An Urgent Appeal from on behalf of Ben Ajiek

From Rev. Jerry Drino, Hope With Sudan:

I am writing you to see if you can help me find some frequent flier miles for a family emergency for Ben Ajiek, one of the Sudanese in our community.  He called me in tears yesterday to say that his daughter, Ajang, had died.  She was born premature two weeks ago in Wau, southern Sudan.  His wife, Adaing, has been under severe stress because their nine year old son, Lual, has contracted a life-threatening respiratory condition where he can barely breathe or
eat.  This stress probably induced the early birth.   As you can
imagine medical resources are very basic if non-existent.

Ben is beside himself with grief.   I spent several hours with him
last night.   He had gone back to Sudan to visit eight months ago.
Adaing had gotten pregnant and they were looking forward to their second child and for the family to file to be relocated to the US.  He had come in 2001 seeking to find a better life and education for himself and his family.  Within a month he had found himself a job and within a year he was starting college.   He seeks to be a part of an international reconciliation team.  Now he is facing not only the death of his daughter, but the possible death of his son, Lual and the uncertainty of the health of his wife who continues to bleed after giving birth.

He fled Sudan when he was seven, walking a thousand miles to Ethiopia and then three years later fleeing with all the Lost Boys to walk another 1000 miles to Kenya.  In his tears he asks "Why can't God save my own innocent children, who did nothing to deserve this, when he saved me and let me live through all the hardships I have known?  Will God hear my prayers?"

It is that last question that prompts me to ask for your help. I am looking for God to work through others to help Ben and his family.  I am trying to find people who might have frequent flier miles so that we can get him on a plane to Africa as soon as possible.  Obviously, he will need additional funds to book the mileage ticket and travel
within Sudan.   Please ask people to spread this request and get back
to me as soon as possible.  All donation are tax deductible.  They can contact me at jdrino@hopewithsudan.org (408) 259-2111.

Please contact as many people as you can about Ben's need.

Thank you

Jerry Drino
--
Executive Director
Hope With Sudan
www.hopewithsudan.org