We come across many heroes in our line of work, but Gabriel Gatluak is one of a kind.
As an agricultural officer for Lutheran World Relief, Gabriel spends his days walking far and wide to visit with new arrivals, neighbors who have fled violence and landed here, in a displacement camp in Ayod, South Sudan.
He moves through Ayod’s swampy trail system with fluidity and grace, which is exceptional considering Gabriel has only one leg.
During South Sudan’s struggle for liberation, Gabriel lost his leg in a landmine accident. After being evacuated for care in Kenya, he spent 10 brutal years recovering. He returned just in time to see his country finally become independent after years of fighting.
At first, he and wife Nyalony felt optimistic about the future. Nyalony had recently given birth to Tethcoay, a bright-eyed baby girl. For several years, Gabriel and Nyalony embraced their roles as new, loving parents.
Unfortunately, their joy was fleeting. When Tethcoay was a toddler, extreme flooding forced the family to flee everything they had ever known. Across South Sudan, all but 1 state were under water and they found themselves in the company of hundreds of thousands of others trying to escape.
When they arrived in Ayod, they had nothing but an aching hunger in their bellies.
Because of you, Tethcoay was immediately treated for malnutrition and the family was given the support to plant a home garden. This garden not only ensured that Gabriel had enough to feed his own family, but it also provided a source of income by selling excess fruits and vegetables in the markets.
Despite his hardships, today, Gabriel’s hope and perseverance serves as a light to others. Through his work with Lutheran World Relief, Gabriel delivers seed packages and training to others in the camp.
Gabriel walks up to 8 hours a day through Ayod to help his neighbors.
Because of Gabriel — and your compassion — families who have lost everything now have the tools to grow nutritious food, nourish their children and rebuild their lives.
“My husband is a very strong man,” Nyalony says proudly. “He is a person that respects the community and the community respects him. He does a lot for his community.”
Gabriel’s long daily walks through Ayod’s challenging terrain to help others are nothing short of inspirational. He not only delivers resources to others in need — he delivers encouragement, strength and the belief that a better future is possible.
Because of Gabriel — and you — it is.
On this World Humanitarian Day — and every day — we salute our humanitarian heroes like Gabriel.
And thank you to compassionate friends like you who support him and make our work possible. You, like Gabriel, are a true humanitarian hero!
