Kajo Keji, nestled in Central Equatoria State near the southern border of South Sudan, is a land marked by beauty, resilience, and hope. Once one of the more developed regions in the area, Kajo Keji was deeply affected by the 2016 conflict. Families fled to refugee camps, towns were emptied, and churches were silenced. But today, thanks to a return of relative peace, the people of Kajo Keji are returning home, bringing with them faith, determination, and a desire to rebuild what was lost.
At the heart of this restoration stands the Kajo Keji Flagship Church, a vibrant expression of God’s work in a community longing for healing.
A Community Rebuilding from the Ground Up
The people of Kajo Keji are primarily from the Kuku ethnic group and are deeply tied to their land. Most families rely on agriculture, growing cassava, beans, groundnuts, and sorghum to feed their households and support their livelihoods. Small-scale trading also brings income to local families.
But challenges persist. Access to clean water, healthcare, and education remains limited. Infrastructure is still recovering, and the economic impact of war continues to weigh heavily on daily life. Yet amidst these struggles, something powerful is unfolding.
From Displacement to Discipleship
Before the flagship church was planted, the spiritual environment in Kajo Keji was a mix of traditional beliefs and fragmented Christian influence. The trauma of war had left many communities spiritually dry, searching for truth and comfort.
That began to change with the launch of the Kajo Keji Flagship Church. Built on the foundation of biblical teaching and local leadership, the flagship became a center for discipleship, evangelism, and community care. Today, 21 churches have been planted or reopened through this flagship alone and each one a testimony to God’s faithfulness in the face of hardship.
A Model for Multiplication
The Kajo Keji Flagship Church is more than a local ministry; it’s the hub for all flagship churches across the region. As part of Empower One’s Vision 2032, Kajo Keji stands as the completed model of what we hope to replicate in every flagship location. The site includes a thriving church, a Christian school, a clean water station, a pharmacy, a local radio station, and serves as the home of North East Africa Theological Seminary (NEATS), a training ground for church planters across the region.
It’s a tangible expression of our long-term vision: to establish self-sustaining centers of spiritual and community transformation led by local leaders and rooted in the Gospel.
Ministry in Motion
The flagship church isn’t just growing, it’s actively reaching its community with the love of Christ through:
- Discipleship and mentorship programs
- Door-to-door evangelism and home fellowships
- Open-air preaching in markets
- Hospital visitations to pray for the sick
- Church strengthening efforts and leadership development
Each ministry arm is powered by a vision: to see the people of Kajo Keji not only healed, but empowered to lead others into hope.
The Church as a Cornerstone of Hope
In places where political systems falter and humanitarian aid is inconsistent, the Church often remains. In South Sudan, the flagship church is one of the most trusted institutions—a place where people find peace, dignity, identity, and truth in the midst of uncertainty.
As one leader shared, “The church reminds people of God’s presence amid suffering. It offers justice and love from Scripture. It restores the orphan, the widow, the wounded, and the lost.”
Looking Ahead
The vision for the Kajo Keji Flagship Church is clear: expand the reach of the Gospel, disciple the next generation, and continue rebuilding lives. The leaders hope to see greater outreach, deeper community impact, and more youth empowered for leadership.
They’re praying for partnerships, for training opportunities, and for long-term transformation.
How You Can Join In
To believers in the U.S., the message from Kajo Keji is simple but powerful:
“God is at work in Kajo Keji. He is healing, restoring, and transforming lives. We invite you to pray with us, support these ministries, and tell others about what God is doing here. Your involvement can make a lasting difference.”