Thought for the Week - 17th March 2024

Dear Friends,

This week in the Release International Prayer Diary we were encouraged to use Psalm 133 to pray for unity and harmony among Sudanese churches and their leaders. ‘How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.’ (Psalm 133, NRSV). The Open Doors 2024 World Watch List has Sudan at Number 8 in the list of countries where Christians count the highest cost for following Jesus. It reads, ‘A few years ago, Sudan was a good news story on the World Watch List. Apostasy was no longer illegal, and more leniency around freedom of religion was brought in by the transitional government – there was still a long way to go, but there were signs of hope.’ In April 2023 though conflict broke out and many people have been killed and displaced, and more than 165 churches closed, and others destroyed. An Open Doors worker says, ‘The country has been through a difficult time for decades, but Christians are committed to continue serving and reaching unreached people in the country, with one saying, “Despite all these challenges, I’ll stick to my faith and continue to love and serve Jesus.”’                                                                                      

Grace and peace,

Neil

A Prayer for Sudan

Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace, and I ask You to bring peace to this conflict-torn country. May the nation be led with justice and equality. Thank You for the selfless devotion my Sudanese brothers and sisters are showing in serving You and their neighbours – please make them effective witnesses to Your love, and bring many new believers to Your throne. Amen.

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