John starts his second year as a lecturer at BGC

Reverend John Jal Deng is now in his second year of teaching at Bishop Gwynne College (BGC). CORE asked him for an update from his first year, and checked in to see how the second year is going.

John shares about his first year back at BGC

In 2019 John was working two jobs at the college, he lectured and also worked full time in the BGC library. He said that last year was hectic, but he knew that by working so hard he would be assisting in raising the standard of the college.

The courses that he lectured on last year was Books of the New Testament for first-year students and Ethics for a third-year class.

John’s Preparation

John said that he prepares for his lectures by going to the library and getting the recommended books for each module. He has a lot of personal material; including his own previous study notes as well as books that he purchased while studying in South Africa. All these materials assisted him in his preparation.

This year he is lecturing on the same topics as last year, so he is able to use and build on his previous materials. He is still working in the library, but has managed to delegate some of this work to the students as well.

John says that he is building a lot of confidence as he continues to lecture. In his first-year class he has 62 students, and in his third-year class there are 48.

John teaching in one of his classes

John shares some details about his students

He says that there are many students from all over the country who attend BGC. 80% of the students are in the ages between 20-40 years and 20% are over 40-50 years old.
There are students from greater Upper Nile, greater Barelgazel, and greater Equatoria.  There are  two students from Taposa tribe in Easter Equatoria which is a first at BGC. Their area is unreached by the gospel, so BGC really thanks God to have them attend there.
John has received a lot of good feedback about his lectures.

“I think God is doing wonders through me and I know that He is behind all that I do.”

Some advice for current CORE sponsorship students

Elias and John in Bishop Gwynne College library

When asked what advice John would give to the current six CORE sponsored students who are is still studying, he said that they should take this precious opportunity seriously. He says that people need them in South Sudan. The students must not take this chance for granted. 

“We dearly need you back at the college. Elias has joined us and things won’t be same, as two of us will go the extra mile in teaching. BGC is improving so far.”

Final thoughts from John and encouragement for CORE and all the people who support CORE to make this programme possible:


“There are massive benefits in sponsoring students to go for studies in South Africa. I’m the first fruit of the program and our church, college and Christians are appreciating such program.”

“It’s such a great opportunity to teach my fellow South Sudanese pastors and Christian leaders. It’s a great turning point for me to come back home and join my brothers at the college in their teaching ministry. I’m humbled to share all that I have assimilated with my people.”

Give thanks for:

  • John’s enthusiasm and commitment as he starts his second year of lecturing at BGC
  • The students from all over South Sudan who are attending BGC, especially from tribes not previously reached.
  • The improved resources at BGC allowing John to be better equipped to do his work

Please pray for:

  • The students at Bishop Gwynne College- that they get fed by John’s teachings
  • Teaching resources at the college, specifically a printer to assist with lecture material
  • John as God works through him within BGC and South Sudan