Faith
Faith Tested: Sudan Refugee Faces Persecution
Faith Facts
- A Sudanese refugee turned to Christ and was baptized in 2024 after fleeing violence in Khartoum.
- He was expelled from his Muslim uncle’s home and business in Uganda after his conversion was discovered.
- Churches in Port Sudan have faced vandalism, and the Christian community remains vigilant amid persecution threats.
After fleeing war in Sudan, Essam Juma Abdelkreem embraced Christ in Ethiopia and underwent discipleship and baptism. Trusting in God’s provision, he moved to Uganda and helped manage his uncle’s shop, only to be cast out when his faith was uncovered.
“The business was doing very well, and I was able to make a living,” Abdelkreem said.
His uncle, upset by Abdelkreem’s new Christian commitment, forced him to leave on October 25, driving him into hardship. Now back in South Sudan, Abdelkreem relies on the Christian community, seeking dignity and self-sufficiency as he holds fast to his faith.
“Life is becoming hard, and I do not want to depend on my friends,” he said.
Christians in Port Sudan were recently alarmed after a church wall was defaced with Islamic slogans, causing fear and drawing concern over the safety and future of believers in the region.
“This is a deliberate act of the Islamists and might be the beginning of Boko Haram-like acts in Sudan,” wrote Philip Abdelmasih.
Church leaders called believers to stand united and pray for protection as authorities investigate the attacks. With Sudan ranking among the most difficult places for Christians, the faithful are urged to remain steadfast and vigilant in the face of trials.