By Scopas Bethuel
South Sudan’s leading ecumenical bodies have launched a nationwide 70-day prayer and fasting campaign, calling on all Christians to spiritually intercede for national healing and transformation. The campaign, which began on June 10 and will run until August 18, 2025, is being led under the theme: “Fulfill your good promises, oh Lord!” from Jeremiah 29:10.
The initiative, launched by His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, Archbishop of the Central Equatoria Internal Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, marks a spiritually significant milestone, 70 years since the outbreak of the first civil war in Sudan in 1955.
Addressing the press during the launch, Archbishop Yugusuk emphasized the spiritual importance of the 70th anniversary, calling it a “divine window or gate” through which South Sudan has a chance to reclaim peace and purpose. “God, through the church of Christ, determines human affairs on earth. Whoever is in charge of the gates is in charge of the entire territory,” he stated.
The mutiny that began in Torit on August 18, 1955, ignited a decades-long struggle that saw two brutal civil wars and millions of lives lost. Despite gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has remained plagued by conflict, with fresh outbreaks in 2013 and 2016 undermining stability and displacing millions.
The Church believes that the previous spiritual milestones in 2005 and 2011 were missed opportunities for national consecration and healing. “The kingdom of darkness is ever aggressive but powerless in the Name of Jesus,” Archbishop Yugusuk added, urging the Church not to miss this latest opportunity.
Organized by the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), Intercessors for South Sudan (IFSS), Prayer Network for South Sudan (PN4SS), and South Sudan National Renewal in Christ (SSNRC), the 70 Days of Prayer will focus on seven key spheres of national influence: family, church, governance, economy, education, media (including arts and entertainment), and health.
Believers are encouraged to pray wherever possible, at home, in churches, and at public gatherings throughout the 70 days. The campaign is being seen as both a spiritual and symbolic effort to re-dedicate South Sudan to peace, stability, and prosperity.
Contacts have been provided for national prayer coordinators to support the effort, with hopes that this spiritual movement will awaken a new chapter in the country’s long quest for peace.
Please connect with Intercessor for South Sudan (IFSS) through 0925627682 and Prayer Network for South Sudan (PN4SS) through: 0916343929 and prayernetwork4ss@gmail.com