World Vision stepping up efforts to help Sudan

Sudan (MNN/WV) — World Vision plans to airlift emergency supplies directly into war-ravaged Darfur after the Sudanese government pledged to ease access for humanitarian agencies.

Following visits by the US Secretary of State Colin Powell and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Sudan said it would streamline issuing of visas for all aid workers and suspend restrictions on the importation of humanitarian supplies, including vehicles, aircraft, and communication equipment.

World Vision Africa relief director Philippe Guiton, speaking from Khartoum, said the move was a positive step. He says, “We are now in a position to mount an airlift within a week or so, and quickly assemble ex-pat and local staff to implement our programs in Darfur.”

World Vision is a Christian organization. As they help physically, they pray that their testimony will encourage those they’re serving to ask questions about their faith, giving them a chance to talk about Christ.

About one million people are estimated to be displaced in Darfur, after a militia terror campaign razed villages, poisoned water sources and left thousands dead or starving.