Our Team
Our Team
Jacob Thon Guot
Founder & Executive Director
Jacob Thon Guot is a pastor, author, and faith-centered leader whose life journey—from
one of Sudan’s “Lost Boys” to a voice for restoration—shapes his ministry and public
witness. In his memoir, The Lost Is Found, he reflects on exile, survival, and spiritual
transformation, drawing on Nehemiah’s vision of rebuilding to call South Sudanese
communities toward faith-driven renewal and collective restoration.
He holds a B.S. in Bible, Christian Life, and Ministry from Lancaster Bible College
(2011) and dual master’s degrees in Christian Leadership and Intercultural Studies from
Asbury Theological Seminary (2016). Ordained in the South Sudanese Episcopal
Church, he has served congregations in Houston, Texas, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
and has engaged in global mission and educational speaking across the United States.
Mr. Guot is the Founder of Sudan Rebirth Ministry and Africa Sunrise Communities,
Inc., and Executive Director of Rising Hope Medical Center in Bor Town, Jonglei State,
South Sudan. His work advances education and healthcare as foundations for national
rebuilding. Based in Nicholasville, Kentucky, he also mentors’ refugees through
Kentucky Refugee Ministries in cope with trauma and continues active ministry between
Kentucky and South Sudan.
Kent E. Kroehler
President
Kent Kroehler is a UMC clergy (retired) from Eastern PA. He served for 45 years in Philadelphia and Lancaster PA and as Conference staff for 8 years. He used a Lilly Endowment “Clergy Renewal Grant” to bicycle across the USA in 2002, and buoyed his final decade of ministry.
Kent earned his BA at Asbury University, his M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. at Wesley Theological Seminary. He and Joy have been married for 52 years. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
In retirement, he has a passion for creating a culture of extravagant generosity in God’s people. He serves on the Mid-Atlantic UM Foundation Board, chairs the MAUMF Stewardship Committee, and is a Group Facilitator with the MAUMF Financial Leadership Academy. He chairs the Board of Sudan Rebirth Ministry, providing scholarships for South Sudanese students in east Africa. In Lancaster, he serves with Have a Heart for Persons in the Criminal Justice System, Anchorage Breakfast Ministry Board, the West District Board of Church Location and Building, leads a maintenance team at First UMC, and sings in two church choirs.
