Christian Refugee Children Denied Food in Camps

Children in Sudan
Photo: American Center for Law and Justice

Since early September, Christian children are being denied food in Sudan's refugee camps unless they recite Islamic prayers. A mission aid worker at the camp reports: "The majority (of children) are left in camps, some in a very terrible situation. They are confined in those places. Thus, they are given the choice to starve or they are conditioned to say Islamic prayers before (being) given food. This is not right. These children are Christian. They should be respected for that."

Since the outbreak of the 2013 civil war in South Sudan, over 700,000 refugees were driven north into Sudan, and almost one million more have fled south across Uganda's open borders. As a result, many of these refugees -- most of whom are Christians -- have experienced additional hardships at the hands of Islamic militants who have taken advantage of their vulnerable situation.

In addition, the government of Sudan continues to sabotage the Christian church and aid organizations in their attempts to efficiently assist these South Sudanese Christian refugees. Sudan has repeatedly, wantonly, and willfully carried out a discriminatory strategy to hamper the Christian church and religious charitable efforts through the re-zoning, confiscation and destruction of their properties. To learn more about Sudan and the challenges experienced by the followers of Christ in this country, click here.

In the midst of these hardships, pray that the light of hope that's burning within the hearts of the refugee children will continue to shine brightly for all to see -- revealing the reality of the Risen Christ to many -- including those who oppose Christianity. May these children and their families not only receive nourishment for their physical health and well-being, but also opportunities to feed daily on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4) so they can grow strong and healthy spiritually. Pray that as they rely on the Lord for His provision and guidance, He will work wonders in their midst so they can partake of His goodness and loving kindness, without any obstacles or hindrance, through the charitable efforts of others who are serving as His caring hands and feet.

  • Country Information

    Population
    49,197,555 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Sudanese Arab (70), Fur, Beja, Nuba and Fallata (30)

    Religion
    Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

    Leader
    President (to be determined)
    Transitional military leadership in place

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic law and English common law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Sudan

    Pray that Christians throughout Sudan will continue to entrust themselves to Christ and preach the Gospel boldly, knowing Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth (2 Timothy 1:7-12, Revelation 1:5).

    Pray also that peace, justice and religious freedom may be firmly established.

Sudan News

  • Humanitarian Aid Denied to Muslim-Background Believers
    A group of people are gathered closely together under a rudimentary shelter made of poles and white cloth.
    Refugees in Sudan
    Photo: Flickr / EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (cc)

    Now in its eighth month, Sudan's civil war has displaced over six million people, many of whom were forced to take refuge in camps where food and other basic resources are scarce. Some humanitarian assistance has been provided to the country, which is then distributed through smaller local aid groups. According to a Christian ministry worker in the region, this aid has been denied to some displaced followers of Jesus.

  • Christians Wounded Amid Military Violence
    Coptic church and bell towers in Kosti, Sudan
    A Coptic church in Sudan.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Bertramz (cc)

    Five Christians were injured when unidentified gunmen entered a Coptic Orthodox church in Omdurman, Sudan, in the early morning hours of May 14th. Those wounded during the attack were Rev. Arsanius Zaria and his son, a church cantor, a guard and another parishioner. All five believers received hospital treatment and have since been released.

  • Church Leader Arrested on False Allegations
    A service at a chapel in Sudan.
    A chapel in Sudan.
    Photo: VOMC

    For two years, Abdalla Haroun Sulieman lived in Lebanon. Upon returning to Sudan in February 2022, Abdalla declared that he had come to faith in Christ. While sharing his newfound faith with the people of his community, he also prayed with them, frequently asking God to minister healing to those struggling with infirmities.

  • Apostasy Charges Added to Christian Couple's Case
    Blurred faces of Nada and Hamouda
    Nada and Hamouda
    Photo: ADF International

    Hamouda Teya Kaffi and his wife Nada Hamad Koko have been facing ongoing problems since he first came to faith in Christ during 2018. Since it was unlawful for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man, Nada's family initially forced her to have the marriage annulled by an Islamic court. At the time, Hamouda could have been accused of apostasy, an offence punishable by death, but he was fortunately spared of any criminal charges.