Thank God, I went home for Christmas holidays after being at LTS for another academic year. It was amazing to see my family again, friends and colleagues; I cannot explain the joy and excitement…it is true home is sweet!

It was not all about being home and relaxing though, I had to do some practical, teaching and preaching what I have learnt from the seminary. I preached three times at my home congregation in Yambio and visited two other congregations about 25 miles away. I was also busy teaching Luther’s Small Catechism to the youth group in my congregation and some youth from the neighboring reformed churches joined the lessons in the catechism. I was so happy to see how they enjoyed the explanations of Luther’s Catechism and some even ask me for copies to use for teaching in their churches. To me it is amazing to see how powerful the catechism is, even non-Lutherans desire to have it.

Another thing to thank God for is that I got the privilege to be invited by Rev. Daniel Preus to attend the Luther Academy conference in Kampala on e “Preaching of Law and Gospel.” This was a great opportunity for me, many of my colleagues were there, we shared great times and were learning together.

The Lutheran church in Sudan started in 1993 by late Bishop Andrew Mbugo Elisa, today it has over 20 pastors and more than 19,000 baptized Christians attend the church. Our church has faced so many challenges in doing mission work especially the struggle between Islam and Christianity, despite this we have Lutheran churches located throughout Sudan by the grace of God. My aim is to finish my studies and go back and be a Lutheran Pastor in Sudan, to preach and teach the message of salvation.

Finally thank God South Sudan is already an independent State since we voted overwhelmingly for session from the north in the referendum last January. I hope and pray that things will be a little bit easier than before. Please keep us in your prayers. I thank God that I am back at LTS again for the advance course and honors program at the University of Pretoria. My special thanks go to all the sponsors of LTS who make it possible for us to study Lutheran Theology here in Pretoria+

P.A. ABIA

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