From: CASSS
To: Sudan Church Message Group
Subject: PRAY FOR SUDAN – month 17
It’s hard to imagine, but life in Sudan just gets worse, immersed in the tragedy of war and its endless sorrows. Coptic Bishop Sarabamon of Omdurman and northern Sudan says the war in Sudan is “a story of pain, suffering and innocent blood shed every day. Everyone suffers and wants an end to the war, but we do not have the tools to achieve it.” A leader of Taqaddum, the Sudanese democratic people’s group seeking peace, has accused the two warring Generals of pursuing a zero-sum path to more destruction and suffering. “You do not feel the people’s pain, but rather laugh above this rubble that you have created.”
In many areas, people in Sudan are resorting to desperate measures like eating grass and wild leaves just to survive. In one community near El Fashir, the situation is so bad that famine has been declared. And it’s spreading.
International humanitarian law rests on the Fourth Geneva Convention, which requires that in warfare, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities … shall in all circumstances be treated humanely.” That’s not happening in Sudan. Mutual acknowledgement of the need to protect innocent life could open a door to solving what is one of the world’s gravest crises. If the Generals would commit to respect and protect civilians, they couldn’t go on as they have, doing whatever they want.
The Economist magazine features serious, careful journalism and opinion. The 31st August issue has three articles on Sudan, giving an in depth assessment. They describe the human tragedy but also the geo-politics around the war, and how if not dealt with this war will have far reaching consequences. “The world has responded to Sudan’s war with neglect and fatalism, showing how disorder is becoming normalised.” “It is a grave mistake for the outside world to ignore Sudan, on grounds of both morality and self-interest. And it is wrong to imagine that nothing can be done.”
What can we, little people, do? We can be faithful in prayer, and we can give, and we can lobby the government to get engaged with the problem. Our Church Association is not an aid organisation and cannot work at the scale the situation needs, but World Vision comments that our funding of what the Episcopal Church is doing is effective:
“Cash transfers are often the most cost-efficient way for delivering aid because it reduces logistical costs and waste, ensuring resources go directly to those in need when markets are functioning. Cash assistance empowers families with a sense of dignity by allowing them to prioritise what they need most and helps stimulate local economies which is critical for long-term recovery.”
We can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of global suffering, but we know that “even a cup of cold water” has significance (Mt 10:42). Whether it is donating to relief efforts, advocating for policy change or simply praying fervently, each of us has a role to play in alleviating human suffering. Let us act with compassion. Let us enlarge our hearts and share our resources with those in need, demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions.
Attached is a new news sheet. Please circulate it to anyone who will pray for Sudan and the church members caught up in dire circumstances. Also attached a Prayer for Sudan that could be printed out and put out in pews in your church.
Also attached for wider reading, two of the articles from the Economist 31-08 edition. On sale now in newsagents at £10, this issue has a black cover with the word SUDAN prominently featured. The briefing article forecasts 2 million will die in Sudan this year from malnutrition. 2 million this year: more next. The third article (not attached) expands on the geo-politics that is touched on in the editorial.
The Economist: Sudan Editorial
For those interested, I’ve also attached part of the interview with Juma Idris.
Main thing is – please stay committed to the Sudan church and use the news sheet if you can to get the interest of others.
Yours
John