Crisis in Sudan
Sudan offers a window of opportunity for FPCB to make a real impact
Lindy Henry, FPCB Member
In 1994, 800,000 Rwandan people were killed in a 100 day genocide. Ten years later, seventeen people from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue visited Rwanda to celebrate God’s work in the country’s healing and reconciliation. Today, members of First Pres are involved in the country’s healing through Tracy Stone’s non-profit, Rwanda Partners, and African Enterprise.
In light of our work in Rwanda, FPCB’s Global Outreach Committee prayed for God’s continuing direction. After much prayer, discussion, and understanding of the 50-year history of our church, we have been led to pray for and minister to the people of Sudan.
Sudan and Rwanda have many similarities, particularly war and genocide. But unlike Rwanda, which is slightly smaller than the size of Maryland with one common language and culture, Sudan is the size of about one third of the US and has many distinct regions, languages, and cultures. Northern Sudan is home to the capital Khartoum, and is predominantly Muslim. Southern Sudan has a history of Christianity and is full of lush, green landscape. The Darfur region, located in northwestern Sudan, has been experiencing a genocide since 2003, in a conflict between the Arab and African Muslims. In addition to the violence in Darfur, the North and South were engaged in a 20-year civil war, which began in 1985 and officially ended in January 2005 when a peace agreement was signed.
The next six years are critical. The country will either divide into two separate nations, devolve back into civil war, or remain one country, most likely under Muslim law. The opportunity to bring the Gospel and the good news of hope and reconciliation in Christ is now!
Although peace is still quite tenuous, the South is trying to rebuild. They have no infrastructure, less than 10 km of paved road, few schools, no electricity, and few churches or pastors. During the civil war, families were divided and forced to flee their villages to find refuge in neighboring countries. Now, they are starting the long and arduous trek back to their homes, sometimes walking over 500 miles, only to find destruction and nothing to return to.
There are several reasons why we in Bellevue should care about our brothers and sisters in Sudan. 1) The church of the south is asking for help to strengthen their leaders through Bible studies and evangelism training. As part of God’s family, we feel compelled to answer their call for help. 2) The church of the south is asking for educators to train their teachers. An entire generation in the south has had virtually no primary or secondary education. Imagine trying to run Bellevue with a generation that has had no education. As we provide the best for our own children, let us not forget the children of south Sudan who have had no education for the past 20 years. 3) Jesus calls us to go and make disciples of all peoples. Of 245 people groups (groups of people who share the same language and culture) in Sudan, 137 of those groups fall in the category of "least reached"; that is, they have little or no Christian presence. They are critical to reach because God desires worldwide worship. 4) Sudan is the largest country in Africa. What happens there will impact the rest of the continent. To ignore it is to suggest it doesn’t matter. It does.
First Pres is already taking positive action in southern Sudan. The Continued Giving Campaign (Capital Campaign V) tithed 10% to missions; $80,000 of the tithe has been given to a teacher training program sponsored by the Christian mission agency, Serving in Mission (SIM). Also, a small team from FPCB will go on a vision trip next fall with SIM to learn about more opportunities and ways to get our congregation involved.
Because our church is involved in Rwanda and Cambodia where we have seen the aftermath of genocide, we feel compelled to care that genocide is currently taking place in Darfur (western Sudan). We can’t wait ten years. And while we’re unable to send people to Darfur, there are many things our congregation CAN do:
- Pray for a change in government, an end to the genocide, and healing.
- Educate ourselves about what is going on in Darfur and tell others.
- Send letters and emails, and make phone calls to our elected officials to let them know we care and want the US to do every reasonable thing in its power to bring an end to the genocide.
- Get involved with Sudanese people locally.
The Sudan Vision Team (SVT), meets monthly to pray, learn about, and look for organizations to partner with in Sudan. This is just the beginning of a long, intentional ministry in Sudan. If you want to get involved or have any questions, please visit the church website or contact Claudia Helm, (425) 401-8836, claudiahelm@earthlink.net. The Sudan Vision Team meets the third Wednesday of every month, 7:00-9:00 p.m. We hope you’ll join us!