reception sites and qualified teachers, as well as distributing school materials, and raising awareness on the importance of access to education. JRS also facilitated the integration of refugee students into Chad’s national school system. 24