South Sudan
Call to prayer for South Sudan
The Africa Office of World Mission is asking for prayer for the current crisis in South Sudan. The BBC reports, “South Sudan's President Salva Kiir says an attempted coup by soldiers loyal to his former deputy Riek Machar has been put down. …. The alleged attempted coup is a manifestation of months of political unrest, which escalated in July when President Salva Kiir dismissed his deputy, Riek Machar. Mr. Machar and other senior politicians accused the president of intolerance and dictatorship. In recent weeks, Mr. Kiir has warned of attempts to instigate political instability, amid bouts of ethnic violence. Mr. Kiir said the government was in full control of the capital, Juba, after a night of heavy fighting between soldiers in the presidential guard.” However, the Africa office is receiving reports from our partners, and confirmed by Marina Peter of Sudan and South Sudan Focal Point, that “fighting is going on in several places, many people have been arrested, the whereabouts of key players is not known, thousands of civilians seek refuge in the UNMISS compounds, on church grounds and other places, and it looks [as though] Juba hospital cannot longer cope with the number of injured people brought in. All Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission personnel in South Sudan are safe. See statement.
Gracious God,
We lift before you the people of South Sudan who are in the midst of a political and security crisis. Two years ago, we rejoiced with them as they gained independence and became the world’s newest nation and now our hearts are heavy as we hear the news of deep conflict which could destroy all they have strived for. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones in this current unrest, with the children and adults who have become traumatized again and again, for those who are injured, imprisoned and hiding. God of reconciliation, send your Spirit of unity and peace to speak to the hearts of those who are inciting violence. Keep our church partners and mission personnel safe and be their ‘rock” as they look to you for strength and guidance. Be with our partners the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church, RECONCILE , the South Sudan Council of Churches and Across. Strengthen them with the power of your Holy Spirit as they witness to the strong love of Christ, advocating for peace and justice in a situation that is only hopeful because we follow a resurrected Christ. In whose name we pray, Amen
