Women Needing Protection From Flogging

All of these young women, ranging in ages from 17 to 23, were wearing standard blouses with trousers or skirts. One student, 19-year-old Fardos Al Toum, appeared in court wearing similar attire which the judge deemed indecent. Immediately, she was fined 500 Sudanese pounds (the equivalent of approximately $83 U.S.) or a month in prison. Activists and others supporting Fardos paid her fine. She is now awaiting trial for the original charge, along with the rest of the remaining students.

When the 12 women were initially arrested, they experienced the degradation of having to remove their clothing in order for Sudan's notorious Public Order Police to "inspect" the garments. One of the country's Christian leaders claims, "They have targeted these girls because of their faith and their race."

The mistreatment of believers is common in Sudan, with women of the Christian faith being particularly targeted. Another example of this involves the case of Meriam Ibrahim whose story can be found at this page. Since the secession of South Sudan in July 2011, the persistent persecution of Christians has intensified. "President Omar al-Bashir vowed to adopt a stricter version of sharia (Islamic law), and recognize only Islamic culture and the Arabic language."

We invite you to join us in praying that the charges against the 10 young Christian women will be immediately dismissed. May God's will, way and truth penetrate the hearts, minds, motives, moods and attitudes of those operating in judgement and injustice against them. Pray that these persecuted believers in Sudan will be greatly strengthened by the promises of His Word (Proverbs 22:8, 24:23; Habakkuk 2:12), empowering them to overcome any fear and intimidation caused by the increased demands of sharia law. Instead, may they experience the Lord's peace and protection as the Holy Spirit mediates as their "Advocate" during the court hearings.