NORTH SUDAN TERRORIZING CHRISTIANS

SUMMARY: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s campaign of genocide against the people of the Nuba Mountains is taking on religious aspects. According to humanitarian workers, Christians are being targeted as part of an Islamic jihad.

Photo: bbc.co.uk

The violence being carried out by the Bashir regime in South Kordofan is now being described as more than just ethnic cleansing. Christians are being specifically targeted by government and militia forces.

The conflict in the Nuba Mountains – located along the border between North and South Sudan – erupted again in June of 2011. The United Nations estimates that more than 400,000 people have been displaced. Approximately 185,000 have fled to South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Those who have remained live in constant fear of bombs dropped from Antonov airplanes and roving bands of militiamen who go house to house, looking for Christians. They cannot farm and, as a result, the UN says at least 300,000 people are now in danger of starvation.

“The Islamic north sees Nuba Christians as infidels who need to be Islamized through Jihad,” a humanitarian worker said.

Since the outbreak of violence, four churches have been destroyed, along with the Sudan Council of Churches building.

“We as the church have a moral and spiritual obligation to stand with our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the Nuba Mountains,” a Christian humanitarian worker stated.

North Sudan is ranked 16 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2012 of the worst persecutors of Christians in the world. WIN partners pray for North Sudan and South Sudan on Day 2 of the Window International Network Praying Through the Window 9: Global Terrorism and World Religions prayer calendar.

PRAY FOR:

God to comfort and encourage Christians in the Nuba Mountains. Pray for them to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. (The Bible, Ephesians 6:10)
the Lord to command His angels concerning the Christians in this region to guard them in all their ways. (The Bible, Psalm 91:11)
the salvation of North Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Ask the Lord to take Bashir’s heart in His hand and turn it away from murder and greed. (The Bible, Proverbs 21:1)
Christian humanitarian agencies to be allowed into the Nuba Mountains to provide clean water, food, and medicine to those who have been displaced and who are facing starvation. (The Bible, Psalm 146:7)
Muslims in North Sudan to see the atrocities being carried out in the name of Islam and begin to question their faith. Pray for them to hear the Gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:14,15)
Christians in South Sudan to join together to pray for their Brothers and Sisters in South Kordofan. Pray for the Church to grow strong and have an impact beyond its national borders. (The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:8)
the Kingdom of God to come to North and South Sudan as it is in heaven. (The Bible, Matthew 6:10)

For the story in pictures, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-14198745

SOURCES: Compass Direct News, BBC News

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