Franklin Graham Helps New Nation South Sudan

Congratulations to the Republic of South Sudan! They became an independent nation on Saturday.

The people of the South have endured a half century of civil war and oppression by the Islamic rulers of northern Sudan that left more than 2 million dead.

The South's population is heavily Christian and black African, two groups targeted by Omar Bashir's regime.

American evangelist Franklin Graham visited the new nation to help celebrate its founding.

Graham's Samaritan's Purse ministry has been at work in Sudan since 1993, building churches and hospitals and providing agricultural aid.

"As I look back over the years that Samaritan's Purse has been providing relief and aid across a war-torn Sudan, it now brings me great joy and honor to attend the celebration of South Sudan's Independence Day," Graham said in a statement.

He met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, on Sunday.

"There is still much that needs to be done to help the people of both countries," Graham added. "And I pray that God will give these leaders wisdom and courage to lead their people, uniting their hearts toward the goal of reconciliation and peace."

God bless South Sudan as they face the inevitable problems ahead of an independent nation in a war-torn region.

2011 April Lorier Perspective