Sudan, Page 4

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"...just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." 2 Cor. 1:7b

	Armed Laskar Jihad warriors preparing before attack on Halmahera (photo is from a CD video acquired by ICC).

SAVING SONTI'S ORPHANS

Moving Forward with ICC's Total Redemption Project

The question that is undoubtedly asked by many American Christians is: What happens to children who are redeemed from slavery in Sudan? Seldom does anyone seem to care. Tragically, these children risk being plunged back into the same nightmarish life from which they had been rescued. The Government of Sudan (GOS) would prefer to dispose of any evidence that implicates the government's involvement in slavery, which the government has strongly denied having any part. Nevertheless, 21 children redeemed from destitution and bondage may soon be forced to relive their greatest fears, unless help comes soon. Recently ICC was contacted by a Sudanese Christian who is the caretaker for 21 orphans in Sudan. Sonti (his assumed name) made a heart-wrenching appeal for help. His 21 orphans had been redeemed from Arab slave traders at a cost of $50 each. As small children they had all been captured by the Government of Sudan militia during raids on their villages. They were then sold into human bondage. Once the government discovered that Sonti was caring for the children and was responsible for redeeming the children, and having knowledge of the true facts about the government's involvement in capturing children, the government made threats against his life. On two occasions, Sonti's wife was severely beaten. Sonti, along with his wife and their natural-born children, escaped from Sudan. Since his escape, the local organization that he had put in place to care for the children began to break down. The children are starting to loose hope and venture into the city to look for food and some are beginning to beg for money. Recently, the children were discovered by the government authorities. They could be forced to return to a life of slavery, made to convert to Islam, or inducted into the military to fight in the "jihad" against fellow Christians in the south. If they should refuse any of these demands, they likely will be killed. ICC received notification in April that one of the children, Sam (his real name is not given for security reasons) who is 17 years old, has been discovered by the government of Sudan "jihad" recruiters. He was informed that he must report to the "Jihad Center." There he will be forced to undergo Islamic "jihad" training, after which he would be made to serve in the all-Muslim military as a Jihad warrior. Most likely Sam would then be sent to the front-lines to fight against his own Christian people in the south. Sam's Story: Government sponsored forces raided Sam's village, killing his parents, destroying every building, including his home. He was captured by government militia and taken into slavery when he was 7 years old. He was given the responsibility to take care of cows and goats. Two years later, Sonti's church paid $50 to redeem Sam. Sam's dream is to one day be an international lawyer. ICC is making plans to rescue Sam and the other 20 children, who range in ages 11 to 16. All are presently at risk. The "jihad recruiters" have been seen around the house where the children live. ICC has interviewed several "teenage soldiers" from the GOS forces, who had either escaped during battles or were captured by SPLA forces on previous trips into Sudan. The intense Islamic training includes frequent severe beating and unusually harsh living conditions. The training they receive to survive in battle is basically nil. They are given a weapon and told where to report. These teenage warriors are usually sent to the front lines and often back to the areas they had originally come from. There they are forced to attack and kill their fellow south Sudanese citizens. These "warriors are given just enough food to keep starvation at bay. Also they receive extremely harsh treatment while serving as "warriors." They receive orders, "Kill or be killed."

Emergency Action is Needed! ICC currently lacks the financial resources to help rescue and resettle all 21 of the orphans. ICC is calling on concerned Christians to give generously so that these children will receive the help and care they deserve.

(Click here for more information on Sudan.)

POSTED:  June 2, 2001

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