The rugged mountains, deep glens and stunning blue lochs of the vast Scottish Highlands seemed to go on forever. Nyakuar Kuon was swept up in its beauty. Born and raised in Nebraska, she’d never seen anything like it. And she may never have, if not for being part of a Summer Mission Team (SMT) last year, another step in her discipleship and leadership development.
She recalls the many people she met there, working with everyone from toddlers to older adults.
“I really connected with older people,” she said fondly. “There were people there who were 90 years old who had been in The Salvation Army for their whole life.”
This year, the 18-year-old soldier of the Lincoln, Neb., Corps, will be leading a SMT to partner with Salvationists in the Kenya East Territory, one of our territory’s Partners in Mission. In preparation, she is working on her leadership skills every day.
Divisional Youth Band and the Chicago Staff Band.
“I observe people who I think are good leaders and see what works for them,” she said.
Nyakuar already has been recognized for her developing leadership skills. Last year during youth councils in the Western Division, she received the Outstanding Young Adult Leadership Award.
“It’s been a pleasure to see Nyakuar’s growth spiritually during my time as her corps officer,” said Major Kelsie Moreno. “She has truly been gifted in the area of leadership, and to see her faithfully use her gift for God’s glory is a wonderful example of what God can do with a surrendered heart.”
A freshman at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nyakuar attends the Omaha Citadel, Neb., Corps while at college. She also finds time to teach Sunday school classes, be part of the Territorial Youth Band, teach beginners’ band on Thursday nights at the Council Bluffs, Iowa, Corps—just 20 minutes from her college—and teach monthly beginner brass classes at the Western Divisional Music Academy. She is part of the senior band at both corps and takes part in the songsters and youth band in Omaha.
Somehow, she still finds time to focus on her studies as she plans for a career in social work.
“I chose social work because I enjoy being a leader and helping people. In social work, you are guiding people to the help they need,” she said.
Nyakuar is one of six children whose parents are originally from the Republic of South Sudan. The couple came to the United States in 2001, first living in New York, then moving to Nebraska in 2005.
The children met The Salvation Army through an after-school tutoring and recreation program their mother heard about at the Lincoln Corps. Then they attended character-building programs with relatives. Soon, they were involved in more corps programs and activities. They have never looked back.
Nyakuar says she’s received so many blessings by belonging to The Salvation Army, like learning to play the cornet and marching as part of a massed brass band in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.
“I had so much fun!” she recalled. “I was at the end of my row, so when we were not playing, I got to wave at the people in the crowd and tell them, ‘Happy new year!’”
While Nyakuar cherishes these opportunities, she says she’s most grateful to the Army for her ever-growing faith.
“The Salvation Army has helped me grow in faith and deepen my relationship with God,” she said.
She tries to show that faith to everyone she meets.
“I try to be very Christlike to others, as they may not know Him,” Nyakuar said. “Something simple I do—whether it’s just being nice to someone or greeting them—might spark a relationship with God for them.”
