April 15th marks the second anniversary of the outbreak of the war in Sudan. This week holds vivid remembrances for many Sudanese of fleeing from their homes, some at gunpoint. Hopefully it also marks a turning point with Khartoum having been recently liberated – but from a very low point. The BBC describes the level of destruction in central Khartoum as stunning: government ministries, banks and towering office blocks stand blackened and burned, unexploded ordnance in the road, the airport a graveyard of smashed planes. A study done by London University of deaths in Sudan reported the leading cause is from starvation and preventable disease.
A high-level international conference has been hosted in London to find “a pathway to peace” in Sudan, in the words of one of the hosts, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Aid agencies are calling the situation one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The UK is promising an extra £120m ($159m) worth of food and medical assistance. Some 30 million people in Sudan are in desperate need and the church in Sudan still needs basic aid having lost all means of support.
This latest newsletter gives details of the situation and how CASSS and its supporters are trying to offer much needed support.
Christians in Sudan are holding together, supporting one another, praying for peace. They need us to stand as faithful family with them. There is a desperate need for food, and support of key ECS church workers who have stayed in their localities in Sudan leading the church.
CASSS is working together with Relay Trust, the Anglican Communion Fund, the Dioceses of Leeds and Salisbury, and AFRECS to supply £300,000 support this year. Our target is £75,000. Together we believe we can meet this challenge.
Thank you to all those who keep praying for Sudan, its people, and its church. Many thanks also to all who continue to give to support relief work done by ECS, the Church in Sudan, sending us giving for ECS SURVIVE.
To donate to support the ECS church in Sudan please go to our donation page.
On the first anniversary of the start of this war, Archbishop Ezekiel circulated this prayer:
Today we remember all who have died in this unjustified war.
We remember the internally displaced.
We remember the injured.
We remember refugee Sudanese around the world.
We pray to God Almighty to have mercy and bless Sudan with Peace.
We pray to God Almighty to forgive the leaders of Sudan and stop this war.
Because of your love and mercy, Oh God, hear the prayer of your servant. Amen.
Sadly it is just as relevant on this second anniversary.
