ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
In a world where suffering often defies our comprehension, consider the people of Sudan: armed bands of pro-government Arabs, called the Janjaweed, attack farming villages daily. At least 30,000 people in the Darfur region have been killed and 1.2 million have been driven from their homes. The United Nations says 270,000 Sudanese need assistance and that this African land is the world’s most urgent humanitarian crisis. The U.N. World Food Bank planned to expand its operation in Darfur, but even that cannot relive the suffering.
People with compassion do have at least one avenue to help. Mennonite Central Committee Central States Region, based in North Newton, has pledged to collect 2,500 blankets, 1,000 school kits and cash for Sudan. The local effort is part of a $4.6 million international relief effort by MCC.
You don’t have to be Mennonite to give toward this important cause. Blankets and school supplies can be delivered to the Et Cetera Sop in Hillsboro or the regional headquarters in North Newton. Cash donations should be sent to MCC Sudan Relief, Box 235, North Newton, KS 67117.
For more information, call Elizabeth Raid at 316-283-2720. Here’s one more chance for you to make a difference. -DR
