In the heart of Morobo County, South Sudan, amidst war, trauma, and instability, a young boy named Emma Lomo was unknowingly being prepared for a life of ministry that would stretch far beyond the borders of his war-torn homeland.
“I grew up in a tumultuous environment marked by war and family conflicts,” Emma shares. His family lived for years in refugee camps in Uganda. “Our home was filled with bitterness, trauma, drinking, and chaos. There was no peace, no joy.” Religion, he says, was centered on works, not relationship. “We were a religious family, believing in salvation by works.”
But in 2003, everything changed. A missionary named Allan came to their village, planted a church, and shared the Gospel. “My mother was the first to receive Christ,” Emma says. “Her transformation was so powerful it inspired me.” Emma had been leading children’s ministry in their former church, and when his mother moved to the new church, he followed.
“During a Sunday service in 2003, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I experienced a profound sense of joy and tranquility. That moment marked the beginning of a complete transformation. When I met Christ, I found hope, peace, and joy in Him.”
A Call to Teach and Multiply
Emma’s hunger for God’s Word only grew. “I developed a fervent desire to discover my purpose in Christ through studying His Word,” he says. That desire led him to enroll at Global Theological Seminary in 2015, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology.
Since then, Emma has served in multiple ministries including music, pastoral leadership, church planting, and theological education. He helped launch Gurei Baptist Church in Juba, coordinated the Discipleship Training Institute (DTI), and now teaches at NEATS (North East Africa Theological Seminary) while pursuing his master’s degree at Southeastern Seminary in the U.S.
“God called me into ministry and theological teaching through a gradual process,” Emma explains. “It began after my conversion when I recognized my gift of singing and felt a strong conviction to share the Gospel. As I led a Scripture Union group in high school, my desire to serve God as a teacher of His Word began to take shape.”
For Emma, the call to ministry is inseparable from the burden to train leaders and combat false teaching. “Seeing many in my village and in South Sudan living in sin challenged me to dedicate my life to equipping others. I want to raise up biblically grounded leaders who can serve their communities with integrity.”
Mentors, Mission, and NEATS
Emma credits much of his spiritual and leadership development to godly mentors along the way. “People like Pastor Isaac Gaga, who led me to Christ, and David Kaya, who modeled Christ-like character. These men shaped my journey. Their wisdom and encouragement helped me overcome challenges and stay focused.”
Although Emma didn’t graduate from NEATS, his early exposure to the seminary was foundational. “In 2013, I began attending classes at NEATS after joining Empower One. The teaching inspired me and motivated me to study formally at Global Seminary,” he says.
Now, as an instructor at NEATS, Emma teaches both Old and New Testament courses. He especially loves teaching doctrinal theology. “What I enjoy most is seeing students grow in their knowledge of God and learn how to apply truth in their context. It’s a privilege to shape the next generation of church leaders.”
One student who deeply impacted him is Lemi Emmanuel. “Lemi helped us plant Gurei Baptist Church in Juba and served as the youth leader. Today, he’s the church’s mission coordinator, studying at NEATS, and teaching at one of our DTI extensions. His growth reminds me that my labor is not in vain.”
Equipped for Greater Impact
Emma’s decision to pursue a master’s degree at Southeastern Seminary was intentional. “I wanted a broader perspective on theological education and advanced knowledge that would strengthen my ministry,” he says. “The seminary’s commitment to sound doctrine and excellence drew me in.”
That training is already bearing fruit. “My studies have enriched my teaching at NEATS. I’ve learned new methodologies and deepened my understanding of theological disciplines. Now I can better challenge students to think critically and apply Scripture in practical ways.”
Emma sees NEATS as essential to the future of the church in South Sudan, Sudan, and Congo. “NEATS is equipping leaders who are grounded in Scripture, committed to planting healthy churches, and ready to bring hope to their communities.”
A Vision to Plant 100 Churches
Emma’s personal vision is bold. He hopes to plant 100 healthy local churches across South Sudan, Uganda, and Congo. “I want to start with 50 churches in my hometown over the next 5 years,” he says. “To do this, I’ll train leaders through NEATS and establish another theological training center in Morobo County.”
But his dream isn’t just about numbers. It’s about multiplication through mentorship and love. “I want to see a generation of leaders emerge who are passionate about spreading the Gospel and serving others with humility.”
Gratitude to NEATS Supporters
To those who pray and give to support NEATS and its faculty, Emma’s words are heartfelt:
“Your prayers and financial support are crucial. You’re not just providing resources. You’re partnering with us in advancing the Kingdom of God. Your support gives us courage and motivation to continue our work, knowing we are not alone.”
And on a personal level, Emma says the impact is profound. “Knowing that people are standing with us through prayer and generosity reminds me that we are part of a global body of Christ. That support allows me to focus on what matters most. Teaching, mentoring, and training the next generation.”