A Sudanese pastor and former South Sudan Army soldier is in the United States telling his story of restoration and redemption.
Last July, South Sudan gained its independence, creating a constitution built on Christian principles. As a 14-year-old boy, John Garang served in the South Sudan Army through the mid-1980s and witnessed unimaginable bloodshed while battling the predominantly Arab North Sudan.
Last July, South Sudan gained its independence, creating a constitution built on Christian principles. As a 14-year-old boy, John Garang served in the South Sudan Army through the mid-1980s and witnessed unimaginable bloodshed while battling the predominantly Arab North Sudan.
After meeting with missionaries, Garang gave his life to Christ, and some 15 years later, he now serves as a pastor and director of Children Are People Ministries in Kenya, an orphanage serving 94 children from Sudan.
"They have been living with a horrible life--naked, no food, but when I received them, when the government of Kenya allowed the children to come to Kenya, it was good," he says.
"Now they are very bright and they are changing, and I'm continuing to trust God for finances to help them for their education."
Garang said the ministry has benefited from a generous donation of land, but due to budget challenges to constructing a building, teachers instruct the children under a tree.
"I have that compassion to get myself to commit to risk my life to teach the children, to raise them up and build our nation," the pastor explains. "When they go to sleep, we need to make a Bible study to pray. When they wake up, they need to pray. We need to trust God. God is the only provider."
During his time in the U.S., Garang has preached in various churches, as well as received badly needed medical treatment on his left leg, repairing injuries he received after stepping on a landmine.
"They have been living with a horrible life--naked, no food, but when I received them, when the government of Kenya allowed the children to come to Kenya, it was good," he says.
"Now they are very bright and they are changing, and I'm continuing to trust God for finances to help them for their education."
Garang said the ministry has benefited from a generous donation of land, but due to budget challenges to constructing a building, teachers instruct the children under a tree.
"I have that compassion to get myself to commit to risk my life to teach the children, to raise them up and build our nation," the pastor explains. "When they go to sleep, we need to make a Bible study to pray. When they wake up, they need to pray. We need to trust God. God is the only provider."
During his time in the U.S., Garang has preached in various churches, as well as received badly needed medical treatment on his left leg, repairing injuries he received after stepping on a landmine.
RSS Feed