4,898 is a very exciting number.

Why?

Thanks to our generous donors, that is the number of girls that received 4 washable cloth pads and 2 pairs of panties in South Sudan in 2021. That is the number of girls whose lives were changed through the freedom that these pads bring!

Jennifer and Florence are 2 of the 4,898. They attend the Model Primary School in the Maridi County in western South Sudan.  They and their classmates eagerly welcomed Doreen and the rest of the FARM STEW team when they came to their village. In addition to providing the Afripads menstrual hygiene kit  and two pairs of panties for each girl in the school, the trainers also taught about sanitation, women’s health, and menstruation.

For many of these girls, this was the first time they were taught about the miraculous design of their bodies. Women’s health and menstruation are often forbidden subjects and are considered too shameful to talk about. 12-year-old Florence told the trainers, “My mother did not teach me about this. I did not have any knowledge to be prepared for menstrual cycles until the day when FARM STEW came.”

Jennifer had a similar experience. “I used to think that being a girl is not good because the blood could pass in my clothes. Boys used to make girls feel ashamed, and this made me not feel good.” As a result of experiences like this, most girls do not attend school during their cycles or drop out when their menstruation  begins.

But that’s not Jesus’s way!  Jesus healed the woman who suffered shame from blood, commended her for her faith and blessed her with FREEDOM!

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5: 33-34 (NKJV)

Florence, Jennifer, and the rest of the girls at the Model Primary School are now experiencing that same freedom thanks to you!   They felt both joy and relief as they listened to Doreen and the rest of the trainers! The previous feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty melted away. “When FARM STEW came, I got pads and am now ready to meet the stage of menstruation. I appreciate my nature as a girl now,” said Jennifer. “I thank FARM STEW for considering girls’ education and being mindful of us!” Florence expressed excitedly. “No more missing class as it was before, girls are away from shame!”

This is only the story of 2 girls. It is incredible to think that the same joy and freedom were given to each of the 4,898 girls across South Sudan last year thanks to the generosity of the FARM STEW Family!

But wait! There is one more number to get excited about. 600; the number of pads kits currently in South Sudan waiting to be distributed when school opens again at the end of January! Because the FARM STEW Family gave generously 600 more girls will be able to experience freedom from shame, freedom to continue their education, and freedom to see themselves as the beautiful and precious women God made them.

As we begin FARM STEW’s “Year of Stretch”, it is our hope that you will join us to stretch and continue to grow this number in 2022, touching lives and bringing freedom to even more young women. And that is truly something to get excited about!