Strength for the frontlines …
How ZEELO serves leaders
In the rugged, war-weary landscape of South Sudan, where daily life is marked by instability and hardship, missionaries often carry a weight few ever see. Among those faithfully serving is a young woman named Tseganesh “Grace” Kebede, a cross-cultural missionary with Horn of Africa Evangelical Mission Engagers. For the past four years, she has lived and ministered among some of the region’s most unreached communities—often entirely on her own, often in tremendous risk to her own safety.
Grace first arrived in South Sudan with a small team, beginning ministry in Juba, the capital city, where they planted a local church by God’s grace. Sensing a growing call to unreached peoples, she developed a burden for the Lokoya people in the rural village of Lirya. There, she helped plant another church while teaching in the local school. The ministry has now grown to 18 church members, with 11 baptisms, and even the formation of a small nursery school to serve local families.
But ministry in Lirya has also been demanding. For the past two years, Grace has served alone—navigating cultural complexities, community challenges, spiritual pressures, and the personal isolation that often comes with missionary life.
This is where ZEELO’s ministry of exceptional care has made a profound difference.
A Lifeline of Encouragement
Grace was introduced to ZEELO through her mission office in Addis Ababa and began meeting regularly with us for mentoring, prayer, and spiritual support via Zoom. What began as occasional check-ins soon became a stabilizing force in her weekly rhythm.
ZEELO provided a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for her to talk through cultural challenges, ministry obstacles, and the emotional weight of serving cross-culturally. Through prayerful listening and biblically grounded wisdom, we helped Grace navigate everything from local traditions to conflict resolution to spiritual discouragement.
We also walked with her through personal questions—offering guidance, encouragement, and biblical clarity as she discerned her future and sought balance in life and ministry.
Strengthening Ministry Through Education
While serving in South Sudan, Grace also pursued a Master’s program, and we served as an approved academic mentor. The coursework was deeply practical for her context, reshaping the way she understood worldview, leadership, and community dynamics.
Whenever she presented church-related problems or ministry topics, we would prepare thoughtful guidance to help her address them with wisdom and confidence. Our support strengthened not only her academic work but also her ministry effectiveness on the ground.
A Ministry That Stays With You
For Grace, ZEELO has become a steady presence—one that embodies humility, consistency, and Christ-like care. The mentorship she receives has helped her:
stay grounded emotionally and spiritually
navigate complex cultural barriers
make wise decisions under pressure
balance personal life and ministry
continue serving with endurance and hope
In her words, ZEELO’s presence has been “a blessing for the ministry and for my personal life… [ZEELO] is there for me every day.”
Her story illustrates exactly what ZEELO exists to provide: safe, holistic, Christ-centered, exceptional care for global leaders who serve in difficult places.
As Grace continues to minister among the Lokoya people, ZEELO remains committed to walking with her—lifting her arms in the battle, strengthening her faith, and helping her flourish in the calling God has entrusted to her.