Thousands need assistance in Sudan, Christians are helping

Sudan (MNN/Campus) — As many as 300,000 are at risk of starvation in the Darfur province of Sudan. The United Nations has described this situation as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with catastrophic levels of suffering. The tragedy began 18 months ago. Black Sudanese rebels in Darfur revolted. The Government of Sudan armed Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed, to crush the rebellion. Many innocent civilians have been killed, raped and terrorized by the Janjaweed, who continue even now to attack their villages. 1.2 million people have fled for their lives to makeshift refugee camps in the Darfur region and across the border in Chad.

New Life World Aid, a ministry of Campus Crusade For Christ, Canada says the looming crisis is so threatening that two of their key staff members went to Sudan to see how NLWA could help. They witnessed, first-hand, the incredible suffering and hopelessness of the refugees there. Their hearts were touched by the lack of safety, food, shelter, water and sanitation — everything to sustain life.

They report that the situation is monumental. Upon arrival at the Kalma Camp on the outskirts of Nyala in Southern Darfur, they witness to a large sea of people, every one of them was urgently needing food and water. New Life staffers also noticed the large number of women and children and few men. The UN estimates that 65% of the men have been killed in the fighting, leaving widows and children to fend for themselves. One physician says many of the women are suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. They have witnessed the loss of their homes and the death of husbands and some of their children.

Lack of sanitation and hygiene is evident. The camp is a breeding ground for diseases like cholera, meningitis, measles and acute diarrhea. The World Health Organization estimates that refugees are now dying at the rate of 10,000 every month from starvation and disease.

New Life World Aid is trying to help these desperate people. The logistics of purchasing and delivering food and aid in this area of the world is complex and challenging. But it only takes $71 to feed a family of seven for a week with highly nutritious food packages containing sorghum flour, rice, chic peas and lentils. That is only $1.45 per day, per person.

Would you consider responding to this need, through a gift of $71 or $142? A gift of $1,000 or more would literally save hundreds from starvation. Or as you are able, a gift of $25, $50 or $75 would be a great help to a struggling family on the journey home. Time is of the essence.