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| Idris from the Nuba Mountain region presented about the genocide in Sudan during Mission to the City. |
When Nolan Scott went to a leader of the Nuba community and asked how Walnut Creek could help them during Mission to the City, their response was a little surprising. They did not need help–no food, shelter, or jobs. They wanted Nolan to help their people in the Nuba Mountain region.
Daily bombings force many to flee and seek refuge in the Nuba Mountain area of Sudan, where there is little food and water. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people have died, and even more are still trapped, unable to escape. Humanitarian aid and journalists are banned from the area.
"During college we met many refugees from Sudan who worked in the Drake cafeteria, and we became good friends with them upon our graduation. Before meeting our Sudanese friends, many of whom are refugees from the Nuba Mountains, we didn't know much about the situation," said Rebecca Scott, Nolan's wife.
After praying about a way to help the Nuba people, Nolan and Rebecca knew they wanted to send aid. They ordered blue wristbands that said, "Pray for Nuba, Proverbs 24:11-12," and people were given an opportunity to help by purchasing wristbands for $5 each at the Walnut Creek Windsor Heights services on Sunday, May 18.
On Sunday of Mission to the City, eight Sudanese paired up with 25 Walnut Creek members to canvas to local neighborhoods asking people to help in one of three ways:
1. Support the cause by purchasing a bracelet, or donating money
2. Signing a petition (www.savethenuba.com)
3. Giving a voice to the situation
They also invited people to an event held at the Windsor Heights location that same evening where Idris, a man from the Nuba Mountains, shared about the situation and answered questions. Each of the nine Sudanese present at the event had lost family and friends in the genocide.
Many people were more than generous, and the Scotts raised $2,720 to purchase medicine, over $200 more than they had prayed for. The medicine will come from Kenya and be driven to Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains through an organization called the Persecution Project.
"Looking through the New Testament we see Jesus drawn to compassion, and then move. Whether it is giving food to the hungry or healing the sick, He gets involved," said Rebecca. "These are real people made in the image and likeness of God that are in danger on a daily basis."
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights