Dying in Darfur

I cannot keep silent anymore.

There's a burning in my heart for a place halfway around the world, a region of Sudan called Darfur. It's about the size of Texas. And people are dying, really brutally, about 10,000 a month.

I've learned about the genocide in Rwanda, and the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia. I've learned that the international community knew and did nothing. And I've learned that the same thing is going on right now in Sudan. Can it really be happening again?

The slightly chaotic sites linked above give information about Darfur, and what we can do to help, but here's the rundown: Arab Sudanese killing African Sudanese, with the government's help. The UN estimates the death toll to be 70,000 but that number's probably underestimated because they aren't allowed in to count.

When we wonder at the pain and suffering here on earth, do we blame God for allowing it, or do we first look to the inaction of his representatives here ...us... when we're troubleshooting?

We cannot be cynics. But we can't be indifferent, either. I don't mean to guilt-trip, because if I wasn't taking an International Relations class right now I'd have no idea what's going on. But since I've become aware of this, it's really been burdening my heart.

There are three reasons I'm so passionate about this. One, I know that it's happening right now, today. Two, it's happening to real people that God created and loves. Three (and this is essential).... I can help. I really believe there's a lot we as Americans can do to make our government aware of what's going on and our concern for the Africans in Sudan.

Clicking on the title of this blog will link you to www.darfurgenocide.org. The other site I'd recommend is www.savedarfur.com. Can we figure out a way to work together for these people? (petition, letters, spreading awareness) Please comment...