Two years ago, the Wytheville District agreed to partner with United Methodist churches in South Sudan. As part of that agreement, the Rev. RuthAnne Henley, co-chair of the district Missions Team, presented a $10,000 check to Fred and Libby Dearing, Holston workers in South Sudan.

The check is designated to build public latrines, said the Rev. Meg Taylor, Wytheville District superintendent.

"In 2010, the district agreed to raise $22,000 for South Sudan within three years," Taylor said. "$10,000 of that is for clean latrines which will include hand-washing stations.

"Our 115 churches are very mission-oriented, and the Missions Committee has given us good guidance," she said.

In October 2011, Wytheville District churches raised $2,000 through a World Communion Sunday offering to aid the orphans in South Sudan, said the Rev. John Grimm, pastor at Gladeville-Mt. Olive UMC. The district also hopes to provide salary support for the Dearings and scholarship money for a Wytheville District member to participate on a Holston mission team to Sudan.