Happy New Year! 9 Days and Counting to the Referendum

Today, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the World Day of Peace in the Catholic Church, marks the end of the 101 Days of Prayer for a Peaceful Referendum in South Sudan campaign, but hopefully doesn't mark the end of people praying for the referendum. The 101 Days of Prayer have ended, but the last leg, the novena ("novena" meaning "nine") of prayer begins today. So if you've been praying, please continue; and if you haven't, please start.

Fr. Sylvester and Fr. Herald with Linda and Phil Byler,
South Sudan coordinators of the African Inland Mission.

Yesterday evening we were invited for a wonderful New Year's Eve supper and prayer gathering with our good friends Phil and Linda Byler, regional coordinators for the (Evangelical Christian) African Inland Mission. At that gathering Phil shared, and I heartily agreed, that the prayers of many have made an amazing difference in this process. Just a few months ago there was a great deal of international skepticism as to whether the referendum could even take place. Now the UN is saying that the registration phase was completed successfully, and ballots have been printed and delivered, so there's every reason to go ahead with the vote. A very high percentage of eligible voters (one report said 96%) have registered, and a huge turnout for the actual vote is expected. Additionally, the Government of South Sudan has shown great restraint in not responding even to violent provocations from the north (attacks by northern forces on southern army bases) and real wisdom in collaborating with international partners and stakeholders. The Bashir regime in Khartoum, on the other hand, has come under heavy criticism - even from northern Arab neighbor Egypt, and has continued to lose credibility and support.

So please pray, and know that your prayers are making a difference!

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