Horrible Torture, Death and Destruction in Darfur

Darfur, in the desert region of western Sudan, has been the scene of much horrible torture, death, and destruction in the past few years. For centuries the settled farmers and nomadic herder tribes in the area coexisted peacefully, both speaking Arabic as a trade language and with extensive ethnic intermarriage among the tribes. Recently, however, conflict has risen over access to water and grazing land between the more settled "African" farmers and some of the "Arab" herder tribes.

To Islamicise the Region of Darfur

The present crisis began in April 2003 when an armed group of Darfurian rebels, desiring autonomy for their region, attacked a Sudanese government force in Darfur, resulting in the death of over 100 soldiers. Afterwards the Sudanese government supported the Janjaweed ("armed men on horseback") armed militia against the rebels. The militia is composed of people mainly from the nomadic and semi-nomadic Baggara tribe, also known as the Shuwa Arabs. The Sudanese government has given the Janjaweed logistical and military support, including air strikes against farmer villages. These activities seem to be part of an effort to more thoroughly Islamicise the region and crush any hopes of Darfurian autonomy.

Millions Could Perish in Darfur

In 2005 the United Nations estimated that 180,000 had died and over 1.8 million people had been displaced from their homes in this conflict. About 200,000 people have fled to neighboring Chad. Hundreds of villages with populations in the thousands have been burned to the ground. The systematic nature of this campaign has been confirmed by eyewitness accounts. The UN World Food Programme estimated that up to 3.5 million people faced famine in Darfur in the autumn of 2005. It is uncertain what the situation will be in 2007. Many of the refugees are asking why other Muslims are treating them so badly, ultimately even questioning Islam.

Witchcraft

Few Darfurians have heard the gospel. Their only knowledge of Jesus is that he was a prophet like Mohammed. The practice of animism and witchcraft is common among the Darfurians. The region is one of the least evangelized areas on earth, with fewer than 50 known believers among all Darfur's tribes (2005 figure), these few being the hope for the future of Darfur.

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

Prayer requests:

* Pray for peace in Darfur at all levels: international efforts, Sudanese efforts, and inter-tribal efforts.

* Ignorance and poverty are major problems for the Darfur, leading to tribal conflicts, banditry, and violence. Pray for laborers who can bring reconciliation, solutions to enduring problems, and salvation.

* Pray that the Spirit of God will inspire and motivate the people of Darfur and prepare them to receive the Word with humility.

* Pray that the works of the kingdom of darkness involving Islam, animism, and sorcery will be exposed, bringing freedom.

* Ministry is needed for the widows and orphans left destitute from the conflict. Pray for people and teams to work with them.

Video: Darfur, Sudan

A slideshow featuring footage from Darfur, Sudan, where the century's first genocide is now taking place. Music: "No Bravery" by James Blunt.

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The Massalit are a group of some 400,000 people in Sudan (most in Darfur) and in Eastern Chad. They live as subsistance farmers in this dry region, totally dependant upon the annual rainy season for their survival. Millet is their basic food crop and peanuts is a cash crop for them. The Massalit are proud of their cattle, although large numbers of their animals have perished during various droughts. Massalit homes are rounded huts made from straw and grass. Even though their life is hard, they have generally been a happy people.

Refugees

Unfortunately, many things have changed for the Massalit people in the last years, because they have become one of the ethnic groups involved in the Darfur crisis where 200,000 people have been killed since 2003. The majority of the Massalit, in Darfur, have been forced to flee to refugee camps in Sudan, or across the border into Chad. The Massalit in Chad received their Sudanese relatives with typical hospitality but were soon overwhelmed. Now there are about 150,000 Massalit in refugee camps in Chad. During the last year the Sudanese rebels have crossed the border into Chad to murder and rape and plunder. They say, “You are slaves, the land is ours.”

Through the suffering brought on by those of their own Islamic religious background, many people in Darfur have dared to question their own faith and have even ceased to pray. Christian Evangelism in frowned upon, however, spiritual encouragement and testimonies are usually welcome. There are several followers of Christ helping in the region. In many refugee camps schools have been set up and many adults have become interested in learning to read.

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

Prayer starters:

* Please pray for an end to the horror of Darfur.

* Pray that the positive aspects of Massalit culture would not be changed due to the crisis, and that they will be able to truly differentiate between good and evil influences in their lives.

* Pray that God will open the hearts of the hurting Massalit to receive His Word and healing, creating vibrant new communities of faith from which Massalit believers can preach in their own language to those around them.

Video: Google Darfur DVD Trailer [2 min]

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