Presbyterian minister works to bring healing, peace in war-torn Sudan

Published: 2006-11-27

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) -- Even as the fate of Darfur in western Sudan hangs in the balance, the churches of violence-ravaged Sudan continue in their joint efforts to bring about grass-roots healing in a land where warfare has been a way of life for decades. During a recent speaking tour of the United States on behalf of the New Sudan Council of Churches, the Rev. Debbie Braaksma, a Presbyterian missionary, spoke about the work she and her husband, Del, have been doing with the people of southern Sudan through the Resource Center for Civil Leadership. The New Sudan Council of Churches, co-founded by Catholic Bishop Paride Taban of Torit, is a fellowship of Christian churches working to promote peace and understanding among different communities living in the region. At a recent stop in San Antonio, Rev. Braaksma expressed hope that if enough outside pressure can be brought to bear on the government of Sudan to sustain peace, the churches' workshops will continue to bear fruit in the healing of a people traumatized by years of brutality.

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