The good news is we have received word from
our shipping company in the USA that the material support headed to
the Darfur refugee camp has arrived in Douala, Cameroon. The shipment
has been processed and should be leaving for N’djamena, the
capital of Chad, by the time you read this article. Then it will take
another 10 days or so over land to reach N’djamena. Once there,
it will go through the bureaucracies. It is 800 miles from N’djamena
to Abeja, Chad, and 30 miles from Abeja to the refugee camp in Gaga,
Chad. Our advance person is there to guarantee that everything goes
smoothly.
We have shipped 700 boxes weighing 1800 pounds in a 40ft container.
This remarkable achievement is all the more impressive when it is
remembered that this was done in a two-month period, from the beginning
of May to the end of July, primarily, a grassroots effort. It is an
extraordinary demonstration of concern and generosity.
Another consideration that makes this effort even more remarkable
is that it was accomplished in spite of all of the crises we face
here in the USA.
Again and again, on behalf of the Darfurian people and people of goodwill
everywhere, I want to thank all those who supported this effort. However,
we still need your support. The cost of the shipment was approximately
$23,000. In addition, we need your volunteer help. Any help you can
provide – from working with computers, helping with literature
preparation and distribution, telephone calling, transportation, vehicle
or driving, etc. Even your presence at our meetings and organizing
efforts, would be appreciated. We would love to have you join our
organization. For information on how to accomplish any of these objectives,
please call the House of the Lord Church at (718) 596-1991 or (718)
797-2184.
As a reminder to you and for those who may not know, according to
the United Nations, “The suffering in Darfur, Sudan, has been
described as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. All
reliable accounts consider it a campaign of genocide, which, since
its beginnings in 2003, has resulted in over 200,000 to 400,000 deaths,
an estimated 2.5 million persons have been displaced and hundred of
thousands are refugees in foreign countries. Others have suffered
rape, maiming, enslavement, destruction of and confiscation of properties.”
And as I have previously stated, “This conflict is blight on
the human landscape and its horrors will continue until there is outside
intervention.”
Another piece of good news, however, Bishop Tutu, along with some
of the African elders, with the blessings of Nelson Mandela, is headed
for Darfur. Hopefully, they will have a meaningful impact. They will
be meeting with the various leaders to encourage an end to the violence.
On the bad news side, the United Nations has reported that the violence
has increased and has issued a call to the Bashir government in Sudan,
who, it is believed, is supporting the militia that is responsible
for the violence, to decease from its involvement with the militia.
There is a meeting scheduled for October 27, 2007, in Libya, North
Africa, where Darfurian rebel leaders, who have been waging a war
since 2003, will meet with the Sudan government and regional governmental
leaders. Sudan is the largest African country and it is bordered by
nine other countries.
Historically, in a war, when there is a scheduled meeting to arrive
at a settlement, violence is increased as warring factions attempt
to increase their bargaining position by getting more land or more
resources or more of something.
As I before stated, “There are three challenges to the crises
in Darfur: 1) is to establish peace; 2) is humanitarian aid; and,
3) is for the rebels to unite and negotiate a settlement with the
Sudanese government that would bring peace and prosperity to the entire
region.” If that could be achieved, perhaps it could be a model
for all of Africa.
On Thursday, September 20th, we celebrated our 50th consecutive organizing
meeting. We have recorded minutes and attendance for every meeting.
And, on Thursday, October 18th, we will celebrate our 1st anniversary.
The membership and those who have regularly attended our meetings
are to be commended.
Upcoming Events
Organizing Meetings regarding Darfur every Thursday - 12noon @ the
House of the Lord Church
Material Support Drive to Help the People of Darfur going on until
June 30th.
Keep abreast of our Darfurian activities by checking our web page
@ www.holnj.org.
BCAT Program every 2nd and 4th Sunday @ 2p.m.
For further Information on all events, contact The House of the Lord
Church @ (718) 596-1991