Christian Refugee Children Denied Food in Camps

Children in Sudan
Photo: American Center for Law and Justice

Since early September, Christian children are being denied food in Sudan's refugee camps unless they recite Islamic prayers. A mission aid worker at the camp reports: "The majority (of children) are left in camps, some in a very terrible situation. They are confined in those places. Thus, they are given the choice to starve or they are conditioned to say Islamic prayers before (being) given food. This is not right. These children are Christian. They should be respected for that."

Since the outbreak of the 2013 civil war in South Sudan, over 700,000 refugees were driven north into Sudan, and almost one million more have fled south across Uganda's open borders. As a result, many of these refugees -- most of whom are Christians -- have experienced additional hardships at the hands of Islamic militants who have taken advantage of their vulnerable situation.

In addition, the government of Sudan continues to sabotage the Christian church and aid organizations in their attempts to efficiently assist these South Sudanese Christian refugees. Sudan has repeatedly, wantonly, and willfully carried out a discriminatory strategy to hamper the Christian church and religious charitable efforts through the re-zoning, confiscation and destruction of their properties. To learn more about Sudan and the challenges experienced by the followers of Christ in this country, click here.

In the midst of these hardships, pray that the light of hope that's burning within the hearts of the refugee children will continue to shine brightly for all to see -- revealing the reality of the Risen Christ to many -- including those who oppose Christianity. May these children and their families not only receive nourishment for their physical health and well-being, but also opportunities to feed daily on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4) so they can grow strong and healthy spiritually. Pray that as they rely on the Lord for His provision and guidance, He will work wonders in their midst so they can partake of His goodness and loving kindness, without any obstacles or hindrance, through the charitable efforts of others who are serving as His caring hands and feet.

  • Country Information

    Population
    49,197,555 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Sudanese Arab (70), Fur, Beja, Nuba and Fallata (30)

    Religion
    Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

    Leader
    President (to be determined)
    Transitional military leadership in place

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic law and English common law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Sudan

    Pray that Christians throughout Sudan will continue to entrust themselves to Christ and preach the Gospel boldly, knowing Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth (2 Timothy 1:7-12, Revelation 1:5).

    Pray also that peace, justice and religious freedom may be firmly established.

Sudan News

  • Church Building Destroyed While Authorities Watch
    A pile of rubble - corregated metal, wood, and various other objects - is heaped where a building once stood.
    A demolished Pentecostal church building in Khartoum.
    Photo: CSW

    On July 8th, approximately 30 individuals equipped with heavy machinery demolished a Pentecostal church in the El Haj Yousif area of Khartoum as police officers and military personnel looked on without intervening. By the time the demolition was finished, the worship hall – which had been constructed in the early 1990s – was reduced to rubble, along with the church's administrative offices, guest house, and other adjoining buildings.

  • Church Leaders Face Violence from Multiple Sides
    A large church with several spires.
    A church in Sudan.
    Photo: Flickr / David Stanley (cc)

    The bishop of the El-Obeid diocese in Sudan recently suffered a harrowing ordeal at the hands of both members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and those of the opposing rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On December 1st, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali reported that he was travelling with a deacon named Joseph. The ministry team had just arrived in El-Obeid when they were suddenly stopped and harassed by the SAF. The troops seized the small sum of money in U.S. dollars that the bishop was carrying, claiming that it was forbidden currency. During the robbery, the soldiers also physically harmed the two men.

  • Displaced Christians Driven From Their Homes
    A large group of people are gathered around a small mosque.
    A group of people in Sudan.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Nina R (cc)

    Residents of the Al-Makniya area of Sudan's River Nile state drove 34 displaced Christians from their homes on October 19th. Those responsible for the displacement explained that they did not want any Christians nor black people in the area.

  • Military Officers Arrest Christian Refugees
    A group of men are standing together. They appear to be singing.
    Photo: VOMC
     

    Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, a group of over 100 Sudanese men, women and children travelled to the city of Shendi on the banks of the Nile River in search of refuge from the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group, RSF. There, the refugees – most of whom are members of the Sudanese Church of Christ – sought shelter in an affiliated church building.