ONE of Sudan's "lost boys", who made a home and life for himself in Toowoomba, is returning to the war-torn country he fled 30 years ago.

Daniel Abot has come a long way since he was one of thousands of "lost boys" who walked from Sudan to Kenya fleeing conflict in 1986.

The Toowoomba resident was an Anglican priest when he left Sudan and now returns as the bishop of a new diocese in the remote region of Duk.

Mr Abot's diocese has no church, office or staff but he ministers to people who have returned home after decades of war and now face starvation.

On three previous trips to south Sudan, Mr Abot delivered food aid, clothing and medical supplies to areas considered too dangerous for UN peacekeeping forces to enter.

"The UN troops say 'we can't go there' but if someone offers to step in, like myself, you can take the risk and go," he said.

Mr Abot said he relied on his brightly-coloured bishop's shirt to protect him from tribal conflict.

"They know that if they kill me, I am innocent," he said.

"I take food, clothing, fishing nets, radios, talking Bibles in tribal languages and we share food together.

"Sometimes I feel like a little drop in the ocean because the needs are overwhelming but you've got to do what you can and continue praying while helping the people."

Mr Abot, whose family still lives in Toowoomba, left for Africa on Tuesday.

He will lead a convoy of aid to the remote region of Duk on the border between the two main warring tribes, the Dinka and Nuer.

Mr Abot said refugees appreciated that someone who escaped from the refugee camp had not forgotten them.

"I have already suffered in my life and I always know God has a plan for me. I know what it is like to start over again in the village," he said.

"I can cry with my people and pray with them in any way possible. I think I am making a difference; campaigning to bring peace to the world."