Johnson Ruach, Executive Director of CRADA-Sudan (Christian Recovery and Development Agency) gives us a news update of the Akobo-Pibor region (Southeastern Southern Sudan) and a request for prayers. There is a history of tribal tensions in that area, which has been exacerbated by the arms imported during the recent conflict. A unified Christian outreach offers the best visible hope for the region. Johnson met Martha from our Christ Church prayer group in January, 07 in Akobo and has been our main correspondent in that area since then. Here is his request, in his own words:

Dear Everybody,I am asking you (the prayer group) to continue praying for the people of south sudan and particularly the people of Akobo. A recent fight that killed 170, 15,000 displaced between people of Akobo and Pibor posted a great burden on local NGOs working in Akobo and specially on CRADA (Christian Recovery and Development Agency) trying to participate in bringing emergency assistant to the IDPs. CRADA with help from UNFAO will distribute 30mtns of fishing kits, seeds, tools and NFIs to the IDPs (2000HHs) in akobo (Akobo West) and Akobo East 2000HHs. Its becoming great concern in rescueing and sustaining the lives of the people who are still alive. Getting food in Akobo is one of the hardest thing in this world as far as from Durban to Port Sudan. we have appealed for emergency food assistance to UNWFP and agreed to provide 300mtn of food for Akobo west that hosting 8200 individuals IDPs and returnees. The food that has reahed is only 16mts. We are not sure whether there will be another food to come.I am asking you to pray for the innocent lives lost AND THE PEOPLE who are still alive to settle well in their new homes.I am asking Rt. Rev. Peter to pray for the people who lost their ones and be conforted and to pray so hard that nothing may happen again.