This week, the results of the referendum for independence were released, and it is official: Southern Sudan has voted to secede. The vote was not even close, with nearly 99% of the votes for secession!
Now comes the hard part.
Sudan has just under five months to work out the details of the split, as the official split date is set for July 9th. They have some very big decisions to make, such as what the new country will call itself, what currency the South will use, how oil revenues and national debt will be shared, and what citizenship will be offered (or not offered) to Southerners living in the North, among others.
In addition to the logistical details of the split, there are still fears of violence flaring and spreading. There have been some isolated acts of violence over the last several weeks (BBC News), but mostly people are ecstatic about the idea of complete freedom.
I am very excited that Blaise and I will be in Sudan at such an historical time in Sudan’s history (we head into Sudan on the July 10th trip), and it is so amazing to me that God has brought all of this together at this particular point in time. We pray each day for peace and reconciliation among the Southern Sudanese, and that this will be God’s time among the people and many will come to know Him.
We do ask for your continued prayers for Sudan, again, as they have some huge decisions to make and tensions are high. We ask that you continue to join us in praying that peace prevails, and that the leaders have courage and integrity in making said decisions. This is HUGE, and we need a HUGE God to help Sudan overcome its past!
Much love,
Cassandra