By BosNewsLife Africa Service
KHARTOUM, SUDAN (BosNewsLife)– Christian children are being denied food in Sudan’s refugee camps unless they recite Islamic prayers, aid workers have told BosNewsLife.
“The majority (of children) are left in camps, some in a very terrible situation. They are confined in those places,” a Christian mission worker said in a statement.
“Thus, they are given a choice to starve, or they are conditioned to say Islamic prayers before (being) given food. This is not right. These children are Christian. They should be respected for that.”
The name of the mission worker was not identified amid security concerns.
Since the outbreak of the 2013 civil war in South Sudan, over 700,000 refugees were driven north into Sudan, and almost one million more have fled south across Uganda’s open borders, according to Christian aid workers.
ISLAMIC MILITANTS
“As a result, many of these refugees — most of whom are Christians — have experienced additional hardships at the hands of Islamic militants who have taken advantage of their vulnerable situation,” explained aid and advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC). Christians also claim that Sudan’s government continues to “sabotage” churches and aid groups in their attempts to assist these South Sudanese Christian refugees.
“Sudan repeatedly has, wantonly, and willfully carried out a discriminatory strategy to hamper the Christian church and religious, charitable efforts through the re-zoning, confiscation, and destruction of their properties,” VOMC complained in a statement to BosNewsLife.
It said it had urged its supporters to pray that despite the hardships “the light of hope that’s burning within the hearts of the refugee children will continue to shine brightly for all to see — revealing the reality of the Risen Christ to many — including those who oppose Christianity.”
Citing Bible verse Matthew 4:4, VOMC also said it was crucial to also pray that these children and their families “not only receive nourishment for their physical health and well-being but also opportunities to feed daily on the Word of God so they can grow strong and healthy spiritually.”
In a prayer letter to supporters. VOMC also asked to pray that they “rely on the Lord for His provision and guidance, He will work wonders in their midst so they can partake of His goodness and loving-kindness, without any obstacles or hindrance, through the charitable efforts of others who are serving as His caring hands and feet.”
