Yei, a town located south of the capital city of Juba, is both beautiful and burdened. Known for its fertile land and the hospitality of the Kakwa people—its indigenous tribe—Yei has long faced severe challenges. Years of conflict have left deep scars: insecurity, poverty, broken families, and widespread spiritual confusion. But God is writing a new story in Yei, and it begins with the local church.
A Town Gripped by Crisis
In Yei, subsistence farming is the primary livelihood. A few small shops, boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders, and local tea rooms provide limited economic opportunity. But insecurity has made even farming dangerous. Gunmen frequently attack those who travel outside the town to cultivate land—robbing, harassing, kidnapping, and even killing innocent civilians. Many people live in constant fear.
Education and healthcare are also in crisis. Schools are overcrowded, especially with the return of children from refugee camps. Families lack access to quality education. The nearest decent medical care is across the border in Uganda or Kenya—only accessible to those who can afford it. For the poor, even treatable illnesses can be fatal.
And nearly every family in Yei is caring for at least one orphan. Many children lost one or both parents during the war. Some stay with relatives; others live in orphanages like Kikiji National Orphanage, where even basic needs—food, school fees, clothing—remain unmet.
A Community Once Lost
Before the Yei Flagship Church was planted, the area surrounding the site was a stronghold of darkness. Shrines to ancestors and small gods were everywhere. Witchcraft, immorality, drug addiction, and idolatry thrived. Religious activity was common, but few people had a personal relationship with Jesus. Disco clubs and gatherings offered a sense of escape—but no true hope.
God saw this hurting community and responded with compassion. He called Pastor Banja, Ayume, and Kenyi to preach the Gospel and plant a church in the heart of Yei.
The Birth of a Flagship
Since the launch of the Yei Flagship Church, transformation has taken root. Thousands have responded to the Gospel. Over 10,000 people have accepted Christ during outreach efforts. Drug addicts have been set free. Broken families have been restored. Hope has been planted in hearts that once knew only despair.
Believers are now devoted to studying God’s Word, growing in faith, and raising up new leaders. The church has begun a discipleship process that aims to plant 25 new churches in the next five years.
To reach that goal, the Yei Flagship has developed ministries for every part of the community:
- Women’s Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Men’s Ministry
- Children’s Ministry
- Disability Ministry
- Hospital Ministry
- Prison Ministry
- Sports Outreach
- Schools Ministry
They also offer discipleship classes (DTI), cell groups, home fellowships, and home visits—all helping people grow in Christ and in community.
Meeting Practical Needs
The church is not just preaching the Gospel—it is meeting urgent physical needs as well. For years, there was no clean water source in the area. But the church’s water kiosk has brought both health improvements and joy to the neighborhood.
They are also stepping toward sustainability. The women’s ministry has launched agriculture projects to generate income and support ministry efforts.
Looking ahead, the Yei team has started the process of registering a nursery, primary, and secondary school with the government—so children can receive quality education right in their own community. They are also praying for the resources to establish a pharmacy to provide much-needed medical care to those who cannot afford to travel.
A House of Worship and a Vision for More
Through the generous partnership of believers in the U.S., the Yei Flagship Church now has a worship auditorium—a beautiful space that hosts 120 adults and 135 children each week. The church is Gospel-centered and passionate about drawing more people to worship the one true God.
And the work doesn’t stop there. Yei is becoming a sending center—mobilizing believers for missions, evangelism, and discipleship. The church is actively praying that more missioners will join them, especially from the United States.
Your Partnership Matters
The leaders of Yei Flagship express deep gratitude to their faithful partners in the U.S. for praying, giving, and sending. Every gift and every prayer is helping restore a community once consumed by darkness.
Please pray with us for:
- Protection for believers and leaders in Yei
- The launch of the new school and pharmacy
- More souls to come to Christ and become disciple-makers
- The successful planting of 25 churches over the next 5 years
- Sustainable income sources to support local ministry
What once was a place of fear is becoming a community of faith. The Gospel is alive in Yei. The church is growing. And the Kingdom is advancing—one soul, one family, and one village at a time.