The Lutheran Church of South Sudan (LCSS) is a sister church of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), the church body of which Zion Lutheran Church is a charter member. South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 after the deadly and bloody civil war that claimed 2.5 million lives and caused 8 million natives to be displaced. While South Sudan is approximately the size of Texas, it is home to 65 tribes with 65 different languages and continues to be in a state of conflict. Fighting is intermittent but fierce. Peace is the most indispensable phenomenon the world lacks. Many parts of the world experience wars and violence that result in mass displacement. South Sudan is one of the countries torn apart by cycles of wars. The country has not witnessed the fruits of peace for six decades. The latest civil war erupted on December 15, 2013. The war claimed 20,000 lives in one week and 400,000 more in the last seven years. It displaced 4 million and forced 4 million more to seek refuge in the neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. 12.5 million people live in South Sudan. 4 million people are refugees. 65% percent of those refugees are under 18 years of age. Life expectancy there is only 56 years of age. Violence has forced the Lutheran Church of South Sudan to relocate its head office from Malakal, South Sudan to Gambella, Ethiopia where it began to shine the light of the gospel on the refugee and the displaced. They sponsor a seminary, nursing school, and women’s programs. Trinity College High School educational opportunities lead to LCSS teaching and ordaining pastors, planting churches, constructing church buildings, and training students in nursing, midwifery, public health, computer science, and business, providing skills helping them gain employment. Women’s programs provide grief support for widows and orphans and help them develop skills for daily living. Pray consistently for the peace of Sudan and healing of trauma caused by wars and poverty. Support the Lutheran Church of South Sudan and their ministry efforts with donations through our Mission Envelopes or from this website by clicking the GIVE button to offer support.