Sudan, the largest country in Africa at just under a third the size of the continental US, holds a unique record – the record for the longest civil war.  Having enjoyed only 11 years of peace since its independence in 1956, much of this country, especially the middle and southern parts, is in shambles.  The country has been in the international news for many years facing the charges of genocide.  It has been estimated that two million civilians were killed by 1983 and 200,000 more in the last three years.  Even now, two million people are still said to be displaced.  With the life expectancy of 57 years, few can remember a time without war.

Southern Sudan dreams of separating from the North and forming its own independent nation.  Yet this seems unlikely without more fighting as the majority of the oil, a rich natural resource of the country, is located in the south.  With all the death and hardships of these long years of war, there is an even greater distress.  As war looms once again in this harsh, disease ridden country with no access to electricity, running water, or phone service, there is also no access to the pure gospel of Jesus. 

Southern Sudan is called a Christian dominated area, but only because it is not dominated by Islam. Due to the hardships of life in the area, few missionaries have been willing or able to live in the area and share the only true way to peace. Estimates are that the window of opportunity for open access to Southern Sudan may only be five to six years and could even be less. With only one IMB missionary couple in Southern Sudan, which itself is the size of Texas, we are praying for workers in this field.  Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will indeed call workers to make Himself known in this place that needs hope and peace like few others in the world.   Pray also that as the peace talks continue, the Lord Jesus, the giver of peace will be the lead negotiator.