New Sudan Video

NCC committee offers Sudan DVD resource

“It takes courage to be a refugee.” Those words are posted in the office of Christine Gedim at the Lutheran Refugee and Immigration Service.

Gedim knows something about those words. She is a former refugee from Sudan now working to help resettle refugees herself.

Her story is part of a newly released video from the National Council of Churches USA’s (NCC) Program Committee on Education and Mission. The DVD, “Touch the World, Touch Sudan,” contains prayers, stories and factual updates on the situation in the east African country of Sudan.

“The material on the DVD is downloadable on our website,” said the Rev. Garland Pierce, NCC associate general secretary for education and leadership ministries. “It is a great resource for congregations or individuals who want to know how to connect with those who are in desperate need.” [http://www.ncccusa.org/missioneducation/sudan/touch_sudan.htm]

One of the segments, “Prayers for Sudan,” offers three short, contemplative videos on the situation in Sudan by Janis Pyle, from the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Richard Parkins, director of Episcopal Migration Ministries, New York City, in another segment offers an explanation of “internally displaced persons.” They are not refugees who are not counted by international refugee agencies, he says.

These resources “offer a capacity to grow in compassion,” says Thomas K. Chu, program director of ministries with young people for the Episcopal Church. This resource helps the viewers “ask God that question; what do you want me to do in this world at this time?”

Una Jones, executive secretary, Mission Leaders, United Methodist Church, says this resource truly offers people an “opportunity to make a difference.”

The DVD is available to view online at http://www.ncccusa.org/missioneducation/sudan/touch_sudan.htm or from UCC Resources by calling 1-800-537-3394. You may also order from the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 812, New York, NY 10115.

The National Council of Churches USA is the ecumenical voice of 35 of America’s Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and traditional peace churches. Those member denominations represent 45 million faithful Christians in 100,000 congregations in all 50 states.

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