Special Report

Christians in Sudan and South Sudan have asked you and I to pray! There continue to be atrocities against Christians and reports of "ethnic cleansing" in the region. Details are here: www.sudanpartners.org

Specific prayer and information is on our "Take Action for Sudan" page.

Original Article: Prayer for the Peoples

Sudan is a nation made up of hundreds of ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups and clans. One researcher has identified about 2,200 groups including local clans. The following is a list of the 15 of the 36 people groups of over 100,000 people considered by some believers to be those most in need of the Gospel in Sudan. In fact, none of these groups has an established, long-term, native-language outreach involving either foreigners or local Sudanese believers. Altogether, these 15 groups number possibly more than 20 million people, with no known believers.

1. Daju | 2. Danaagla/Kanuuz | 3. Darfur Region NSA (Northern Sudanese Arabs) | 4. East Region NSA | 5. Fellata: Fulani-speaking | 6. Fellata: Hausa-speaking | 7. Kanuri | 8. Kordofan Region NSA | 9. Masalit | 10. Nile Region NSA | 11. North Region NSA | 12. Rashaida | 13. South East Region NSA | 14. White Nile Region NSA | 15. Zaghawa

A "people group" can be defined as: 'The largest group of those who perceive themselves to a have a common affinity with each other, and within which the Gospel can spread without encountering significant barriers of understanding and acceptance.' The barriers could be (1) Religious (2) Language (3) Social Interaction and (4) Geography (Sudan is the biggest country in Africa).

The Daju People

Living in Western Sudan and Eastern Chad, the Daju (number one in the list) are mainly farmers and their economy is primarily based on grain production. Staple crops include millet, sorghum and corn. Some hunting is also done. Altogether, the Daju number about 150,000 in Sudan (260,000 in Chad and Sudan).

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

The Daju have been a Muslim people since the fifteenth century. They revere the Qur’an, and all oaths and commitments are made according to its writings. Although the Daju are Muslim and follow Islamic teachings daily, they do not do so in the strictest sense. Friday prayer at the mosque is not attended by all, and the restriction of alcohol is often ignored. In addition, many of their traditional animistic beliefs have been retained and mixed in with their Islamic beliefs. In their animist religion, cults are formed, good and bad spirits are believed in and witchcraft is practiced. For their health and protection, newborn babies are sometimes given water that has been used to wash a board with Quranic scriptures written on it.

Prayer Starters for the Daju Peoples of Sudan:

• Pray for the Daju and the other groups in the list that the Gospel might reach them (Mt 28:18-20).
• Pray that Bible-based communities of believers with local leadership could be established in each group (Titus 1:5-9).
• The Bible has not yet been translated into the Daju language. No Christian resources such as the Jesus film or Christian radio programs are available to them. However, gospel recordings are available in their language.

This article is from material provided by the IMB and the Joshua Project.

Background on Sudan (World Factbook)

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956. Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in 1972, but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than 4 million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than 2 million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in with the signing of several accords; a final Naivasha peace treaty of January 2005 granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years. A separate conflict that broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003 has resulted in at least 200,000 deaths and nearly 2 million displaced; peacekeeping troops are struggling to stabilize the situation.

NOTE: South Sudan became the worlds newest country on July 9, 2011. Continued prayer is needed for peace between North and South Sudan.

Economy of Sudan

Chronic instability - resulting from the long-standing civil war between the Muslim north and the Christian/pagan south, adverse weather, and weak world agricultural prices - ensure that much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years. Agricultural production remains Sudan's most important sector despite exports of crude oil.

About Sudan

Was the largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries

Population: South Sudan is between 6 - 8 million, (North) Sudan numbers range from 30 to 40 million, depending on what you read, as of July, 2011

Life Expectancy at Birth: 52.52 years. World Rank #207

Ethnic groups: black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum)

Languages: Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English note: program of "Arabization" in process

Literacy: 61.1% male: 71.8% female: 50.5%

School Life Expectancy: 4 years

Video: Pray for Sudan (1:49)

Salam Sudan from World Relief NEXT on Vimeo.

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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 name Khartoum means "Elephant's trunk". It is situated around the junction of the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which resembles the trunk of an elephant. The city is divided into three parts by the rivers. Khartoum in the south contains the main government and business offices. West of the river, Omdurman maintains its traditional Islamic character with narrow streets and large souks (markets). Khartoum North (Bahri) was originally developed as an industrial area, but, like the rest of the city, continues to grow with more and more houses.

Life in Khartoum, Sudan

Sudan has huge cultural diversity, with over 240 ethnic groups making up a population of 33 million. Khartoum accommodates 12 million of these people, two million of whom are displaced (refugees) from the Nuba Mountains and southern Sudan. Over the past 15 years these people have fled from the war in the south. Most live in refugee areas around the edge of city. Life in these areas is hard; many people have no job, though others manage to find work as house servants, guards or labourers in the city (if they can find adequate transport).

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

International organizations have worked tirelessly to promote basic services such as food relief, water, sanitation, health and education in these displacement areas. Government services such as electricity and roads are now appearing. Life is tough, but for some there is the hope of a better life through education and jobs. Others dream of going back to the green south.

The War of Khartoum, Sudan

The war in the south was a reaction to the government seeking to impose Islamic sharia law. Ironically, the result has been to bring Christians by the thousands to a once Islamic city. In 1997 there were officially 171 churches in Khartoum, now there are many more. Despite the war, the poverty and the cultural differences, Khartoum is a remarkably peaceful city where God is at work spreading the Good News of salvation and reconciling people to Himself and to one another.

