As of this writing, the Sudan is still reeling from political turmoil. The country continues to be ruled by an Islamist elite. The capital city of Khartoum is still unsafe for dissenters. After a 37 day total blackout, the Internet has only now just been switched back on. Many people are skeptical the latest power-sharing agreement will last the three years and three month transition to “civilian rule.”
The situation remains chaotic.
But that’s not the whole story. From the chaos come stories of hope. Stories of compassion. Your compassion.
At the same time the turmoil is being reported, tons of aid is being delivered and distributed to some of the hardest hit areas of Sudan’s Nuba mountains— home to one of that country’s largest Christian communities.
Although the rainy season is in full swing, Persecution Project still delivers. Our small fleet of Mercedes Unimog trucks have been incredible— able to traverse roads which literally swallow other vehicles.
One of the most remote areas of the Nuba is the home of the Kwalib people. The mountains in Kwalib are like big piles of boulders which create thousands of caves used by people as temporary homes for security.
But reaching Kwalib is a long and arduous journey, and impossible for normal vehicles during the rainy season— but not for Unimogs.
Our headquarters’ team recently received several photos and videos of our Unimogs in action on the road to Kwalib. It was so encouraging to know that several tons of crisis relief was on its way thanks to a couple of refurbished trucks older than many of our field staff members driving them!
On the way to Kwalib, our Unimogs drive past the building site of Dr. Ahmed Zachariah’s hospital in Gigaiba. Dr. Ahmed recently reported major construction progress— despite the increasing hardship of getting building supplies.
While the hospital in Gigaiba is far from complete, it still manages to serve 3,000 patients per month. The small pharmacy is packed with medicines delivered by PPF. Pastors Morris and Nabiel provide chaplaincy services to patients in their beds or awaiting treatment under trees. The hand-pump well at the hospital which was repaired by PPF’s team can be heard night and day providing safe water to patients and local residents.
All of these examples of active compassion are confronting the forces of hate and chaos afflicting Sudan. This is the Gospel message lived in word and deed. Darkness will give way to the Light. Love will drive away fear. Forgiveness will heal deep wounds. Encouragement will lift spirits and keep those suffering persecution going day after day.
This is all happening because God has chosen to answer the prayers of His persecuted flock by sending normal people thousands of miles away to be the hands and feet of Christ in this little corner of the world. Of course, God doesn’t need us. He can literally send manna from heaven if He wishes. But He gives us the gift of service to imitate Him, and be blessed as we bless others.
Thus, compassion confronts chaos— and compassion wins.
