SOUTH SUDAN

COLONISED BY BRITAIN (1899-1956) The newest nation in Africa, South Sudan was once a part of Sudan. The conflicts between what is now Sudan and South Sudan are often understood through their historical roots: centuries of exploitation and slave-raiding by the "Arab" north against the "African" south, followed by Britain and Egypt's imperialist meddling. British officials focused their resources on the predominantly Muslim and Arabic-speaking north, to the exclusion of the historically marginalised multi-ethnic and multilingual south, which left the territory chronically underdeveloped in terms of education, healthcare and even basic infrastructure.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, ending Africa's longest-running civil war, which lasted 21 years. Most of the 1.5 to 2 million killed during war, were from the South. South Sudan’s refugee crisis remains the largest in Africa, with over 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees generously hosted in neighbouring countries. South Sudan is one of the world’s poorest nations.

HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Catholic missionaries arrived first in 1842 and were followed by members of the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches roughly 50 years later. One can usually tell if a community is Christian by the presence of a church in the central area.

CHURCH TODAY: Christians (60%), followers of indigenous (animist) religions (33%) and Muslims (6%) make up the population. Christianity has continued to grow throughout a history of conflict and violence. Many became Christians as a rejection of Islam, which the North imposed on them. Most new believers previously followed traditional religions and spirit worship and need to learn much more about Christian life. Since the split from Sudan in 2011, Christianity has been the predominant religion. The Christians of South Sudan have risen in a time of crisis to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting nation, mobilising to relieve those in need.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration for the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism.
• Pray for the leadership of this young country—that they will be just and righteous leaders. Pray for the government to address the underlying causes of the ongoing conflict and to stabilise the economy.
• Pray for the 100,000’s of people who have been chased from their homes, who now live as refugees in their own country. Pray for healing for those who have suffered pain, trauma and loss as a result of this long-term conflict.
• Pray for a deep growth and strengthening of the Church. Pray for good Bible teaching and leadership training. Pray that the churches will disciple young Christians to maturity in Christ.
• Pray that the church of South Sudan will fulfil Jesus’ prayer from John 17: to be one with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. 1 John 3:1

PRAYER

God Almighty, our strong Deliverer, I am humbled by Your love and mercy for me and us all. Make me willing to accept Your covenant and show me the way where You want us to walk. Amen.