South Sudan

South Sudan is Africa’s newest nation, having finally broken from Northern Sudan in 2011. While the split of Sudan was made official only recently, a division has long existed. The South Sudanese had been much more receptive to missionary work while under British rule, and today its people largely claim Christian-like beliefs, while the North has long been Arab-lead and Muslim. The Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, and the White Nile further inhibit the north and south from mixing. Ever since Sudan’s first elections in 1958, which favored the North, South Sudan has been chafing for freedom.

Unfortunately, freedom has cost South Sudan dearly. While it was never greatly developed or prosperous, its condition has been incredibly worsened by the civil war, which was the longest on the Continent of Africa. Natural disasters and disjoined factions, still armed, have caused much trouble for this new nation. Many of its nearly eleven million people lack basic needs, face daily dangers, and know little of law and order. English and Arabic are spoken widely, while there are also many tribal dialects. Less than thirty-five percent of the country is literate, and there are very few resources for those who are able to pursue an education. The Christianity many claim is little more than a Christian name for animistic worship, and many other follow animism without the name change. South Sudan is a country in desperate need not only of security and sustenance, but most importantly it is in need of Truth!

Missionaries in South Sudan: