Franklin Graham welcomed the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C., on January 7, telling ministry staff as well as reporters, "He has been a great friend to us. It is a great privilege."

President Kiir thanked Samaritan's Purse for assistance during Sudan's civil war and for rebuilding 227 churches that were destroyed during the conflict.



"We are very thankful to ... Samaritan's Purse and all those staff that have been working with us," President Kiir said. "We will never forget about you."

He also thanked Franklin Graham and the ministry for working to strengthen the faith of believers who endured horrible persecution.
"Faith is important to the people to determine their destiny," he said.

President Kiir described how many people had their faith tested during the war. When faced with the choice of conversion to Islam or death, some even renounced their faith. "Those who resisted are the real Christians," he said. "And they will have to be supported to become stronger."

He serves as President of South Sudan's autonomous government as well as first vice president of the nation of Sudan. He met with President Bush in Washington, D.C., on Monday, to thank him for the support he extended to Sudan during his term in office.
"We came to tell him thank you," President Kiir said.

President Kiir ended his visit by sharing a prayer request for Sudan: "We would like you also to keep remembering us, that you have friends in Sudan. And we will be with you in prayers all the time."

Samaritan's Purse plans to rebuild another 110 churches in Sudan during 2009.

- Please pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Sudan, as well as for Samaritan's Purse staff and ministry partners there.

- Please pray that the peace agreement would continue to be honored.

- Pray that Sudanese Christians will recognize God's faithfulness as churches are completed.

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