Hostile
South Sudan
Prior to 2011, South Sudan was part of Sudan, its neighbor to the north. After Sudan gained independence from British control in the early 1950s, Sudanese leaders began a brutal campaign to Islamize the nation. Most of southern Sudan’s population opposed this effort, which led to decades of civil war. Christian missionary efforts in the 19th century resulted in a predominantly Christian population in South Sudan, but there is still a significant population who follow tribal religions that oppose Christianity. As Islamists continue to push their influence farther south in this region of Africa, Christians in South Sudan have been targeted and killed, especially along the border with Sudan.
Major Religion
63 percent of people in South Sudan are Christian. Approximately 27 percent follow ethnic religions, and 9 percent are Muslim.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted by Muslims and those who follow tribal religions.
What it means to follow Christ in South Sudan
Christians can practice their faith freely in some areas of South Sudan. In the border region with Sudan, conflict arises with Muslims who have fled from the north and are occupying camps for internally displaced people alongside Christians. Christians in the camps are rejected, and their access to aid is restricted. Christian converts from Islam are also opposed by their Muslim families. In regions dominated by tribal religions, Christians are violently targeted by tribal leaders.
Access to Bibles
While Bibles are readily available, regional instability, violence and poor infrastructure can make distributions difficult in some parts of the country. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides basic necessities to displaced Christian families who have fled from the north. VOM also supports Christian converts from Islam who have been rejected by their families. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for South Sudan
- More than 2 million have been displaced by fighting and instability. Pray for their spiritual and physical needs.
- Pray that many in this impoverished country will find spiritual riches in Christ.
- Pray that more Christians will have access to God's Word as most cannot afford a Bible.
- Pray that Christians will see the Lord's hand at work amid ethnic and tribal conflicts.
- While 64% of the population is Christian, converts from non-Christian tribes face persecution. Pray for them.
- Using Psalm 146:7 as a guide, ask God to bring his justice to the oppressed and food to those in refugee camps.
