In the hills of Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, grief continues to deepen as Christian communities face repeated attacks on their leaders.

On July 24, fighters from a breakaway faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) stormed the Dabbi area of Heiban County in South Kordofan. During the assault, Episcopal Pastor Adel Idris Jongool was shot and seriously injured. He died from his wounds on July 27. The same wave of violence saw the abduction of Pastor Yaqob Ibrahim Tia of the Sudanese Church of Christ, along with other Christians and church leaders.

The attack is part of an alarming pattern of targeted violence against clergy in the region, coming only weeks after the killing of Catholic priest Father Youhana Al-Amin in nearby Kauda.

Process the Pain

Local believers are still struggling to accept the loss.

“What has happened is so catastrophic and tragic,” a local pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, told International Christian Concern (ICC). “We are very concerned about our lives as Christians, but the fact that our brother has passed on to the Lord is a comfort. He was a man who loved to share the gospel, and he will forever remain in our hearts. We ask that ICC pray for us so that we may have the strength to endure this persecution.”

Another believer, who also asked to remain anonymous, shared the Scripture that has become his source of strength:

“‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,’” he said. “Revelation 14:13 is the only Scripture that is comforting us right now. We were not prepared for such attacks, but now we are diligent and intentional in watching and praying amid persecution. All we can do is trust in the Lord. We ask that you pray for us, and the Lord will strengthen us.”

Driven from their Homes

Many families have been forced to flee after their homes were burned.

“We have fled our homes after they were burned down, but we thank the other believers from other places who are now standing with us,” a local woman said. “They have shown us great kindness, and we are grateful. Now we are praying that the Lord will give us grace to return to normal life, but this time with wisdom so that we can minimize further tragedy.”

Church leaders in the Nuba Mountains describe a climate of fear in which pastors and congregations no longer feel safe even in places of worship. Despite the danger, they continue to call for prayer, resilience, and solidarity from the global Body of Christ.

“Please pray for the family of Pastor Adel Idris Jongool, for the safe release of Pastor Yaqob Ibrahim Tia and all those still held,” the pastor said, “and for strength and protection for the Christian community facing ongoing violence.”

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