Twenty-five years ago, nearly 4,000 “Lost Boys of Sudan” (southern Sudan) arrived in the US through a special State Department initiative. They fled civil war as children and walked 1,000 miles to refugee camps as orphans.

Former Lost Boys were resettled in 38 cities. Relationships have been built through community organizations, schools, and churches that offered hospitality, friendship, and mentoring. About 40 Lost Boys connected with St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. More than 700 individuals, churches, schools, and foundations have helped open and sustain four primary schools in the Raising South Sudan initiative.

Special Lunch Event: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM