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Clock ticks on referendum in Sudan, church prays for outcome

The clock continues to tick on southern Sudan's January referendum, and as the day approaches, Sudan's church is joining together in prayer, reports MNN.

According to a report released by a coalition of NGOs Wednesday, Sudan is "alarmingly" unprepared, having already missed several deadlines and having just approved the commission to oversee the referendum late last month. And unless they want to miss another deadline, they have less than three months to finish voter registration--a process they have yet to begin.

If the referendum does not take place in time, this means the North would be going back on their word, which could possibly rekindle civil war. However, if the referendum does come to a vote and the oil-rich South gains independence, they would become a landlocked country: dependent on the North for exports, "something that Khartoum (Sudan's capital) could refuse or make prohibitively expensive."

Words of Hope broadcasts in the region, and their Vice President of International Ministry, Lee DeYoung, said this could wreak havoc throughout East Africa: "It seems that regardless of what happens with this referendum, there could be implications for the other countries that neighbor Sudan in East Africa."

DeYoung cited the recent bombing in Uganda during the World Cup, as an example. He said the attack, claimed by a Somali terrorist group, may have come because Uganda sent troops for a peacekeeping force in Somalia.

With these current tensions and so much uncertainty on the horizon, Sudan's Church recognized more than ever the need for prayer. Usually communication throughout north and south Sudan can be difficult, but because of Rev. Anthony Poggo and the Presbyterian Church's efforts, "The Presbyterian Church of Sudan ... has arranged for a prayer for this referendum in Southern Sudan to be conducted in all of its church services this coming Sunday," DeYoung said. These congregations stretch across Sudan, with around two million people a part of the denomination.

As many believers join together in prayer this Sunday, July 18, will you join them?

DeYoung asks you to pray this prayer along with them:

"God of the ages, your children in Sudan have known hunger, they've experienced violence, and they endured trouble and toil. And through it all, You have been with them, sustaining them, supporting them, bringing them thus far on their journey. Remind all your people in Sudan of Your presence as the day for the upcoming referendum in South Sudan draws near. Touch them by Your grace that they might live in hope. Guide Your church that all may witness boldly and faithfully to the good news of Christ's gospel of love during this time. Lead the citizens of Sudan to become well informed as they prepare to make critical choices that will have far reaching impact. Fill their hearts anew with Your Holy Spirit, so they may turn from all forms of violence. Inspire them to honor, respect and care for one another. Guide their leaders to plan and conduct a referendum that is free and open and honest. As they exercise their vote, may they do so in safety and may all clearly speak their will. May the results of the elections be honored by all. God who does new things, open all the people of Sudan to new possibilities for shaping their lives and country. God who created and loves a diverse family, help all transform long-time animosities and seek the well-being of all. God who establishes justice, give Sudan courage to challenge injustice and to work together to build a Sudan in which all have enough to eat, blessed peace prevails, and justice is known throughout the country. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen."

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TAGS: Sudan referendum Sudan's church independence Words of Hope Lee DeYoung

[07/16/2010]

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