While we met many incredible pastors this year, one man, Thow Both Garang, became a close friend and source of inspiration. A member of the Nuer tribe in South Sudan, Thow (pronounced “tow”) lives in Kakuma Refugee Camp—one of the largest in the world with refugees from over 20 different countries. Despite these challenging circumstances, he has found ways to spread the hope of the gospel and raise up missionaries for his homeland.
Thow leads a church in the camp, oversees a primary school, and runs a ministry training center. Warm yet reserved and full of joy, his transformation from an angry atheist to a Jesus-worshiper and missionary is remarkable. Through his ministry, leaders are equipped in the camp and sent out to train others, fueling the growth of the emerging church in Sudan.
This fall, we worked with a few generous donors to help Thow get the Baptist mission at the Kakuma Refugee Camp set up with running water. From the Baptist mission, Thow pastors a church, operates a school for those who cannot afford a normal school, and runs a ministry training center for refugees. Having running water is a significant force multiplier for Thow and his ministry. It enables them to be a hub for ministry efforts while providing needed resources.
Thow’s story powerfully demonstrates the effectiveness of Mesa Global’s regional training hub strategy, which Jack firmly believes is a vital tool for evangelism and discipleship. Thow is being trained at a partnered school. The training he receives, Thow passes on to other faithful Jesus followers in Kakuma.
Please keep Thow and his family in your prayers. We are exploring several connections with local ministries who could help Thow minister in hard-to-reach places.
If you would like to support the ministry of Thow, and others like him, please reach out to Jack.
