Re-imagining SudanAndy Freeman - 5 Jul 2011

Praying for peace as a country is born.

Imagine a country divided north from south.  A country which has a southern oil rich area, but a northern area focused on political power.  Imagine a nation whose leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court.  A nation which has within its border’s one of the world’s most infamous conflict areas in its north.  A nation split by different religions.  A nation which plays host to many different militias each intent on using violence to gain their aims.  If you can imagine all that, you’re probably imagining the nation of Sudan.

On Saturday 9th July, Sudan, Africa’s largest country, will become two.  In January 2011, after 7 days of voting, the people of the predominantly Christian, South Sudan overwhelmingly voted in favour of splitting from the North of the country and forming their own nation. In 24 days time this hope and new future will be realised.  However bound with the hope of creation are many tough realities, the new Republic of South Sudan will become one of the world’s poorest countries and face many trials.  The BBC have reported that dozen’s of rebel militias are preparing to fight for control of this new nation. Many have relocated to the south in hope of a new start, yet find themselves in appalling conditions in transit camps, and facing an uncertain future.  Many children are at risk in this volatile situation.  Living out in the open.  No schools.  Often with food in short supply. 

Added to this is the ongoing tension in the region of Darfur, where terrible atrocities have taken place and many people have died.

We want to ask you to stand with Sudan and be their friend at a time of need. 

We also want to ask you to pray.  Would you set aside the 9th July as a day of prayer for Sudan and for the effects of the split between North and South.

• To pray for a peaceful transition and an end to violence.
• For a solution to the problems in Darfur.
• For the children of South Sudan, and for families living in Transit camps.
• For international leaders, that they will stand with the people of Sudan at this difficult time.

On the 9th July, as you wake up, I’d like to ask you to get a marker pen or biro and write a word on your hand ‘Sudan’.   Let God do the rest and be willing to respond to his prompting to pray.

Please feel free to post your prayers for Sudan in the comments section below and use our facebook wall to send us the photos of 'Sudan' written on your hand.