November 10 - Pray for: South Sudan

After a hopeful start to its existence, South Sudan seems determined to undermine itself. Within two years of independence, civil strife erupted. Political rivalry between the President and his Deputy, as well as ethnic conflict between their tribes (Dinka and Nuer, respectively), escalated into a civil war that has contributed as many as 400,000 excess deaths. More than 4 million people were displaced and South Sudan’s desperately-needed development regressed. Thank God for a peace agreement in 2020, even though violence between militia groups continues. There is a national election set for December 2024, which has already been delayed multiple times. Not elections, but only true repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation can overcome the spirit of bitterness and revenge. Pray for God to work miracles in the hearts of the leaders and of the people.

South Sudan is one of the world’s poorest nations. Only 27% of the people (and only 8% of the women) can read and write. The country has more land than Spain and Portugal combined, but only has 100 km (62 miles) of paved roads. Less than 2% of the people have access to clean water, only 6% have access to improved sanitation, and 33% suffer from chronic hunger. Rates for the number of mothers who die in childbirth, for infant mortality, and for immunization against disease are the worst in the world.

Christianity grew rapidly over the past 20 years amid violence, warfare, persecution, and even genocide. Much of the country is Catholic, but other denominations include the Anglican Church, the Presbyterian Church, and the African Inland Church. 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 many need to learn much more about the gospel, the Bible, and Christian life and faith. Pray for good Bible teaching and leadership training. Pray that the churches will disciple young Christians to maturity in Christ.