Scripture tells us that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Around the world, countless believers endure trials for their faith, standing firm in the midst of danger. In the war-torn city of El-Fasher, Sudan, one pastor is living this reality daily, embodying courage and faith under fire.
A Pastor Who Refuses to Leave
As two militias battle for control of the region, the Rev. Daramali Abudigin has chosen to remain when many others fled, reports Religion News Service. The 44-year-old priest of St. Mathew, Anglican Church of Sudan, continues to minister in a city besieged by hunger, bombs and stray bullets. “I didn’t leave the church,” Abudigin told Religion News Service. “In a while, I considered leaving, but I changed my mind. I am still staying with my flock. Whenever we lose a person, it makes me very sad.”
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In May, he lost five church members who were living with him after armed men randomly fired into the church compound. Despite the personal grief, Abudigin’s resolve only deepened. He lives in the city with his wife and three sons, refusing to abandon the Christians left in El-Fasher.
Standing Alone Amid Devastation
El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been under siege since April of last year. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have carried out relentless assaults, shelling homes, markets and refugee camps. At least 57 people were killed in one August attack, with many more dying from hunger and disease. “The bombs and the bullets strike homes,” Abudigin said. “The markets are very dangerous. One can lose their life anywhere and any time.”
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When his fellow pastor, the Rev. Luka Jomo, was struck by a stray bullet in June, Abudigin rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. Two young men staying with him were also killed. Even in tragedy, he continued to open the doors of his church to any who would come. “There are no other pastors in Darfur in general,” he explained. “I am the only one in El-Fasher, and I usually combine worshippers in one church to save them from random bombings and shootings.”
Hunger and Hardship
Beyond the gunfire, starvation is claiming lives. “Many children have malnutrition, and we are going to see many of them dying if they do not get help urgently,” Abudigin said. Though food can be found in the markets, few can afford it. The priest himself struggles to survive, as what little the church sends for his upkeep is “not enough. They used to send me 200,000 Sudanese pounds (USD 330) per month, but now this cannot feed me for two days,” he admitted.
Despite his own need, Abudigin’s heart is fixed on the community. “Food is urgently needed because hunger is killing people every day. As I am talking to you about hunger, we have lost a child because of it, and another two because of disease, since there are no medicines,” he said.
A Call to Prayer
The Rev. Daramali Abudigin stands as a light in one of the darkest places on earth, serving God’s people with courage few could imagine. His example reminds us of the early church, where believers risked everything to remain faithful.
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As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to remember them in prayer. Let us pray for Pastor Abudigin and all Christians in Sudan who are enduring persecution, hunger and danger. May God grant them strength, peace and endurance, and may His comfort cover all who suffer for the sake of His name around the world.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
