Compassion in action

Have you heard about Darfur? I have. In August 1991 I met my first "Lost Boy" and he was soon followed by many others to my Phoenix church. Lost Boys are (usually male) refugees from Sudan. After spending most of their childhood either on the run or in refugee camps, they have been offered asylum in the United States. Phoenix has a large Sudanese population now and many are Episcopalians since most Dinka tribes are Episcopalian.

I learned a lot about faith from listening to them, and I also learned how truly blessed my whole life has been. My church took the Lost Boys to heart and took them into their homes, basketball games, Christmas parties, etc. Having met and loved these young men, I became aware of a region called Darfur. The horror experienced there is unimaginable. So you can imagine my concern when a very brave and compassionate friend went there to do humanitarian work.

Now s/he is going back to Darfur . S/he can't post due to censorship but I thought I'd post some of the thoughts I received before s/he left.

"I am going back to Darfur, Sudan to help in the building of a guest house that we plan to rent out to the non-governmental organizations in the area, including the United Nations. This is being funded by donors who want to be paid back (less than one year) but more importantly want a continuing source of revenue for humanitarian projects on the ground in Sudan. This, as envisioned, will be that resource for years to come. We envision handing it off lock, stock, and barrel in three-to-five years to the locals who have proven that they have the peoples best interest in mind regardless of tribe or origin.

"That being said, it is a lawless place and one that is inherently dangerous. It is the worst environment I have ever been in -- which includes Iraq. It is also where the most good can be done in the world, which is why I choose to go there and work. My other responsibility will be to help with risk assessments and eventually training of missionaries to try and help them to help themselves by learning how to recognize and avoid trouble. I believe that it is a noble calling and one that is worth the risk. I have asked for and been granted a one-year sabbatical from the process of discerning my calling to become ordained in the Episcopal Church; I am very grateful to the commission on ministry for allowing me this opportunity.

"I will endeavor to write e-mails as I can to let you all know what is happening on my journey. Please understand that I will be in a country that is hostile to the U.S. and that anything I send has the potential to be monitored and could be hazardous to my health. This includes e-mail I receive, so please no attachments and understand that I will respond as I can in the best way I can under the circumstances.

Thank you for all of the love and support you have given over the years and if you would like to send a prayer my way on occasion I will greatly accept it. I depart for one-to-three months depending on visas. May Peace be with you all."

If only we could all be so brave and do the right thing. Prayers for those in Darfur would be appreciated.