Sudan (MNN) — Last month, the government of Sudan announced, yet again, that Christianity would not be on the list of permitted subjects to be taught in schools. Islam, however, made the cut.
This comes in contrast with Sudan’s recent decision to remove Islam as the national religion. Since former President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in the April 2019 coup, the new transitional government has removed the apostasy death sentence and even restored ownership of some church properties.
But the Sudanese education system shows that Christians are still considered second-class citizens. It is no surprise that Sudan even ranks as the seventh worst country to live as a Christian on Open Doors USA’s 2020 World Watch List, a ranking of the most dangerous countries for Christians.
(Photo courtesy of Prayercast)
Koko*, a student from eastern Sudan who recently graduated from Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Lebanon, went back to Sudan for youth ministry.
He says Christian outreach to Sudanese children is crucial, especially since they are significantly exposed to Muslim indoctrination in schools.
“We have three programs in my church,” Koko says. “First, we have training. And then secondly, we have a consultation with many youth in many churches in Sudan. Then third, we have a Bible study every Friday in the evening.
“This is important because in school, the kids are being taught Islam. There are no Christian teachers…. We do not have [the] Christian religion in school…. This is a big problem to me.”
Pray for Christian ministry leaders in Sudan like Koko to be spiritually encouraged as they carry out critical and even dangerous Gospel outreach. Ask God to change the social climate of Sudan so that Christians may worship freely and grow the Church there. Pray for many Sudanese children to know Jesus and raise up a new generation for God’s glory.
Learn more here about ABTS and how they are bringing Jesus to the Arab world through education!
*Name changed for security purposes.
Header photo courtesy of Prayercast.
