Hi friends,

I’m Jay Franklin, a student at Westminster Theological Seminary, finishing my Masters of Divinity degree. For anyone who knew me in my not-so-distant past, that first sentence might’ve sounded like a joke. I am one example of the patience and grace of God, having been taken from an over-confident atheist who abused the world to a work-in-progress Christian who is trying to serve the world.

About a month ago, I traveled to Kajo Keji, South Sudan (a place people are actively avoiding) to train local pastors and church leaders and equip them with the knowledge and resources to care deeply, lead well, and spread the gospel far.

This experience was life-changing for me. This is a country plagued by conflicts and beliefs that most people would write off as hopeless, but what I saw there was a people thirsting after God in a way you rarely see in the U.S. By God’s grace, the teaching and preaching I was able to do sparked hours of dialogue, opened Scripture in fresh ways, and began relationships that leaders have asked me to continue developing.

When I thought my mind couldn't be blown any more, I now have a new calling placed on my heart to keep this ministry going. I see a society in Kajo Keji that is guided, comforted, and totally transformed by God’s Word and seeking to spread that transformation more and more broadly. As Marine veteran, I can tell you that this is the biggest mission I've ever been a part of.

As we’ve realized post-pandemic, virtual is convenient, but training is most effective face-to-face. I can’t describe the impact it has on a community when people arrive from across the world to partner with them in love on a shared vision. So I’m returning this November to continue what we started with our local partners.

My Goal: Raise $3,500 to make the return trip possible and deliver valuable resources for pastors and leaders.

Your gift will make possible:

• Pastor-training intensives (expository preaching + pastoral care)

• Equipping local leaders with the knowledge to make a huge impact in their communities

• Valuable resources (books, Bibles, materials) that I can’t simply Amazon to them

• Ongoing virtual mentorship via virtual channels

Simple Budget:

• Airfare + in-country travel: $2,300

• Lodging/food/visa/insurance: $1,000

• Pastors’ resource kits (books & materials): $200

Total: $3,500

The only Savior in this story is Jesus Christ.

My aim is simply to join what God is already doing—supporting local pastors and leaders so that they can love, teach, and equip their people.

All of the work I have done and desire to continue is only by the grace of God. I merely seek to step into what God is already doing and be used as an instrument in the hand of our Redeemer. In some ways I am asking you all to support me, but in other ways, I am really asking you all to join a work that God is doing.

Will you partner with me in this mission through prayer and financial support?

Timeline & Updates:

• Target to book flights: September 20

• Pay total trip costs October 3

• Trip: November 5-15, 2025

• I’ll send a brief report with photos/stories within 2 weeks of returning.

Thank you for praying, giving, and sharing—your partnership strengthens the church in South Sudan.

With gratitude,

Jay Franklin

Westminster Theological Seminary, M.Div. Candidate

**Below is a link to one of the teachings I did during my first trip to South Sudan**

https://youtu.be/migUfsz0tUY?si=jwRZRw21YxSzEUDW