Sudan: Bringing Hope to the "No-Fly" Zones of Sudan, Page 3

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"Persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:9

	ICC Vice President Pat Bradley with recipients of ICC aid.

Bringing Hope to the "No-Fly" Zones of Sudan (continued)

Since enemy forces surrounded this village no fires or lights were allowed in the village at night. So our dinner was enjoyed in complete darkness. Also our times of discussion and fellowship were done in complete darkness.

The next afternoon we were taken to an area which had recently been bombed. We've seen numerous bomb craters in past travels to Sudan. However, these craters were 3-4 times deeper into the ground than anything we had seen before. Several holes went 4-5 feet deep. This confirmed to us that the oil money is allowing the GOS to purchase and use larger and more deadly weapons ON IT'S OWN PEOPLE!

While in village #2 we learned that a village nearby had been attacked and burned to the ground. Our pilot agreed to take us! What we found is hard to describe. The entire village and surrounding dry areas were burned to the ground. Nothing remained. The partially standing mud walls of destroyed homes were the only remaining evidence of a previously thriving community. Everything else was ash. The smell of smoke still hung in the air. The people of this village had escaped into the surrounding swamps. At the time of our landing both the GOS and UN considered this area a no-go zone. The UN had reported several thousand enemy troops still in the surrounding area. It is these areas that we are called by God to serve, areas where others are forbidden to go or refuse to go.

Victims that ICC helped to evacuate.

We were the first group to assess the situation first hand. We met with approximately 20 individuals who had returned to the village to see what could be salvaged. After spending several hours on the ground we learned, among others things, what type of supplies were needed. Little did we know of their skepticism! The people did not believe we would be back. Our stay this day was shorter than we wanted for 2 reasons. First of all, we were asked to evacuate 5 critically wounded people as a result of gunshot wounds. Secondly, if there indeed were enemy troops close by, we didn't want to extend our visit by any more time than was needed.

Upon our return we met with the governor of the region. We were told in a meeting with him that we Christians were the 

first to come and help. He said the word spread rapidly throughout the region and the people were greatly encouraged by our coming and that many have decided to come back and try to rebuild the village. He also stated that he wasn't sure if the people would return to their homes had we not come. He was even more shocked that we kept our word and came back with needed supplies. Items that we delivered included food, blankets, fishing line, hooks, shovels, hoes, axes, picks, water cans and soap--items needed to feed and assist in rebuilding their village. The governor said, "Christians from the other side of the world were the only ones that had the courage to come. This is a powerful example of God's love to his people."

We were able to travel into the swamp area where the people had fled. The only food they had was a wild palm date. The only water was that from the swamp. And it doesn't take a scientist to figure out what might be in that! The conditions were heartbreaking. There were many people who were not completely clothed. The people were living under palm trees. Most had nothing to make a shelter with or blankets on which to sleep. We saw no protection for these people from the mosquitos, which carry malaria. We told them we came because of God's love for them and that He did care for them greatly. I found it difficult to express words that might bring them great encouragement. Somehow I sensed that just our showing up did what my lack of words was unable to do.

Our returning to bring aid to this village had put us seriously over budget for the trip. However, once we saw the need and realized we were the only help they were going to get we decided to trust God for the additional finances and return to this village. As a result, we were able to deliver 18 tons of relief supplies, evacuate ten critically wounded people who most likely would have died, provide crisis assistance to a burned-down village, facilitate a pastors conference, and bring encouragement to thousands suffering for their faith.

ICC is planning another trip soon to Sudan. Anyone interested in contributing to this effort can do so on ICC's web site www.persecution.org or by mail.

(Click here for more information on Sudan.)

Continued on Page 4... 

POSTED:  June 2, 2001

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