Sudan Ministry Update :: November 2004
by Bob Mohr
In August 2001 five Lost Boys of Sudan arrived in Tacoma. With the help of the UPPC congregation, they continue to transition into life in America. We have changed their group name from the “Lost Boys of Sudan” to the “Found Men”. This transition is taking longer than we expected, but considering where they came from, we must be patient and follow God’s direction. Below is a brief story of each since arriving in Tacoma.
Augustino Jor spent one year at Divine Word College Seminary near Dubuque Iowa. He returned to Tacoma in December 2003 where he worked at part time jobs and got his driver’s license. In June Augustino signed a three-month contract to work on a fish processing ship in Alaska. Augustino is now living with John and Carissa Lewis and is attending school at Bates Technical College where he is enrolled in Mathematics and English classes. He is working part time for Greg Phillips at the Tacoma Grocery Outlet in Lakewood.
Nhial Diing (formerly John Piol) has been work for Greg Phillips at the Tacoma Grocery Outlet in Lakewood since early in 2004. Nhial has also started Bates Technical College and is enrolled in a program to become a Dental Assistant.
Lino Laul and James Tong continue to work for Greg Phillips at the Tacoma Grocery Outlet in Lakewood. Both Lino and James received their green card in May 2004. On Monday September 27, 2004, the News Tribune featured a story on Lino, James and Nhial titled “Lost Boys find manhood, hope in the US.” After being introduced, the reporter Bill Hutchens found the young men as captivating as we have. (click here to read the article).
Anthony Anei spent the summer 2004 in Africa visiting his mother and getting married. Prior to leaving for Africa, he received his green card and is now working at Emerald Home Furnishings. Before he left for Africa Anthony told me that his brother and family would be arriving in Tacoma around the middle of June. Brother Abram, Cristina, Akol, Anei, and Yel arrived on June 16 while Anthony was on his way to Africa.
The Yel Family
Abram, Cristina, Akol, Anei, and Yel arrived at Seatac from Khartoum Sudan after a three-year stop over in Cairo, Egypt. The family was granted refugee status because of Christian persecution in Sudan. Both Abram and Cristina are taking classes at Tacoma Community House to improve their English skills. Abram and family are in the WorkFirst program and receive food stamps and public assistance. Son Akol, age 5, is enrolled in the Sunset Preschool three days a week and son Anei, age 3, for one day a week. Son Yel, age 1, has recently found his legs and now motors around their two-bedroom apartment. On October 15, 2004, a Birthday Party was held for Yel in the UPPC Café. We are currently working through immunization shots and dental appointments.
The Elisa Family
We have located a second Sudanese family that arrived in Tacoma in July 2004. Hakim, Lona, and Diana arrived from Cairo, Egypt as refugees from Sudan. Like Abram and Cristina they are Christians who had been told to leave Khartoum because they are Christians. Hakim speaks English and is looking for a job. Lona has been attending ESL classes at Tacoma Community House. She is pregnant with their second child due in December. Diana, age 3, is their first daughter and had a birthday on October 23. At the Birthday Party for Yel on October 15 we also celebrated Diana’s birthday. (click here for the pictures).
Praises
We would like to thank everyone at UPPC and those in the community for their help this summer and fall to resettle the Yel and Elisa families. This list is long and we want to thank each personally. Special thanks go to Lorina Meade, Marci Johnson, Marion Tilley, Karen Knipher, Ben & Julie Mangrum, Linda Bowman, Jill Hamilton, Emily Bosh, The Found Men (Anthony, Augustino, Lino, Nhail, and James), just to name a few.
A special thanks goes to Greg Phillips at the Tacoma Grocery Outlet. He now has four of the Found Men working full or part time in his store.
Prayers
Below is only a partial list of support items that are needed to help these two families transition into life in America. It seems that each day we find some new needs for either or both families. If you feel God calling you to come along side either of these families, call to Bob Mohr at 253 564 9308 or bobjanetmohr@comcast.net or Lorina Meade at 253 564 9617 or lorinakay@aol.com.
1. Transportation continues to be a major issue. Hakim can drive but needs
a driver’s license, a car, and some way to support its operation. Both Abram
and Cristina want to learn how to drive.
2. Jobs for Abram and Hakim.
3. Dental appointments for Abram and Cristina.
4. Immunization appointments.
5. Shopping and budgeting skills.
6. Being an advocate for the families to insure that support from WorkFirst
and DSHS is accomplished.
7. Baby sitting
8. Tutoring in English