The Future of Khartoum

After the signing of the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLA), the Government of Sudan has begun a massive development project. Khartoum has a thriving economy. In the last few years Khartoum has seen significant development, driven by Sudan's oil wealth. However, the threat of war also looms on the horizon. As late as May 2008 the Darfur rebel group of the Justice and Equality Movement moved into the city where they engaged in heavy fighting with Sudanese government forces. Their soldiers included minors and their goal was the toppling of Omar Hassan al-Bashir's government, though the Sudanese government succeeded in beating back the assault.

Now that South Sudan has officially broken away and become its own country, many are concerned that war will again break out. There are deep and bitter sentiments between south and north Sudan. Tribal clashes, poverty, political problems and of course the "Christian / Islam" issues threaten the very fragile peace which Khartoum enjoys today. Many Christians in Khartoum believe that God will have to intervene for Khartoum's future to remain bright.

Pray for the Muslims in Khartoum, Sudan:

* Pray that the leaders of Sudan will have vision and determination to promote peace and justice (including freedom of thought and expression for all cultural groups in Sudan).

* Pray for leaders who will champion and insist on a sustainable peace agreement so that the two million displaced people around Khartoum may have the opportunity to return to develop their homelands in the south.

* Pray that the Muslim majority may have many opportunities to see and hear the Gospel.

* Pray for the calling and equipping of Khartoum's Christian leaders, who can start, nurture and multiply many small indigenous fellowships.

Video: Sudan's Booming Economy | VOA Report

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Sudan's Beja discourage outsiders

The Beja have been nominally Muslim since the 13th century, but most do not understand the basic concepts of Islam. The majority practise traditional beliefs centred on magic and witchcraft, which they mingle with Islamic beliefs.

Beja culture discourages outsiders from making contact with them. Visitors to Beja villages will never be permitted to go directly to a Beja home; rather, they must stand in the village square and call the name of the person they want to encounter. If the person being summoned to the square does not hear the call himself someone will go to look for him. The one being called will place his knife in his belt, comb his hair and pick up his staff before going to the square to meet the person. No Beja will go to another man's home without being invited, not even to the home of a close family member. The only exception would be because of sickness.

Beja women often leave the home before the visiting men enter. No Beja woman can ever be addressed directly by a man, even to ask about her husband. The women are able to go freely to the market, however, to meet other women. There is a noticeable lack of children in the streets, and most women are alone. Some Beja women often place a drug called "saut" in the mouth of their children to make them sleep before they go shopping. When they return home they remove the drug and wash out their children's mouths. Soon the children are wide awake again!

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

Sudan's Beja To-Bedawie Language

The Beja only marry within their tribe, since they earnestly desire to preserve their cultural identity and their language (To-Bedawie). They love to recite poetry, and often celebrate the ancient stories and traditions of their tribe in village gatherings. The Beja are largely illiterate, and only recently have there been any attempts to write down the To-Bedawie language. Only 25 per cent of Beja speak Arabic.

Prayer for Sudan:

* There are some Sudanese believers who would like to reach out to the Beja, but lack the material resources to do so. Pray for these believers to remain committed to reaching out to the Beja and to be provided with the resources to do so.

* It could be important for the To-Bedawie language to be written down and taught. Many educational possibilities could then become available for children and youth. Pray for translators and for the opening of opportunities.

* Pray for the few Beja who have become Christians to have courage and wisdom in sharing their faith. Pray that they may have favour with their people.

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Berta is one of several names for a people group who live on both sides of the Ethiopian and Sudanese borders, south of the Blue Nile in an area known as the Benishangul.

The Benishangul-Gumaz region in Ethiopia is one of the least developed regions in Ethiopia. Some 160,000 Berta live there. On the Sudanese side of the border there are probably about the same number. Most of them live in rural areas and not in the cities and towns. The largest town in the area has only about 20,000 people and only one third of the population is Berta.

The area where the Berta or Wetawit live was known by the ancient Egyptians as a gold reserve. Although the Berta live mostly from agriculture and the sale of the fruits grown on their land, gold is still to this day an important bartering commodity for them. In the past the Berta were under oppression from the slave trade. Even their own rulers kept and sold slaves from along their own people.

Berta language

Flag of Ethiopia

The Berta language is generally classified as a branch of Nilo-Saharan and is not related to the official Amharic language of Ethiopia nor the Arabic of Sudan. Children who do actually manage to make it into a school are therefore taught in a totally foreign language. Many children give up trying after just a few years in school and just 9.7% of the people are considered literate. It was only recently that the written form of the Berta language was introduced. Thanks to government efforts and various organisations, Berta children can now take lessons in their mother-tongue.

Berta Religion

Flag of Sudan

Islam came to this region in the beginning of the 18th century especially from Northern Sudan. It established its roots in five kingdoms. Up until 30 years ago visitors to the region wrote that Islam was very superficial, basically just in name only. However, today most Berta Muslims take their religion quite seriously although it is mixed with indigenous beliefs and practices. There is no local group of Christian believers. A handful of Christians live scattered throughout the area and in other countries. The Christian believers in the neighbouring peoples are not very open or motivated to witness to the Berta since evangelisation of other peoples can be very difficult. Bible translation began with some Old Testament passages but unfortunately that work stopped two years ago when the Muslim translators were forbidden to help more on the project.

Prayer Requests:

* Christians from other people groups in the region need an outpouring of courage, love and wisdom to reach the Berta with the Gospel in an understandable and culturally appropriate way.

* Pray for the local believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-20).

* Pray that the work of Bible translation could begin again.

* Pray that the Berta can learn how to read so that later, they can read the Bible.

Video: Inside Sudan - Sights and Sounds (5:26)

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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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