Sudan (MNN) — The upcoming rainy season casts another woe upon Sudan, a North African nation already dealing with civil war and famine.
The United Nations describes Sudan as “one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory.” John*, an unfoldingWord partner, says things are only expected to worsen during the rainy season because “flooding is always an issue; you won’t have access when the rains come.”
(Photo courtesy of unfoldingWord)
International aid groups already struggle to reach those in need. “Aid inside of Sudan is not so much hindered by the weather but by the fact that the convoys are raided and [opposing parties take food] to feed their armies,” John explains.
Over eight million people have been displaced by the civil war that began a year ago. Approximately two million have crossed into neighboring countries like South Sudan, where John’s organization is building a trauma healing center for Sudanese refugees.
The rainy season poses a challenge here, too. “Roads that can make [it] through that kind of weather are almost non-existent in South Sudan,” John says.
Partners on the ground recently sent John a photo of the main thoroughfare used to enter and leave their village. “There was a road [and now] it’s just water,” John says.
Despite the constant challenges, Sudanese believers keep working to introduce Sudanese Muslim refugees to Christ. Will you pray for them?
“They can function and keep going because everyone involved grew up in war. In Sudan and South Sudan, there has been nothing but war for decades. If it wasn’t a political war within those two countries, it was tribal war,” John says.
“They’re motivated by a deep love for their country and their people, and that love is not just patriotism – it’s the love of God on their heart for their people.”
Ask the Lord to strengthen Sudanese church planters and Bible translators so they can endure the present tribulations. Pray each believer will keep their eyes firmly fixed on Christ and not the surrounding circumstances.
*Pseudonym
Header image is a screengrab courtesy of Prayercast | Sudan.
