Sudan (MNN) — Sudan’s army retakes control of the national radio and TV headquarters, lifting a communications blackout imposed by rebel forces in February.

“In conflicts and war anywhere in the world, opposing armies see the possession of prime media outlets as [having] the upper hand. If [media outlets are] functioning, then they eliminate the enemy’s message and propagate their message,” says John*, an unfoldingWord partner focused on Sudan.

“The last I heard, the TV wasn’t working in Khartoum, but having possession of it is, to them, extremely valuable.”

Lifting the blackout allowed one Sudanese Muslim group to reopen its community soup kitchens, providing one meal daily for Muslims breaking their Ramadan fast in Khartoum.

Ramadan is also an essential time for the Sudanese army to control the media because “both sides believe in jihad, which is a holy war,” John explains.

“If both sides say that the other side is wrong and are infidels, then [each] can present their side as having a holy purpose, and it makes victory at all costs noble.”

The war is nowhere near being over, but John and his organization – which we cannot name for security purposes – remain committed to their work in Sudan. By empowering local Gospel workers, they’re introducing desperate people to the hope of Christ.

(Photo courtesy of unfoldingWord)

Read this previous MNN story to learn how John’s organization is helping Sudanese in need. Learn how God is moving through church-centric Bible translation. Then, consider becoming a financial partner to help ease the suffering through tangible methods.

“The living out of our faith and being involved in the suffering of the world is every Christian’s responsibility,” John says.

“God will lay on your heart what he has planned for you to be involved in, whether it’s just in prayer or prayer and giving, or even in going, sometimes.”

 

*Pseudonym

 

Header and story images courtesy of unfoldingWord.