The beginning of the Marialbai Mission…

Sudan is a very difficult place to work. Communication can be almost impossible at times. Getting agreement requires spending a long time to develop trust and understanding. Cultural differences mean there are vastly different ways of working, and finding the ways that will satisfy everyone involved, even with simple tasks, can be frustrating. And even then there will be many obstacles to get the job done. At least, that is how it normally is.

When I was in Marialbai in January the Chief had been informed we were concerned to assist the many war orphans in the community. He offered a large piece of land to us for a Church of Christ Mission. Various bits of information were passed backwards and forwards via a complex network spanning different countries and languages, until finally we had the basis for a shared vision for a facility that would provide feeding, accommodation, education and Christian care for 240 children who have lost both parents in the civil war.

On Wednesday Paulino Malou and I returned to Marialbai. The Chief took us to see the land again. Now it is green and productive. Maize towered over us as we searched for the boundary markers. In the evening we commenced our formal discussions with the Chief and Deputy Chief. After listening to their speeches I gave a short reply: “If we agree tonight, we can commence work tomorrow.” I explained the requirements of our partnership and the funds we have available. By mid-afternoon the next day (yesterday) they had prepared the budget, identified the staff, arranged a contractor and begun searching the markets for the necessary equipment. At about 11.00 PM, after a very long and busy day, I was sitting outside my grass tukul, notebook on my lap while holding my torch with my chin, finalising the submission to send to the GMP Office in Australia. This morning the finance has arrived and Paulino and the Chief are already on their way to buy iron and cement and to make arrangements with the contractors.

When I return to Marialbai in a few days I hope to see our new centre at the Marialbai Church of Christ Mission, and to meet the children who will benefit from the provision of their friends across the ocean.