For years we have advocated for peace and prayed for the war-torn nation of Sudan. It has been a long struggle. After the Bush Administration aggressively negotiated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South, atrocities in the Darfur region continued to grab headlines.

Despite some violations by the North, the CPA held. We have remained watchful. You may recall that we senta series of email reports last fall, about the referendum which would determine if South Sudan would secede. In January the South overwhelming voted for indepencence, which the Government of Sudan accepted.Remaining challenges were overcome, and today-July 9th-the nation of South Sudan formally take its place among the sovereign nations of the earth.

This new nation needs our prayers and global support to rebuild. Following decades of civil war and oppression, the south of Sudan is a wrecked countryside. With little infrastructure to support its own population, millions of returning refugees and migrants are expected to pour into it looking for work.

The oil rich region of Abyei was subject to an outbreak of violence just last month. Despite a hastily negotiated ceasefire, tensions are high. If the North and South go to war once again, it will be over the large oil reserves of Abyei.

We ask you to join with us in praying for the massive challenges ahead for Sudan. Yet, join us today in celebrating the completion of this amazing dream.