by Angelos Agok
My name is Angelos Agok. I am from southern Sudan. In 1986, I sought a government scholarship for university studies. The scholarship came with a condition -- two years of compulsory military service. The military training was based on Islamic teachings of jihad -- holy war. When we requested a program for non-Muslim students, some of us were arrested and beaten.
After a month, I was released and fled to my hometown, but I was apprehended again and spent six months in harsh military detention. After I was released, I had to report to the base each day along with 40-50 others.
On September 12, 1987, soldiers opened fire on us. I ran until no one was behind me anymore. I met resistance fighters who confirmed my story and helped me. I joined them and fought with them. After 12 years of struggle, I became a refugee. In July 2000, I came to the United States.
I consider myself blessed abundantly because I am one of few who survived.
Despite the calamities I had gone through, I persevered through faith and hope, and I now know the joy of restored life and dignity.
Angelos Agok joyfully serves with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service in Baltimore as a loan services counselor, and remains active in the Sudanese community in Washington, D.C. LIRS is also recommended to benefit from several donor funds at the Foundation.