Wednesday 18 February 2009

A gift for Darfur...


Today we have sent $1500 AUD to Pastor Yournew Wol Kuot which will be used by a team that have been caring for the Darfurian refugees in Aweil. While Joseph Mawien and I were in Aweil last year we met people from Darfur who had fled the genocide. And when we visited Malual Kon in Aweil East we visited the refugee camp (pictured) where the Darfurians were being fed by the World Food Program. For the past six years we have heard of the ongoing civil war in Darfur and the devastating impact it has had on the African tribes. But hearing about it on the tv news is very different to being there and meeting the victims face to face.

What touched me most was hearing Rev Angelo describe the way the churches in Aweil were caring for the Darfurian refugees. They provide them with food, shelter and clothing and with their limited resources were providing care for the sick and wounded. I was impressed with the way Christians were caring for Moslems. Angelo told me "now they have become our brothers".

I had no hesitation in telling Angelo we would support him. For so long I have felt totally helpless in the face of this disaster and it was a relief to know there was something we could do. I asked Angelo "Please tell the people of Darfur that they have sisters and brothers in Australia who know about their suffering and pray for them."

$1500 isnt a large amount of money, but a dollar can go a long way in Sudan. As well as being very compasionate, Rev Angelo is a discerning man and will enusre the money is used for the maximum benefit. And as he provides for their physical needs, he also shares the gospel of Christ. It's nice to know we can be a part of this wonderful ministry.

Let me know if you would like to get involved...