Religious Liberty Prayer List – No. 152 – Thu 24 Jan 2002

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SUDAN AND TURKMENISTAN: GIVE THANKS AND PRAY PERSISTENTLY

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SUDAN

A six-month, renewable ceasefire agreement for the Nuba Mountains between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the SPLM (the political wing of the main rebel group fighting in the south) was signed on 19 January 2002 in Burgenstock, Switzerland. This followed six days of closed-door negotiations between the two parties, with the joint mediation of the Swiss and US governments. This is the first time that the US has been involved in peace negotiations in Sudan since the Sudanese constitution was amended to adopt Sharia Law in 1983.

US mediator was John Danforth, a former senator and an ordained minister, who was named as special envoy for peace in Sudan by President Bush last September. Danforth pushed for a halt to the bombing of civilian targets (such as hospitals, schools and aid delivery sites); for humanitarian aid access to the Nuba Mountains; for zones and times of tranquillity in which that aid can be offered; and an end to the taking of slaves. Three of these four points were accepted, but the GoS has balked at the idea of ceasing its bombing of civilian targets and the international monitoring that would entail.

A political settlement of the conflict has not been reached, without which the SPLA historically has refused to accept ceasefires. A trial period has however been agreed, with an SPLA ceasefire required for the GoS to stop its bombing.

To Joseph Bucher, the head of the Swiss delegation, the accord was a first step, the next being its effective implementation. John Danforth is concerned that there still is not a real will for peace. A Kenyan working with Doctors Without Borders said, “We’ll have to wait and see. Maybe what is spoken and what happens in practice are two different things.” A UN worker was sceptical: “We load the food, while they load the bombs.” It might seem hopeless, but this is the very reason why we pray. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26

TURKMENISTAN

Baptist lay preacher, Shageldy Atakov was released from prison on 8 January 2002 and reunited with his wife Artygul and their five children. However, the church and others remain concerned because Shageldy was not given a release certificate and his identity papers were not returned. Shageldy was arrested on 18 December 1998 on ‘swindling’ charges after he refused to yield to KNB (formerly KGB) threats and stop preaching. His treatment in prison was severe and came close to taking his life and the family has suffered immensely.

The Atakovs need our continuing prayer. Sadly, our knowledge of similar situations is that men like Shageldy may be in danger when released. Also, on 22 December 2001, Mikhail Kozlov, a leading figure in Ashgabad Baptist Church was found dead in mysterious circumstances. Pray for God to intervene in Turkmenistan.

GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD FOR

* the steps being made towards peace in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan: slavery may now be challenged, and after a ten year blockade humanitarian aid groups may now have access to the region in ‘zones of tranquillity’.

* his mercy in Shageldy Atakov’s release from prison and reunion with his family; that God sustained them physically and spiritually through a terrible ordeal.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR

* GoS and SPLM parties to have a real will for peace, a determination to follow political process rather than bloodshed, and strong leadership to implement it.

* wisdom, patience, hope and strength for John Danforth and all those involved in the peace negotiations.

* the Church in Sudan to grow in strength and witness.

* safety daily for Shageldy Atakov and his family, and for God to intervene in Turkmenistan.

“Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.” Psalm 68:28

To view past RLPs on Sudan and Turkmenistan, go to http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/missions/rlc/postings.htm

SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE: ———————————————————— SUDAN AND TURKMENISTAN: GIVE THANKS AND PRAY PERSISTENTLY

Thank God for his mercies in good news from both Sudan and Turkmenistan. A ceasefire agreement has been brokered for the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, and Shageldy Atakov has been released from prison in Turkmenistan. These issues have long been on prayer lists worldwide. However, in both cases, fully implementing the promise is, in a worldly sense, beyond the capabilities of those involved. Only God can bring peace to Sudan and only God can protect Shageldy Atakov from subsequent attack or execution. Thank God for his mercies and pray persistently for God’s continued intervention in Sudan and Turkmenistan, because without it, the joy could be short- lived. “Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.” Psalm 68:28

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The WEA Religious Liberty Commission sponsors this RL Prayer List to help individuals and groups pray specifically and regularly for religious liberty issues, and in particular to uphold the Church where it is suffering persecution.

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