Children's ministry
Fire from the sky,
passion to do more
by Anita Henderlight
Do you find it as interesting as I when The Call asks, "What book is lying on your nightstand?"
I HAVE DISCOVERED a gem from the biography section of the bookstore: "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky." The book has taken me by surprise - not because it's a good read, but because of the way it has inspired me since turning the last page.
It's no secret that I'm passionate about children's ministry, and certainly, I am aware of global issues. Yet, it wasn't until I read this book over the Fourth of July weekend that I experienced an urgency to act more intentionally on behalf of children suffering in Africa.
"They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky" is the story of Alepho, Benjamin, and Benson's lives in Sudan. From page to page, I learned more about the epidemic hunger and suffering they endured as they fled villages and refugee camps and escaped militants ordered to exterminate them. They crawled across desert land, begged for water, and spent night after night with only soil as their beds. The boys were ages five and six when their villages were set on fire as a result of Sudan's civil war.
Shortly after reading about these children, I attended a children's ministry seminar in Nashville where I met a man named Kasombo. By coincidence, Kasombo worked for four years in a Sudanese refugee camp. Questions poured out of me. "What it is really like in the refugee camps?" Not good. "How do the children survive?" Many don't. "What do you tell the children about America?" It's shiny. It's a land of abundance.
My conversation with Kasombo continued well past the time for us to move on to our event's next workshop. I realized that I would learn far more from Kasombo at that moment. I discovered that he is a deacon in the United Methodist Church. He is trying to help educate children as a leader of ARC - Africa Rehabilitation Center. He traveled to America to raise awareness of what's happening to the children in Africa.
He certainly accomplished that with me. Since then, I have been spreading the stories about the children of Africa. The list of those who have heard is long: Bishop James Swanson, the conference staff, clergy, laity, the Children's Ministry Team, my family - frankly, anyone who would listen. I e-mailed Judy Bernstein, co-author of "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky." She directed me to a C-SPAN program where I saw Alepho and Benjamin, heard their voices, and witnessed their passion for educating others about Africa.
So much more has happened since then. Motivation to continue learning about these seemingly forgotten faraway children has come from many sources. Staff and ministry team members have stepped up to connect me with others in Holston who care deeply about global missions. Bishop Swanson contacted general church agencies to learn how Holston may realistically respond to the needs of Sudan's children. Late last month, a newly formed Sudan Action Team met for hours with three young men who were actually "lost boys of Sudan" themselves - until they were rescued and came to live in Maryville, Tenn. By the end of the day, we had developed a mission action plan, which you will hear about soon.
All of this is not to say that we will forget our children right here at home. Pain and suffering know no geographic boundaries. Yet I believe the people of Holston have enough love and willpower to meet the needs of many. As Kasombo said, we are a land of abundance.
Where is this leading? I don't know. Here is what I know for sure. "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky" is a powerful book. I think it should be on your nightstand.
I know this recent series of events - reading the book, meeting Kasombo, and sharing with others - is leading me to greater service. And I know that my husband Ken is right when he tells me, "God works in mysterious ways."
Anita Henderlight is coordinator of children's ministries, available at (865) 690-4080 or e-mail
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