The Referendum

The referendum is coming. What does that mean to Sudan? No one really knows. In January, the people of South Sudan will vote to either separate from the North or stay as one country. Most likely separation will pass overwhelmingly. The problem is with the North. They are not going to want to let the South go due the presence of oil and the money that comes from it. Some people are fearing another war. I am praying it is a lot of hype, like the elections last April. People thought there would be violence and most NGOs (non-government organization) left for a while. Fortunately, it remained peaceful. Like last April, most NGOs will leave Sudan during the referendum. We don't want to do that and leave the community stranded. So, our clinic will remain open. MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) knows we are here and will be able to fly us out if there is are any problems. Because our staff is so large (we are over 15), not everyone could fit on MAF's plane in one trip so the women and children will be in Nairobi during the referendum while the guys hold down the fort. Sabet will keep a close eye on things and will be ready to evacuate everyone here if needed. We fly out on January 7th and if everything remains peaceful, I will fly back in two weeks later. I wish I could be here during the whole process. I am not scared. I think it will be fine just like the last elections. However, I know Sabet will be able to focus better if he doesn't have to worry about us so we will do some work in Nairobi and hopefully be back to Sudan quickly. Our area is in a good place. If there was fighting, it would most likely be near the North/South border and we are far away from that. So... don't worry... we are safe!

Right now, residents of South Sudan are registering to vote. Then, the vote is on January 11th, I believe. Since most people can't read, they will be looking for a symbol. If they want separation, they will select a waving hand. If they want to stay united, they will select two hands shaking. If I could vote, I would be going for the waving hand (peace out North!).



Please be in prayer for Sudan. The Sudanese people have dealt with civil war for many years and no one wants to go back to that. Pray for a efficient and fair voting process and that the North will comply with the decision. Pray for Sabet and Suzy as they keep an eye on things and seek God's wisdom in how to handle this situation. Pray for peace.