The Centrality of the Gospel
The Gospel Is Central to Everything We Do at Transform South Sudan
Many of you are familiar with much of the life-changing work that is done by the Transform South Sudan. You may be aware that:
Lives are saved and health is being restored at the Achiek clinic.
More students than ever before are being educated at Linda Primary and Hope Secondary Schools.
Growing numbers of leaders are identified at Hope Secondary School and are offered scholarships to higher education.
Women are improving the standard of living of their families through Business training and microfinance loans.
Did you know that the Gospel is not only the motivation for all we do, but that it also undergirds and weaves through every area of our ministry? At the Achiek Clinic, a chaplain prays for all patients who desire prayer and is prepared to share how Jesus is the source of true, eternal healing for all who believe. The students in primary school are taught how to read using the Bible, and all students in both primary and secondary school engage in Bible studies, and all curriculum is taught from a Christian worldview. While the women are being taught about writing business plans, profit margins, and proper pricing, they are also engaging in thoughtful, intentional Bible studies.
All of this is in addition to the 3-year program of training area pastors using curriculum from the Bible Training Center for Pastors. And of course, James Baak emphasizes that biblical forgiveness is the foundation for the reconciliation of relationships whenever he engages in peacebuilding and reconciliation programs to promote peace among currently or formerly hostile groups of people.
James Baak has always believed that transforming the mind and body transform the lives of the South Sudanese today, but spiritual transformation transforms their lives now and for all eternity.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
(Matt 25:35-40)
For His Glory and For a Better Tomorrow for South Sudan
Mike Vogt
Chairman of the Board | Transform South Sudan