We spoke to Jok Luk and Seme Ludanga, South Sudanese students at GWC, whose theological studies are preparing them to return home to preach the gospel in a war-ravaged context…
“For those who have lived through war, the challenges are immense, and nothing else seems more overwhelming. I was born into a loving family with livestock and land, but we lost everything to war – homes, crops, cattle, and beloved family members. Suddenly, we were forced to survive in forests with wild animals, mosquitoes, and no food security.
On one hand, suffering often draws people to Christ. Churches have grown rapidly, with committed followers in nearly every village and refugee camp. People seek Christ as a source of hope and healing. On the other hand, hardship can also cause disillusionment. Some abandon their faith when they see non-Christians prospering. Others come to Christ expecting material miracles and leave when life doesn’t improve immediately. It’s a challenge for the church to disciple believers beyond circumstantial faith.
Through my theological studies at GWC, I’ve come to understand that suffering is integral to Christian growth. While painful, it draws us closer to God and transforms our view of life. My own journey is one of pain and perseverance, but also joy and victory, and I Iook forward to serving God by sharing His Word with those who don’t yet know hope.”
– Jok Luk, BTh 3
“Doing ministry in South Sudan, a country which has been affected by war for a long period of time is challenging. The challenges though, are not in the sense of persecution, but rather the desperation of the situation that causes displacement, loss of loved ones, loss of property and trauma. War affects everyone, both believers and non-believers. I was born during the war of the liberation struggle, I grew up in this situation, and I came to faith in Jesus in such situation.
Through the faithful teaching and rigorous training I’ve received at GWC, it is my prayer and desire to contribute to the church positively by training pastors who are already in ministry, as well as preparing the younger generation of pastors through faithful gospel teaching at Bishop Gwynne School of Theology in Juba. War and instability may not end, but only Jesus can offer a true word of comfort and healing through the Gospel, to those affected by it.”
– Seme Ludanga, MTh
A cross in Seme’s home town of Yei, which says ‘Yei for Jesus’.