I dare you to watch and not cry.

Do Something to Save Darfur




Destiny: Darfur

Troubled times surround us
In this world of love and hate
Where we’re born we don’t choose--
God determines every fate.
So, some exist in plenty
Stability and wealth
While others dwell in poverty,
Oppression and ill-health.

With this lack of balance
The correct thing it would seem
Is to try and even up the score,
Contribute and redeem.
How often do we think thus,
But fail each time to act?
Rarely do we go beyond
Intention, that’s a fact.

Once in a while we meet someone
Of strength -- one of so few
Undoubtedly, in them we see
The Light of Christ shines through.
So we have the fortune
Of being truly blessed
To see a great example
Of one who has witnessed.

Daily, we learn the tragedy,
Horrific they endure
In sprawling desert of Sudan
The area Darfur.
Of vastly complex nature,
The politics and such
And try we hard to contemplate
Yet, fathom it not much.

‘Til graced with humble presence
Of missionary priest
Who called to Order known to us,
Spent decade there, unceased.
He opens up this place he knows
So we can plainly see
There’s more than just despair and pain
In Darfur’s history.

Now his cause is evident
As journey forth he must,
Spreading news of hopefulness
For God has placed his trust
In this meek man proficient
In language pertinent
Calls him from another path
To greater continent.

Living with the peoples
Of vibrant garb and smile
This man has changed and deepened--
His Lord ‘longside each mile
Asked if he’ll go back there
To land of will and woe
He tilts his head so thoughtfully,
Responding, “I hope so.”

Kathleen Mortensen © 2007