October 31, 2007 by Joan S. Gray
ATLANTA – How many places of need just around the corner or across the world are waiting for someone to care and catch a vision of what God might want to be done in that place?
Here is one such place.
A civil war has raged across Southern Sudan for more than twenty years. In the course of this war, it is estimated that two million people have been killed and another four million have been forced into exile or internal displacement.
In the midst of this tragedy, the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles (pronounced skinnyatlas), NY, in the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse, joined in the effort to receive and resettle some of those who are now called the "Lost Boys" of Sudan.
These are young men who fled kidnap and forced service in rebel armies. This resettlement effort soon widened to the community and dozens of these young men have been given a new life through their ministry.
The exciting second chapter of this story began when one of these young men began to dream of doing something for his homeland. His vision took the shape of a health clinic for the Duk area of southern Sudan. The inhabitants of this region are Christians, and live by farming and keeping livestock.
This young man presented his vision to the First Presbyterian Church pastors and leaders. They all began to work together to make it happen.
As a result, $4 million was raised and now there is a new health clinic, providing the only western-style medical care for the whole of the Duk region.
Never underestimate the power of a vision!
If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry, visit the Web site http://www.acsudanfoundation.org/.
Presbyterian News Service Joan S. Gray is Moderator, 217th PC(USA) General Assembly
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