Sudan: Pray, Elections Begin January 9

There isn't an "Eat" or "Love" section today.  Only pray.  I will add those later, but today, in this time of uncertainty for Sudan, I invite you to join me in prayer.


Many of you know that I applied for a mission position in South Sudan.  It is on hold pending the outcome of the elections that will decide if Sudan will become two countries or remain one.  Political tensions are very high there, obviously.  There has been much danger to those from the south who fled to Khartoum and are trying to return to the south.

I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to flee my home with my children to escape the ravages of a civil war, spend years - for some, their entire life - living in a refugee camp, only to have to take all my belongings and return to the south to be able to vote.  

That is the simplified version of the stories of thousands fighting for space on buses, or walking to return to the homeland of their ancestors.  The story is much more complicated than that.  Many of us remember hearing the stories of the Lost Boys of Sudan.  I imagine the pictures in reverse - going home instead of leaving. I am sure many of the dangers they faced leaving are facing those returning to this harsh land.  Many of us have heard the stories of genocide in the Dafur region, we have seen the malnourished faces of those starving in Akobo, the hungriest place on earth.


Will the election end the pain and suffering of many thousands of people?  Will it lead to more war and instability?  As my Ethiopian friends always say, "If my God says".

I ask you to pray for Sudan, that God's will be done and for the safety of those casting votes in this time of election and for those from around the world who are serving as election moderators.  Continue to pray for those who are serving in Sudan - the PCUSA missionaries - Nancy McGaughy, Debbie Blaine, Jacob and Aliamma George - the United Nations, Save the Children, SIM (Serving in Mission)  and all the others.

And if you need the words to pray, try this, from the PCUSA website  Swords into Plowshares

Gracious God of peace, you break the bow;you snap the spear asunder;you make wars to cease.
We pray that you will touch the hearts, the minds, and the spirits of the leaders of Sudan the peoples of Sudan international leaders and the peoples of the world.
Touch our hearts, our minds, our spirits. Remind us all of your presence and grace at all times and in all things.

Remind us that in you, all things are made new throughout the earth, in you, war is not inevitable in Sudan, in you, peace with justice is possible in Sudan.

Reminded, may the leaders of Sudan the peoples of Sudan international leaders and the peoples of the world act with compassion, pursue that peace, and establish that justice throughout Sudan.

The Rev. W. Mark Koenig, director Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations; inspired by the Rev. Petero Sabune, Africa Partnerships Office, The Episcopal Church

Some scenes from life in Southern Sudan...I haven't included the harshest of the pictures - If you want to see them, try a google image search.  I warn you, they are hard to see.  Be prepared to pray.

I have included links to the sites where I found these photos.  I hope they don't mind me sharing them and the work they do.  Take a moment to click the links and learn more about them.

http://southsudaninfo.net/2009/08/burning-question-answered-re-southern-sudan-refugee-idp/

www.farmafrica.org.uk

Water, LRA emergency response, TamburaYambio,

Credits: Bridget Burrows/CAFOD

http://www.caritas.org

Pray 


for all the missionaries serving in Sudan, including our PCUSA Missionaries...

Debbie Blane

Nile Theological College 
Khartoum North 
Post Office Box 632 
Sudan 
Email: Debbie Blane 
Visit Debbie’s blog 
Donate →

Debbie is a lecturer in theology at Nile Theological College (NTC) in Khartoum, Sudan. She teaches a wide range of programs to prepare pastors to serve in Presbyterian churches.

Since Sudan gained independence in 1956, civil war has gripped the nation. Nevertheless, many people in Sudan have struggled courageously to create paths to a common peace. NTC was founded in 1991 by two Presbyterian churches, the Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church, which has its roots in Egypt, and the Presbyterian Church of the Sudan. Together they provide a Christian witness of hope to this deeply troubled nation. NTC provides training and education in English and Arabic for the churches of Sudan, principally in the northern region of Sudan.

Jacob and Aliamma George

Malakal, Sudan 

Donate →

Jacob and Aliamma George know firsthand that the power of the gospel can transcend cultures.

That’s because the Georges have seen the gospel transform lives both in their native India and in Houston, Texas, where they lived as young adults.  They have now heard God’s call to yet another place and culture, and they are excited about service in Sudan.

Nancy McGaughey see her photo and profile on the right...

Ingrid Reneau

Email: Ingrid Reneau
Donate →

Ingrid Reneau was appointed in July 2007 to serve as education officer in Sudan. She works in southern Sudan in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Sudan, the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and the Association of Christian Resource Organizations Serving Sudan. She is charged with helping to implement plans to expand the church-sponsored school system, improve its administrative capabilities, and strengthen its teaching methodologies.

Information on PCUSA missionaries is taken from the Mission Connections website.  Here, you can find information on PCUSA missionaries serving throughout the world.  Learn more about them, how they are serving and keep updated by reading their newsletters and blogs.

Yet, LORD my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.  2 Chronicles 6:19