Glimmer of Hope

Civil wars have been raging across Sudan since its independence in 1956. Often, the only stories and images coming out of northern Sudan portray hunger, violence, and desperation. For the Nuba mountains, located in the country’s south, this is so much more true.

Ever since the war between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and the government of Sudan broke out in June 2011, the government has carried out almost daily aerial attacks against civilians living in the Nuba Mountains. Many people suffer horrific injuries, if they are not killed.

Thousands of people have died, and many more were displaced towards northern Sudan. Their silent cry: “Can anyone see us?  Can anyone hear us?”

Ahmad was born and grew up in the Nuba mountains. In its green valleys, he studied the Quran. He found his own name mentioned once in the Quran. His name is of Arabic origin, meaning “highly praised; or one who constantly thanks God.” He was raised with a belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. His father is the leader of a mystical Islamic congregation. Sufism emphasizes universal love, peace and acceptance of various spiritual paths and a mystical union with the divine. Their dance is a traditional form of Sufi worship.

It was not long before safety and security became impossible in his home area. Ahmad had to leave his home in the Nuba mountains because of the civil war there, which has been ongoing for many years. He found shelter in a refugee camp near Khartoum. Ahmad got sick. He was suffering from a severe case of malaria. He could hardly move a muscle and was in an extremely bad state.

How did God provide? In Sudan, God is providing many opportunities at the moment for Call of Hope’s team to share His Word. For the time being, Bro. Amir and his team can visit refugees in the refugee camps around Khartoum without hindrance. Among other things, they pass out “bread packs” containing food items and evangelical literature. There, Bro. Amir met Ahmad.  He took a doctor to him, who immediately started medical treatment for malaria. About two weeks after that, when Ahmad was already much better. He said, “I used to think that Christians are merciless unbelievers. But you Christians cared for me, whereas Muslims let me down. I was almost dead, but thanks to your help, I was able to survive. Now I want to get to know the gospel.”

“I want to have a better life.”

After that, Ahmad habitually took part in the Bible study that Bro. Amir offers weekly. They talked about the Gospel of John. During one of those meetings, Bro. Amir read out John 10:10, where Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This verse deeply impressed Ahmad. He jumped up and shouted, “I want to have this life to the full, I want to have this better life!” He found true faith in Jesus and was baptized.

Ahmad found a true refuge.  

He heard the call, the call of hope.

Psalm 142:5: “I cried to You, O Lord; I said, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living”.

Pray:

• That many more hear the call of Jesus to redemption
• That God will protect his people against evil forces

Thank God for:

• The wonderful opportunities Bro. Amir and his team have
• He sees and hears the unheard cries of people trapped in fear and pain.