When God grew tired of us

Saturday 9 May 2009

Facilitator: Mario

We watched a dvd called ‘When God grew tired of us” (NU metro release, available in regular stores). A National Geographic documentary records the orphaned boys of south Sudan who had to flee for their lives when the Muslim Government killed all their parents. The boys between 5 – 12 years old fled into the bushes and then walked bare foot to Ethiopia. 3 years later they were evicted and had to take another murderous bare feet 1000 mile journey to Kenya –26 000 boys left and 12 000 arrived. Since then they have been locked up in a refugee camp with high fences and no adults. The USA/UN started the “lost boys” resettlement program by taking individuals to the United States and offering them a chance to work and start their lives over. The documentary shows the lives of a couple of young men over a four-year period. The documentary leaves one with some real questions to ask…. There was some comment made on the spiritual background of these boys and how its plays out in the States – valid comments on our western beliefs systems indeed and the power of the Name that is above every other name.

At supper we started the discussions - we were all challenged! Some in the group felt quite overwhelmed, some felt great shame on behalf of the church, who was too busy with others things to have been there in their darkest hour, some wondered how they would have persevered under the same circumstances. Malcolm related the story of the starfish – when millions washed up on the beach, one man walked on the waterline, throwing back starfish into the sea as far as he went. Another man on the beach asked him why bother if there are so many and his reply as he threw another starfish back “ it makes the world of a difference for that one”.

Do what we can while we can to make a difference.