Sudan Partner Churches and Organizations

Presbyterian Church of Sudan (PCOS)

Ever since the first missionaries arrived in the Dobeib Hill area of the Upper Nile State in 1902, the Presbyterian Church has seen phenomenal growth. Yet it has also seen its share of pain and division. Because of the current civil war, which has been in progress off and on for the last 49 years, the Presbyterian Church congregations have been divided between those in rebel-controlled areas and those in government-controlled areas. Now the administration of the church is divided between headquarters in Malakal (for government-controlled areas) and Akobo (for liberated controlled areas). The war has created a huge number of internally displaced people, with over 2 million seeking refuge in the north around the capital city of Khartoum alone. The PCOS has come with these displaced members, bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ and the God’s love to the northern areas and spreading the good news in areas of largely Muslim populations. The church has also sought to provide for the basic needs of its people in the camps of the displaced persons established around Khartoum. The PCOS operates kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, a Bible school, health clinics, a pharmacy, bookshops, a youth department, a women’s work department, a mission and evangelism department, and an education department. In spite of the tremendous difficulties faced by the people of the church, there is evidence of a vibrant and living faith among the faithful believers. The members of the PCOS stand faithful in their call to be Christ’s body in the world and to witness to the Love of God in Christ Jesus to all.

The Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC)

The American Mission started in the northern part of Sudan as part of the Egypt-Sudan mission from the Presbyterian Church of North America. In 1964 all missionaries were expelled from the country, leaving the work of the mission in the hands of the Sudanese. And capable hands they were. The SPEC has grown in strength and numbers since that time, with congregations in all areas of northern and western Sudan. Recent developments of peace in certain areas of the Nuba Mountains have opened up these areas for travel for the first time in 15 years. Pastors and evangelists who are now able to travel back into these home areas are finding that the churches there have continued to thrive in those years of isolation from the rest of the church, but they are in need of major renovation and building projects. Now many churches are being re-established or rebuilt, and new congregations are being planted in these areas. The SPEC is involved in a holistic ministry, including education for children, health work, literacy training for adults and evangelism. The SPEC has a vision of working in these areas of the north where there is a strong Muslim presence and of planting churches in these areas where there has been no Christian presence.

Sudan Partner Organizations

Sudan Council of Churches

Sudan Advocacy Action Forum (SAAF), a major channel of Presbyterian efforts for advocacy for Sudan, which grew out of the Sudan Mission Network.

RECONCILE

Established in March 2004, RECONCILE (Resource Center for Civil Leadership) is related to the Sudan Council of Churches. These Sudanese churches aim to help victims recover from the trauma associated with the 25-year civil war in Sudan. They also help to lead a process of reconciliation that will unite not only the Christians in south Sudan but other faith groups as well.