Finding Peace Amidst Displacement: A Sudanese Refugee’s Journey
A Sudanese woman
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
The war in Sudan has driven millions from their homes, forcing them to flee violence, instability, and uncertainty. Among these displaced people, many have sought refuge in Egypt, settling in towns where the challenges of building a new life are daunting, especially for those with little to no resources.
Responding to the Refugee Crisis
A local Compel International partner sought to meet this need by supporting Sudanese refugee families. Many of these refugees come from a Muslim background, and their journey to find hope and stability is filled with both material and spiritual challenges. Initially, the ministry’s approach seemed simple: providing small loans for families to start businesses. Yet, without proper training, the effort saw limited success—only three out of 40 families managed to benefit. Undeterred, the ministry decided to try again, this time incorporating micro-enterprise training.
A Training That Opened Doors
The response was overwhelming. Compel International’s Field Coordinator for North Africa and her husband, a successful businessman, conducted the training, initially expecting a modest turnout. Instead, 150 Sudanese refugees arrived, eager for guidance. After much deliberation, they narrowed the group to 88 participants, beginning a two-month intensive program that combined practical business training with opportunities for spiritual exploration.
A Woman of Peace
The ministry encouraged its leaders to identify “persons of peace” within the community—individuals open to learning and sharing their faith. One such connection blossomed when a community evangelist serving Sudanese refugees met Fatima, a Sudanese woman who had experienced immense hardship. During their conversation, the volunteer gently asked if Fatima wanted to surrender her challenges to God and seek His intervention. Fatima, from a Muslim background, agreed, and the servant shared Jesus’ words from John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
An Encounter With Christ
Three days later, Fatima called the evangelist, her voice filled with urgency. She described a life-changing encounter: “Jesus came to me and said, ‘You asked to meet me, and here I am. I have brought you living water.’” Transformed by this experience, Fatima expressed her desire to follow Jesus. Her newfound joy was so evident that her neighbor, also of Muslim background and initially resistant to the church worker’s visits, began asking questions. Eventually, she too decided to embrace faith in Christ
“Jesus came to me and said, ‘You asked to meet me, and here I am. I have brought you living water.”
A Business With a Mission
With support from the local ministry, Fatima and her neighbor have rented a small shop, offering Sudanese meals and perfumes. Their vision extends beyond commerce—they hope to share the love of Christ through their work, even planning to offer free drinks with meals as a gesture of hospitality and faith.
Fatima now shares Bible stories with her family, including her children—two of whom live with her in Egypt, while her youngest, who has disabilities, remains with her husband in Sudan.
Streams in the Desert
The transformation in Fatima’s life reflects the truth of Isaiah 55:1: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.”She found not only practical help but also spiritual renewal, and her story is spreading hope among others in the town.
Please join in prayer for Fatima, her neighbor, and the ministry in Egypt as they continue to serve Sudanese refugees, bringing both physical and spiritual sustenance to those in need. Their journey reminds us that even in the midst of war and displacement, God’s rivers of living water flow to refresh weary souls.