Please pray
FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN
& FOR OUR LOCAL CONGREGATION, FIRST ARABIC PRESBYTERIAN
As conflict between rival factions is renewed, the people of South Sudan
are facing starvation, disease, and increased sexual violence against
women and children.
When South Sudan gained independence from
Sudan in 2011, hopes ran high for a brighter future.
But 2013 brought renewed conflict when a power
struggle erupted between the president and the vicepresident and the rival ethnic groups they represent.
Violence spread quickly, and although a peace
agreement was signed in August 2015, fighting
broke out again on July 7 and hundreds were
killed in the South Sudan city of Juba. This recent
violence has created a devastating humanitarian
crisis. Thousands of people have been displaced
and are starving. The health care system is not
functioning, and women who venture out seeking
food face the risk of death or rape. To make matters
worse, several local United Nations World Food
Programme warehouses were recently looted, and
life-saving food – enough to feed 200,000 people
for a month – was stolen or destroyed.
“Our situation is very difficult. If there is
anyone at all that can help us, this is the
moment to save lives. If the people of Juba
and of South Sudan do not receive assistance,
a lot of us will die.”
Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro
First Arabic Presbyterian in
Des Moines feels the effects
The effects of this latest crisis in South Sudan
are felt across the globe by Sudanese refugees
everywhere. The renewed fighting brings
overwhelming concern for the safety of loved ones
back home, and pits ethnic groups against each
other, causing great fear, anxiety and mistrust –
as far away as Des Moines.
A girl fills a container with muddy water in the Ajuong Thok Refugee Camp
in South Sudan. (Photo by Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance)
Please pray for our Sudanese
brothers and sisters in Christ –
for those suffering in South
Sudan, and for those feeling the
effects here in Iowa. Believing in
the power of the Holy Spirit,
pray for an end to violence, and
for renewed hope, peace, justice
and reconciliation.
See reverse side for a timeline of Sudanese
history and an online address for giving.
SUDANESE TIMELINE
1914 to 1918 - Sudan becomes a British colony, made up of two entities: the Arab/
Muslim North and the Black/mostly Christian South. A long-standing hatred existed
between these two populations, because for years the North had invaded the South,
captured its people and sold them into slavery. In addition, there were conflicts over oil
resources, border disputes, religious and cultural differences and more.
1940 to 1945 - WWII
1955 to 1956 - Christians in the South form the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement
(SPLA) to rebel against Muslims in the North. Sudan gains independence from Britain.
1955 to 1972 - Civil War in Sudan
1983 to 2004 - Second Civil War begins in Sudan. During this time, it is estimated that
more than 2 million people from the South were massacred. In addition, thousands
of people fled, many walking hundreds of miles to refugee camps where they lived a
desperate existence of hunger and poverty.
Late 1980s to early 1990s - “Lost Boys” begin to leave Sudan and are relocated
around the world. Many come to Des Moines, to Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church,
planting the seed that grew to be the First Arabic Presbyterian Congregation.
2005 - Second Civil War ends in Sudan. This was the longest civil war in African history.
The Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement is signed, granting that in six years,
South Sudan will have the option to secede from Sudan.
2011 - South Sudan gains independence from Sudan and forms a separate nation.
2013 - A power struggle erupts between South Sudan’s president and vice-president
and the rival ethnic groups they represent. Violence spreads.
August 2015 - A peace agreement is signed, but violence is not completely contained.
July 2016 - Renewed fighting breaks out in South Sudan, killing hundreds in the city
of Juba and creating a devastating humanitarian crisis that continues today with farreaching effects.
To provide financial support through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, visit
https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/south-sudan/