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
Refugee Camps Bombed
The Islamic government of northern Sudan bombed two refugee camps in SOUTH SUDAN in November. Most of the refugees had fled from regions terrorized by the government of the north. A Christian ministry leader reports that one bomb fell in a schoolyard near hundreds of children, but failed to detonate.
Praise God for His protection! “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…”
Church Builders Attacked
Earlier this year Muslims attacked believers who were building a church in northern SUDAN. The congregation continues to meet for worship despite not having a roof to protect them from rain and dust.
Praise God for their perseverance! “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Churches Threatened with Demolition
Authorities threaten to demolish three church buildings in northern SUDAN. Officials have also called church leaders asking for information about their members and activities.
Pray that the congregations will remain firm in their faith. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…”
Christian Captive Escapes
A Muslim background believer in SUDAN escaped his captors on the day he was to be executed. Military forces had detained him in June because of his faith. He saw six fellow Christians executed. He is now in hiding and could be re-arrested or killed at any time.
Pray for wisdom and courage. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Believers Attacked, Threatened
The Muslim government of northern SUDAN attacked and killed its own people in border regions inhabited predominantly by Christian African tribes. Church leaders in the capital have also been threatened by Muslims.
Pray that these believers will be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Pastor Tortured, Imprisoned
UPDATE: A pastor was detained for a 2nd and 3rd time in SUDAN. He has been tortured, accused of opposing the Islamic government’s teaching and rules, and his life has been threatened. Now he is in hiding.
He says, “I ask God to help me remain strong in faith as well as [to help] my displaced [congregation] members and all Christian communities who are facing persecution.” Please lift up this request with him. “...you were ransomed...not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.”
Congregation Afraid
Congregation members in northern SUDAN are afraid to meet for worship after Muslims burned their church building earlier this year.
Ask God to give the believers courage and freedom from fear. “Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
Kidnapped Believer Escapes
UPDATE: A kidnapped Christian teenager in SUDAN escaped and was reunited with her family in July. Her Muslim captors beat her, raped her, and tried to convert her to Islam. Her widowed mother lost her job. The teen fears that criminals may still be trailing her.
Pray for protection, provision, and healing. “And in the time of their suffering they cried out to You and You heard them from heaven.”
Denied Citizenship, Jobs Lost
On July 13 the government of Northern SUDAN stripped Southern Sudanese of citizenship. Many working in the north have lost their jobs. Late last year the northern government declared that Sharia and Islam will be the main source for the constitution.
Ask God to provide for Christians who are still living in the north. “By a pillar of cloud You led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go.”
Church and Guest House Vandalized
A church and a guest house in SUDAN were vandalized and ransacked by Muslims. Windows and doors were broken and church property was stolen.
Pray that the congregation will have the safety, courage, and resources needed in order to rebuild. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”