Ive just touched down in Melbourne on the first leg of my trip and while flying read the introduction to Darren Cronshaw's book "Credible Witness". Now the title for the blog "Fair Dinka Mate" was mainly to emphasize our relationship with the Dinka people of Awiel (although there are many other tribes as well), as well as something of the friendship which has brought this partnership about. And yes, once upon a time I did have fair hair! But a quote Cronshaw takes from one of my old lecturers Frank Rees (perhaps "former lecturer" would be more accurate) added another insight.
He writes: "The word (fair dinkum) carries a strong sense of genuineness. If someone asks are we fair dinkum when we tell them something, they are asking about our sincerity. To be fair dinkum is a quality of a person and of their way of relating to other people. A fair dinkum person is one who can be relied on, is genuine in all their commitments, and completely trustworthy. They are genuine, open to others and not deceitful or duplicitous. Most of all it means a person with no pretenses. A fair dinkum person does not pretend to be better than others, does not condemn others and is not judgemental. They accept others and themselves, seeking always a mutuality of relationships." (Frank Rees, Fair Dinkum Ministry)
So there is a challenge! Can we be "Fair Dinka Mates"?
About Me
- Steve Blacket
- My connection with South Sudan began in 2004 when our church sponsored a refugee family, and my involvement in ministry amongst Sudanese grew rapidly from that time. My partner in this ministry from the beginning has been Rev Joseph Mawien, and it was his request that led to our first trip to Sudan in 2008 from which this mission has grown. The relationship with Bangladesh has also grown out of a friendship. Vana Bawm first contacted me in 2009 and we have worked closely together since. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to provide mission and development in these two beautiful countries. I am thankful to my two dear brothers, Joseph and Vana - wise and visionary Christian leaders. It is through them that I have been received as family even before entering their countries.
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