In April 2008, I had the privilege of witnessing the return of hundreds of Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia to a UNHCR welcome camp a short distance from our compound. Thousands returned during that dry season and each week a joyful throng of hundreds would line up in the hot sun to register as they arrived, accompanied by large blue trucks filled with mountains of their belongings. (see photos)
Sadly, we are hearing that a very different crowd has gathered on that same dusty, hot plain during the past few weeks. The conflict in Blue Nile State is pushing thousands of refugees across the border into Southern Sudan, seeking safety and relief aid. There are only 3 borehole wells in the vicinity and women are waiting 4-5 hours for a chance to fill up their water containers. Food supplies have run out and the refugees are waiting desperately for further relief to arrive. People are already malnourished following their long treks through the bush without adequate food. As you can imagine, hygiene conditions are very poor with the limited water supply and no latrines, putting everyone at high risk of disease outbreaks.
Praise the Lord that the UNHCR is responding to these needs by setting up a new refugee camp in the area and that other relief organizations are coming in to help with acute medical care. Please pray for them, that they'll be able to set up their services quickly and especially that food aid would arrive very soon. Pray for the 5 Sudanese community health workers at SIM's primary health care unit, that are hard at work trying to treat people's illnesses in the midst of a huge influx of patients.
Our missionaries there had to evacuate a few days ago but security has been stable and SIM will be sending in a team this week to assess the situation and see how our missionaries can help. We have a unique partnership with the local Church and a message of hope in Christ that so many need to hear in their suffering. We know that in this sea of refugees there are many believers in Christ and even church leaders that have been forced from their villages by the bombings. Please pray that believers from the different tribes would unite to encourage and help one another and to reach out to others with the love of Christ. Please pray that the Lord would give our team wisdom to know how to respond, alongside the Church and the other organizations involved.
Our God is sovereign and firmly in control of all these circumstances! He is good and loving and has a plan to redeem people to Himself. Ask Him to show His love to people in their pain and to draw many to Him. Ask Him for miracles that will glorify His great name among the Sudanese! Thank you for praying!
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