The Problem

Sudan

Leader: Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok
Population: 42.5 million (2 million Christians)
World Watch List Rank: 7

“I am determined to continue trusting the Lord, even if things are uncertain.”
Seida, a Christian widow who fled to the Nuba mountains because of conflict

The basics

Over the last years, Sudan has seen a lot of conflict and violence. The previous President was ousted from power in April 2019 following months of protests against his 30-year authoritarian rule. A transition military council was then sworn in with the aim of moving Sudan towards civilian rule over a period of three years, but protests have continued.

Islam is deeply embedded in Sudan’s society and those in power enforce an Islamic regime in the country. The government has a policy of one religion, one culture and one language. There is no freedom of the press and no freedom of expression. Leaving Islam to follow Jesus is illegal and can be punished with the death sentence, and believers from Muslim backgrounds often keep their faith completely secret. Some have been put under house arrest by their families when their new faith was discovered.

Many churches have been demolished, and church leaders have been arrested for speaking out against persecution. Blasphemy laws are being used to persecute Christians – many are afraid to share their faith for fear that they will be accused of ‘acts that encourage apostasy against Islam’.

Main threats to Christians

• Ongoing political conflict and violence
• Islamic extremism
• Ethnic cleansing

The facts

• The government is supported by radical Islamists, and as such violence, murder and other threats to Christians often go unpunished.
• Churches are being demolished and church leaders arrested.
• In 2013 a law was passed stating that no new licenses for church buildings would be granted. Christianity is increasingly being outlawed.
• Leaving Islam is illegal and can be punished with the death sentance.

Where is it?

Pray this…

Lord God,
You will build your church, even when the buildings it meets in are being destroyed. Take away fear from Christians in Sudan. Help them live boldy, so that people see their good deeds and glorify You. As churches close, help Christians find ways to meet, pray and act. Pour out Your Spirit so the underground church grows. Bring justice, so that Christians won’t be targeted. Bring peace and security. Turn hard hearts to You. All honour is Yours.
Amen.

Other things to pray for…

• For protection for secret believers, and for them to find fellowship with others they can trust
• For courage for believers to stay faithful to Christ in the face of pressure and attack.
• For the leaders of Sudan, that the Holy Spirit will change their hearts and use them to bring justice and peace to the country
• Churches face demolition and have been denied registration. Pray that Christians will still find ways to meet together
• For protection for Christians, especially those from Muslim backgrounds who face the most intense pressure.

Meet Seida

The good news: How we’re helping…

Open Doors, through local partners, has been involved with the church in the Nuba Mountains for many years. We have been able to train up church leaders to be equipped to disciple believers in these very difficult circumstances, and your support means that we can help to provide food to widows like Seida and offer trauma care to believers suffering from the ongoing conflict in the country.

Latest news and articles on Sudan…

Click the Sudan tag below for a list of the latest articles and news on the country…

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