South Sudan
Presbyterian World Mission works in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) and the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC). World Mission works with these churches to develop Christ-centered peace-building programs, to strengthen and develop church primary and secondary schools, and provide teachers for adult theological education. Mission co-workers provide expertise working alongside local leaders and other partner organizations in each of these areas.
Reconciliation Efforts
Despite the civil war, South Sudanese church leaders find ways to train leaders
Mission co-worker discusses theological education opportunities for Sudanese
VIDEOS
Community-based Ministries of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan
Women Feeding the Nation: An agricultural project in South Sudan
Presbyterian Education Complex of Pochella, South Sudan
Mining for Gold: Challenges to education, health and food security in South Sudan
About our work
Sharon Kandel is serving as the regional liaisons in Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. As such, she serves as point person for our global partners there, for U.S. constituents, mission co-workers, and Presbyterian World Mission staff. Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan have multiple and diverse needs, and Sharon feels blessed to be able to work with people in the region with a wide assortment of talents and abilities. She continues to work for peace in South Sudan and to be an encouraging partner presence for the Presbyterian churches there.
You can find out more about her ministry on her profile page, which can be found here.
Jim McGill
Jim works with both the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) and the Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger (EERN) in their clean water and sanitation programs. He works to ensure sustainability at the community and family levels and to make sure that the church is a strong presence in rural development. His wife, Jodi, works in the EERN clinic in Niamey, Niger.
You can find out more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
Bob and Kristi Rice
Bob and Kristi Rice have begun a new role working in South Sudan. The Rev. Bob Rice serves as an instructor at Nile Theological College in Juba, teaching a broad range of courses in theology and biblical studies. Kristi is working as economic development advisor with the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, helping to develop the economic and social capacity of the area communities. They are both very excited to be called to serve in South Sudan, a place where there is “so much potential for the impact and reach of the gospel.”
You can find out more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather
Shelvis and Nancy work with RECONCILE (Resource Center for Civil Leadership), an indigenous ecumenical Christian organization that promotes “peace-building.” RECONCILE provides training in trauma recovery, conflict transformation, and civic education in areas of high interethnic conflict. “Please pray God will heal the people of South Sudan so they can build a peaceful nation,” Shelvis and Nancy write. “Please pray for the RECONCILE staff as they train leaders and for us as we seek to be ambassadors for Christ carrying out God’s ministry of reconciliation.”
You can find out more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
South Sudan Partner Churches and Organizations
- Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS)
- South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC)
- ACROSS
- South Sudan Council of Churches
- Sudan Advocacy Action Forum (SAAF)
- RECONCILE
- Nile Theological College
- Yei Teacher Training College
Presbytery Partnerships
Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network
- For more information, contact Virgil Bodeen at bodeendv@verizon.net.
- The Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries, or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and develop strategies.
Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network
The Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries, or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and develop strategies.
For more information, contact Virgil Bodeen at bodeendv@verizon.net or Rachel Anderson at rachel.anderson@pcusa.org.
Bob Rice, Mission Co-Worker, bob.rice@pcusa.org
Kristi Rice, Mission Co-Worker, kristi.rice@pcusa.org
Sharon Kandel, Regional Liaison, sharon.kandel@pcusa.org
Nancy Smith-Mather, Mission Co-Worker, nancy.smith-mather@pcusa.org
Shelvis Smith-Mather, Mission Co-Worker, shelvis.smith-mather@pcusa.org
Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network
The Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries, or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and develop strategies.