Walking Beside Them - a Chat with Eric

DAN: You are on your third trip to East Africa to visit the vulnerable children of Sudan. What keeps you coming back?

ERIC: That is an easy question... God. Many years ago God placed these children in my heart. He has made it clear that I need to be their voice back in the U.S. To remind people that helping your neighbor is not just about the guy/gal next door, but also those who live far away. It has been an honor for me to travel here to do what God wants me to do.

DAN: There are nearly 200 kids that Susan Tabia and her team care for. Which one of the stories of the kids stands out to you and why?

ERIC: The stories that stand out are those who come to the orphanage sick and on the verge of dying. Through the love and care of the staff, these children are alive today and growing strong.

One name that comes to mind is Seme, a young boy here at AGO who was so sick that his stomach was swollen and he couldn't eat. He is now 9 and runs around here like any normal kid.

DAN:People around the world are worried about war breaking out again in Sudan. What is the feeling on the ground of the Sudanese toward the next 3 years?

ERIC: It seems to me that the refugees are not concerned. THe U.N. is moving back truck loads of refugees throughout the week back to Sudan. We have seen many, many trucks going North. My concern is that Adjumani might turn into a ghost town.

DAN: Do people assume that there will be peace - or are they ready to face whatever comes - as long as they are home?

ERIC: I did talk to many people and they think that the Peace will hold. I also think they are ready to fight back if it doesn't. The attitude is they are ready to defend instead of run.

DAN: Our brothers and sisters in Sudan and Uganda have face terrible hardships, sorrow, and death. What do you learn about hope from them?

ERIC: One thing I am taught everytime I come here is to be humble. They truly are representations of what a Christian should be. They do not whine for things, or complain of not having, they look towards God for all their needs. Even in the worse of times they STILL praise God's name. When something is given to them, they praise and thank God. It truly makes me see the importance of being content with what you have.

DAN: You mentioned that God has led you into being a voice for these children. What would you like to say to the world on their behalf?

ERIC: These children are not looking for handouts. They are happy to have whatever God provides. Although monies are needed to help them with education, food, etc. They are happy that there are people who care and love them. We need to step out in faith an show them love, encouragement and lift them up. Just as God walks beside us, we need to walk beside them

From Summer 09 Travelers!