In this season of gratitude, we’re reminded of lives that embody resilience and purpose. Few embody this truth like James Lual Atak, a founding member of our anti-trafficking network. As a trafficking survivor, he knew intimately the scars exploitation leaves on a child’s heart, mind, and body.

Yet, instead of letting those scars define him, he was courageous enough to say, “No more.”

His journey ignited a movement.

One that paves the way for a brighter future for vulnerable children.

Small Steps

Big change always starts one small step at a time. As James returned to his village to begin the work he felt God was calling him to do, things went painstakingly slow. People called him crazy. No one saw the value of his efforts to gather children — children who were not his own — into his protective care.

But James held firm.  

With one book, he started gathering children who had been orphaned under trees to teach them. He began with A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s. He also shared his deep love for Christ, who inspired his bold faith and belief that he could make a difference in this world. 

From that small start, James has now made a difference for thousands of children, including a man named Peter. 

Left an Orphan

War left Peter Manger an orphan. At just four years old, he relied on his ten-year-old sister to care for him.

He recalls, “There was no food for us to eat. During the day, my sister used to go to one of our neighbors’ homes to work. She did tasks like pounding sorghum, cooking for them, fetching water, and doing other household chores for them while I used to go to the market to beg for leftovers from the restaurants.”

They managed to survive this way for several years. One day, while Peter was at the market begging for food, a waiter began beating him with a stick for taking leftovers from a plate.

A Divine Intervention

James had just returned to town and was walking by when he saw Peter being attacked. He stepped in, ignoring the waiter’s angry shouts calling the boy a thief and a dog.

James pulled Peter aside to understand what was happening. At first, Peter was wary. He feared that James might beat him too. Many men and women in his village had reacted in violence towards him.

When James discovered Peter was an orphan, he sat the child down and ordered a meal for him at the restaurant.

During the meal, Peter remembers James telling him he would take care of him and help him go to school.

“An uncle of mine had taken responsibility for my elder sister,” he explains. “We sometimes used to meet and hold some prayers to thank God for this protection and blessings to me because I was now able to go to school. My life was being boosted by God-fearing participants like you!”

From Student to Leader

Today, 70% of school-age children in South Sudan do not have access to education. Only 27% of the adult population can read and write.

LUV’s education program helps vulnerable children like Peter. It equips them to grow, both intellectually and spiritually, in our safe, Christ-centered schools. We provide mentoring and leadership development to inspire students for a lifetime of learning and growth.

As Peter was supported in his journey, he took on leadership roles in his school and community. He paid forward the legacy of love invested in him.

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