Nebraska Synod ELCA

As an active Symbolically Authorized Worshiping Community (SAWC) of the Nebraska Synod, Nile has provided Nuer language worship, Bible study, and fellowship for eighteen years and counting, with an average worship attendance of about 75 people per week. Sunday school is also busy with many young people participating from week to week. In addition, Nile hosts an outreach ministry among high school youth with both Nile youth and community members outside the church participating. This ministry is a place where Youth for Greater Good program and other students receive homework help, build relationships with mentors, and discern what it means to live cross-culturally, as both Sudanese and American.

Adults also participate in unique programming that blends instruction in the Christian faith, English language learning, and mutual support in navigating the challenges of living and working in a different culture and country. Nile’s music ministry is also strong, with separate choirs, women group, and youth. Moreover, Nile and its pastor often help host and facilitate larger regional gatherings around South Sudanese communities, hosting churches and culture dances for youth. These gatherings help to bolster South Sudanese culture and community life. They are ecumenical in nature and often draw several hundred participants and provide a place where hospitality around home cooked Sudanese food is shared and enjoyed. Nile makes Christ known in communities and beyond.

The goals of our ministry include:

• Multicultural Worship-Mission-Evangelism & Stewardship
• Outreach Ministry
• Music-Drums training -Culture Dance & Language
• Women ministry & leadership training
• Children Ministry, Social services & Youth Ministry
• Building management.
• Christian education
• Establish Strong Partnership with the Nebraska Synod
• Collaborate with other Christian Organizations

Nile Lutheran Chapel brings changes to our families, children and youth. I feel blessed because I do God’s works with my hands. I feel I have a home and my children have a home that includes my community. I have felt my faith increase because I have more joys in my heart. I have a home and a community place to worship and have fellowship. 

When COVID-19 broke out, some members lost jobs and many more were unable to give to the community. Our ministry received grants from our siblings in Christ that helped pay bills, maintain the building, and continue our ministry. We thank the Nebraska Synod for your support and we look towards a future of serving the South Sudanese community in Nebraska and surrounding area.