Sudanese Christians request prayer for a group of 12 believers arrested in Nyala, South Darfur, on 13 October. Officers of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) entered a home where they were meeting, asked whether they were Christians, and detained them when they answered affirmatively. Three of the Christians are from a Christian background and were subsequently released. The other nine are converts from Islam.

On 21 October, eight of the nine were released following severe beatings and the promise of their freedom if they recanted their faith. Having recanted under extreme pressure, they were charged with ‘disturbing the peace’ and released after a fine was paid.

The leader of the group, Tajadin Idris Yousef, refused to recant. He has been told that he will be charged with apostasy. On 22 October he was released pending a court hearing and is required to report to a local police station every three days. He has been advised verbally that the first court hearing will take place on 28 October.

Other Christians in area have gone into hiding as a result of these arrests.

Sudanese Christians request prayer:
a. that Tajadin Idris Yousef will stand firm in his faith, know the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom in all interaction with the authorities, and that the apostasy charge will be dropped
b. that those who recanted will have the desire to continue their walk with Jesus and will find ways to do so
c. that those responsible for the intimidation of believers would know the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness and new life offered by Jesus