A Father to the Father-less…

On Thursday 2nd September we commenced the Marialbai Church of Christ Mission.
During my visit in January with Joseph Mawien and Ros Stafford-Green the Chief offered a large piece of land to be used for the care of children who had lost their parents during the war. The Chief immediately began the process of registration and identified 240 children in the community who had lost both parents. Over the next few months we agreed to commence with a feeding program with plans to add a school, church, accommodation, health care and some agricultural developments. A visionary Church of Christ leader has agreed to coordinate and lead the mission – Pastor Paulino Malou Bol Jok.
Paulino and I met with the Chief and Deputy Chief soon after arriving in Aweil and we quickly developed our plans. In just 2 weeks we prepared a proposal and budget, gained approval, engaged a contractor, arranged staff, erected the feeding centre, purchased equipment and supplies and arranged the opening and dedication.
As we walked through the village to the opening ceremony I could hear the children singing long before we could see the shiny iron roof of the feeding centre. Hundreds had gathered, children and adults, and Pastor Butros had them singing their hearts out. There were songs, prayers and speeches. I had the opportunity to explain we were there because people in Australia cared and wanted to help. I told them about two young boys in my church who had raised money for soccer balls and hand-balls which I had brought with me, and I used this as an example of how we hope our partnership can bring joy and community and love – as well as food and education and other practical assistance.
After the dedication service I photographed each of the 240 children and recorded their information in preparation for sponsorship. While I was photographing a fight broke out. Some men wanted their children registered along with the orphans and when they were refused they tried to stop the program. Rivalry is strong here and it seems some people would prefer we provided nothing than for their own children to miss out.
Each of the children were given a plate and cup and then we enjoyed a very simple meal of rice and beans, followed by some soccer and a hand-ball demonstration.
The final task was to meet with the Committee to discuss the partnership agreement and some management issues. One man said his wife was expecting a baby that day, but he was so excited about our new program he was at the opening ceremony instead. One of the cooks thanked God for the opportunity she has been given, saying it was like feeding her own children. I stressed again, our mission is more than providing food, education and homes. It is firstly about love. I told them of the verse in the Bible where God is described as a father to the father-less, and how we have been called to be an expression of God’s love for the orphans.
Our mission in Marialbai has begun.