The referendum officially kicked off on Sunday, January 9th in Southern Sudan, and so far it looks like God is definitely present!! According to BBC News today, there has been very little violence (a couple of small scuffles along the border which have resulted in approximately 30 people dead) and they reported today that Southern Sudan met the required 60% turnout mark yesterday (at least 60% of registered voters had to vote for the referendum to be valid)!!
Additionally, according to BBC News, the US is currently talking about removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism (it was on there because Osama bin Laden lived there back in the 90’s and provided Sudan with millions of dollars) if Northern Sudan cooperates and respects the result of the vote. This is hopefully an incentive for the North to take a peaceful approach to charting the future with the South.
In the US, our prayer vigil continues 24/7…and people continue signing up daily. Blaise and I are SO thrilled that so many people are praying for Sudan! If you would like to join us in praying, click HERE for more information and to sign up.
I also wanted to share Emmanuel Jal’s (former ‘lost boy’ and child soldier) newest video for We Want Peace…