The New York Times carried an interesting story today about one of the newest priests in the Diocese of Western Michigan. He is Zachariah Jok Char, a native of Sudan, who serves at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids—once home to Gerald Ford. You can find the entire story here.
Mr. Char is one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, who literally walked away from the turmoil in his native country many years ago. He is one of more than three dozen Episcopal priests who followed the same path, and how now leads communities of his fellow countrypeople who have resettled in the U.S. His ordination enabled the group at Grace Church to hear liturgies in their native Dinka language.
Grace church sought out the Sudanese, making an effort several years ago to help them settle comfortably in the U.S. That concern has been replicated in other congregations, and it has clearly been reciprocated by those who have found a new home in America and the Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Char’s comment sums it all up well: “in Sunday school, we were told when you are a kind person, God will give you a long life. The only way people can stay kind is hearing the word of God every day and staying involved in the community.” Amen, brother.
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