Ten years ago, members of Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lake Highlands welcomed 12 Sudanese refugees, known as Dinka, to worship among them. Since then, parishioners have surrounded them with love and support to help fully integrate these Lost Boys of Sudan into the community. On May 14th, the church will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their Dinka congregation and ministry, which has grown to 60 adults and 50 children and teens.
When the Dinka men arrived in the spring of 2001, families helped them find apartments and learn to shop in our grocery stores of overwhelming abundance. They taught them to drive and helped them apply for jobs. They assisted them in passing the GED and walked them through the maze of enrolling in college. Since then the men have flourished, Â working, building families and reaching out to others who need help.
Saturday’s celebration begins at 5 pm and will be hosted by the Dinka men and women as a way of thanking God and showing appreciation to those who have helped them make a home here. Episcopal Church of the Ascension is located at 8787 Greenville Avenue.