Faith in Action: Pastoral Training & Women's Empowerment in South Sudan
Transform South Sudan (TSS) conducts both intensive and shorter, topical pastoral training sessions to ground pastors in their faith. This is to equip them to teach but also to combat syncretism, the accidental blending of Christianity with other traditionally held beliefs (such as Animism, ancestral worship, etc.) that are so prevalent in South Sudan.
Recently, a three-week training program was conducted. The training focused on strengthening students in biblical knowledge, mission, evangelism, sociology, homiletics, and pastoral ministry. The program also included a practical outreach mission to neighboring communities, enabling students to apply classroom teaching through evangelism and community engagement. Thirty students participated in the training and in a three-day outreach ministry. To date, TSS has trained over 600 pastors and church leaders who are now serving in their communities.
Since its inception TSS has fostered economic skills and spiritual growth through regular meetings where the Bible, business skills, and the value of savings are taught to women’s groups.
After women complete the introductory training, they are given loans to establish their businesses. Typical businesses are tailoring or growing and selling agricultural products in their local markets.
Three groups in the region totaling over 150 women have received microfinance loans to launch their entrepreneurial projects. This program has helped improve the living standards of women and their children, who are now able to pay school fees for their children and provide food for their families. These groups also help the women develop a sense of identity, purpose, and friendships as they support and pray for one another.
Thank you for your continued support of this ministry which enables us to bring these and other valuable programs to various communities in South Sudan.
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