A Unique Celebration

Hundreds of children praise God in a church built by Samaritan’s Purse

Nearly 700 children traveled dusty roads and rocky trails through central Sudan to attend a recent Sunday School celebration, coordinated through local churches and Samaritan’s Purse. People said they had never seen anything like it.

“Today surprised many people,” said Yassir, a church leader. “People have been waiting for years for this celebration. It is the first time for the children to come together like this in our area.”

Hundreds of village churches in Sudan were destroyed during the two decades that the nation was embroiled in civil war. When a peace agreement was reached in 2005, Samaritan’s Purse began helping believers rebuild. More than 360 churches have been rebuilt throughout southern Sudan. Samaritan’s Purse has also distributed more than 260,000 Scriptures, organized 10,600 Bible study groups, and provided Biblical training for hundreds pastors and Sunday school teachers.

“We had been wondering what to do as we came out of the war,” said Pastor Barnaba, a local church leader who addressed the crowds. “All the churches had been burned down, but the congregations were still here. I know God heard our cries and made a way for us to have Sunday schools again. God bless you Sunday school teachers because you are building a strong church; the church of the future.”

Of the 46 Sunday school teachers who were recently trained, 40 were from churches that had been rebuilt by Samaritan’s Purse.

“We teach the children how to grow in Jesus Christ,” said Rosia, a Sunday school teacher who ministers to 105 children in her church. “The Bible tells us that the kingdom is for young children. Let us teach our children so they can receive the kingdom of God.”

Church leaders were encouraged and the children were thrilled by the excitement of the Sunday School Celebration.

“The most important thing about coming to Sunday school is to come with an open heart,” a church leader told the children. “When your teachers tell you stories from the Bible, listen and let the stories go into your heart. You are the leaders of tomorrow’s church, so study and learn and grow in your knowledge of faith.”

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:

For Sudanese Christians recovering from decades of war and persecution, and for our staff as we rebuild churches destroyed by the conflict.

GIVE:

Visit our donation page to support the Sudan Church Project.

GET INVOLVED:

Discover how your congregation can minister to persecuted believers in Sudan and help rebuild their churches. Download this fillable MS Word document (click here) to order materials. You can also call 1-800-538-1980 or e-mail to order a free Sudan Church Kit or to receive more information about the project.