Sudan
The Arab Islamist government in northern Sudan conducted a long-term civil war against Christians, animists, and non-Arab Muslims in the south of Sudan. More than 2 million were left dead and many more displaced. Slavery has been re-instituted and more than 200,000 have been hauled off as chattel slaves. Repeated, deliberate aerial bombardment of Sunday worship services, churches, schools, towns, and hospitals has devastated the south. Crops have been destroyed and lands have been confiscated and given to Arab Muslims.
A Christian girl was given 50 lashes because her skirt was judged “indecent.” Several other women were flogged because they chose to wear pants. One Muslim woman saw Christ in a vision and chose to follow Him. Now she is in hiding as her husband, family, and community seek to kill her. She says, “We have stopped going out of the apartment or even going to church. My son can no longer go to school daily as before. We cannot live our lives as before. I cannot now participate in the bible study or fellowships. I’m now depending only on myself for growing spirituality, and for prayer and Bible study.”
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Sudan
Pastors Trained Despite Obstacles
In SUDAN, the Islamist regime has been destabilizing the largely Christian south during election season, and this insecurity has made missions work more difficult. Nevertheless, missionaries continue to train and mentor pastors.
Thank God for their service, and pray that follow-up work will continue. “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.”
Hunger and Elections in Sudan
Christians in Sudan are suffering and face an uncertain future. This week, Sudan is having elections, which have already been compromised.
Seven Christians Crucified
Seven Christians in SUDAN have been crucified. Muslim terrorists from UGANDA crossed the border, carried out the executions, desecrated two churches, and kidnapped several children.
Pray for the safe return of the abducted children and the families that have lost their loved ones in such a brutal way. "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar."
Attacked by her husband and brother
In Sudan a woman came to Christ. Seeing the radical change in her life, her husband supported her conversion. But when other Muslims began to exclude him, he turned on her, beat her, and threw her out of the house. She fled to her brother for protection, but he too beat her and tried to stab her. Now she is in hiding and praying for the safety of her children, who are still living with her husband.
Women Beaten for Wearing Pants
Several Christian women were arrested in SUDAN for wearing pants--even though Christians are not legally required to conform to Muslim standards of dress. In all, ten girls were flogged and fined.
Lord, as you have promised that no hardship occurs without good purpose, we pray that you use their suffering mightily for your glory. "For good news came to us just as to them."
Are Christians People?
In SUDAN, four Islamists murdered a Christian. Now they are pleading that, under Sharia law, no Muslim should be punished for killing a non-Muslim. This is one of many examples of believers being treated as less than human.
Pray for the families of those martyred and for peace in the region. "Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself."
Church perseveres under duress
In spite of threats of rekindled civil war, the Sudanese Church perseveres. New churches are being planted; where they have no building, they meet under the trees. The congregation in one southern city regularly gathers some 1500 people.
Ask God to grant them continued growth with deepening maturity and spiritual fervor. "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one."
Girl Beaten for "Immodesty"
A Christian girl in SUDAN was walking down the street when she was arrested by Muslim police for "indecency." Before her parents even heard of her arrest she had been given 50 lashes--even though the law says that no minor can be whipped.
Pray that she will heal quickly from her injuries. "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged."
Sudan Expells Aid Workers
Sudan is expelling numerous foreign aid groups, including many Christian organizations.
Pray for the work here, and especially for the people of Darfur, both Muslim and Christian, who must endure increased suffering because of this decision. "Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward."
Sudanese slaves liberated
232 Christian and traditionalist members of the Dinka tribe were liberated from Arab masters in Darfur and neighboring Kordofan. The released captives were returned to their homeland in Southern Sudan by retrievers working in association with local Arab-Dinka Peace Committees.
