Let me introduce to you three young Sudanese new arrivals who are part of my congregation at Magill COC. This is Yiew (Ambrose), Aguil and Atak. Their older sister Juer and her two gorgeous daughters Grace and Margaret were amongst the first to join our church family.
In 2001 the family were in their home town of Awiel when the Arab militia attacked. Their parents were shot and the family scattered in the chaos. For many years Juer didnt know where her younger siblings were and finally paid someone to find them, eventually locating them in a Catholic orphanage in Awiel. Our church supported Juer's application to bring her family to Australia and after many hurdles we finally welcomed them at Adealide airport in November last year.
This photo was taken at the airport after about 30 hours travelling, which is why they look less smiley than usual! In just a few months they seem as much at home in our church community as anyone else. When the other children in Aguil's Sunday School class made gifts for their mums at mothers day, Aguil presented hers to me.
I tell this story to demonstrate the personal connection we have with Awiel. This mission partnership has grown out of the relationship we have with the people of Awiel. They are part of our family and have asked for our help.
Another interesting fact... Juer's husband was this year appointed Governor of the Awiel region - which I am told has a population of two to three million. Soon we will meet and explore how we might take this relationship further.
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