Marialbai is beautiful. Not just beautiful… peaceful, playful, serene. And the community here is like a big extended family. We sit under huge mango trees between crops of maize, millet, okra, peanut, sesame and much more. Children sing as they collect water and cattle and goats graze with minimal supervision. At night fire-flies dance in the grass and the only sounds to be heard are birds, insects and the occasional baby crying. A tranquil village. This is paradise.
But my imagination wont let me get too comfortable here. I can picture the militia attacks, the raiding parties, bombs, bullets and people defending and fleeing.
The terror and the beauty! What a contradiction!
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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