Oil drilling in the south is rising, pumping millions into the government's defense budget. In Lui, Graham visited the hospital operated by his Samaritan's Purse organization. He shook hands with patients, and chatted with American missionary doctors. At the church, which was bombed in December by the Sudanese government, he promised Bishop Bullen Dolli the money to rebuild it. Many Christian groups charter airplanes that zip into southern Sudan illegally, carrying food, medicine and Bibles to needy villagers.
Pilots monitor government radio channels for fear of antiaircraft guns.
Missionaries travel without Sudanese visas and work under the protection of the rebels. Some Christian groups even buy back slaves from Arab militias for cash, while others try to convert Muslims and animists.