Mukhanyo as Seen from South Sudan

Grace Sudanese Reformed Church, Juba

Journey to South Sudan, where four outspoken and highly positive Mukhanyo alumni share their perspectives. Having pursued their studies in South Africa and residing in the KwaMhlanga hostel, these individuals return home annually to contribute to Sudanese churches during the summer holidays.

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Deng Akol Ajuong Garang completed his BTh studies two years ago and returned to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, with a fervent ambition to preach the gospel in line with the Reformed confessions. While assisting the local pastor, he has recently, after a prolonged wait, obtained a certificate from local authorities recognising his Mukhanyo degree. He attributes this achievement to the Mukhanyo website, which facilitated the South Sudan Council for Higher Education in monitoring Mukhanyo's activities, accreditation status, and alignment with the national qualifications framework.

Currently assigned to pastor the local congregation of the Grace Sudanese Reformed Church in Khor Wulyang, Juba, near a military base in a challenging and impoverished area, he expresses gratitude to God Almighty for the training received at Mukhanyo. This training empowers him to approach his work with a Reformed worldview and a missional mindset. Rev. Garang urges African churches to consider sending theological students to Mukhanyo. Looking ahead, Rev. Garang's next significant step in life is to marry his fiancée, a milestone he plans to achieve as soon as he secures the necessary finances for dowry and other expenses.

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Isaac Monytung has completed his BTh in three years and is now returning home to Parieng, close to the border with North Sudan, where he hopes to plant a Reformed church.

He was baptised in the Roman Catholic Church in 2010, but by studying the Bible he increasingly became dissatisfied with worshipping idols like Maria and the lack of Bible preaching. Through a friend, he connected with a Reformed church, engaging in various youth activities and evangelism. After a few years he was recommended by his church and supported by a Reformed church in the Netherlands, he was sent to Mukhanyo for pastoral ministry training.

Why Mukhanyo? Isaac cites the institution's well-organised structure, teaching salvation through Christ alone, and a healthy biblical exegesis as key factors. Isaac considers himself blessed to have been sent to Mukhanyo.

Other students from Sudan include Gatbel Khan who completed his study at Mukhanyo last year and returned home to his family, eager to embark on preaching, though he awaits his certificate. Additionally, Stephan Bennykuach, who completed his studies at Mukhanyo two years ago, is now working as a secondary school teacher in South Sudan.

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