Throughout this Christmas season, an old song held new meaning for me: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Since returning to the US, I have not stopped thinking about my friends who remain in the Sudan. The celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace shared space in my mind with the knowledge that January would commence a critical chapter in history for the Sudanese people. As I listened to carols and wrapped presents for my family in Atlanta, I wondered if the crack of gun-shots provided background noise for the Christmas festivities in my recent home in Sudan. 
The New Year brings a referendum for which Sudan has waited 5 years. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement requires a vote takes place to determine if the country will divide in two. In the wake of a 20-year civil war, the Southern Sudanese will decide if they will split from the North and birth a new nation. The voting will take place January 9-15, 2011. Unfortunately, decades of mistrust between North and South loom over the referendum like a thick fog that makes it difficult to see what will really happen. Many fear the country will slip into another tragic civil war.
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Colleagues Santino and Jacob Kuju encouraging church members in Boma, Sudan to be light in the midst of darkness.
Recently, I asked Jacob Kuju, a Sudanese friend who is remaining in Sudan for the referendum, if he thinks peace is truly attainable. “Nothing is impossible with God,” he responded. He encouraged me to invite others to pray for peace. So, I am asking you to please join with me in praying for peace in Sudan:
Gracious God of Peace,
We pray that You will touch the hearts, the minds, and the spirits of
the leaders of Sudan,
the peoples of Sudan,
international leaders,
and the peoples of the world.
Remind us all that in You, war is not inevitable in Sudan,
in You, peace with justice is possible in Sudan.
May the leaders of Sudan,
the peoples of Sudan,
international leaders,
and the peoples of the world
act with compassion, pursue peace, and establish justice throughout Sudan.
Please bring peace, for Your glory. Amen
(An adaptation of a prayer by Rev. W. Mark Koenig, director Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations; inspired by the Rev. Petero Sabune, Africa Partnerships Office, The Episcopal Church)
Posted on January 1st, 2011 by Nancy
Filed under: Uncategorized