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Lost Boys of Sudan
The Lost Boys of Sudan Receive a Blessing
Interview by Eve Brownstone

On Thursday November 7, 2003, the Lost Boys of the Sudan received the blessing of a new computer lab at St. Paul's Church by-the-Lake. Special guest Bishop Bul,The Bishop of Renk of The Episcopal Church of Sudan, assisted in officiating the Dedication and Blessing with Fr. J.H. Heschle. Ten years in the making, with the vision of Jim Kettelkamp and Fr. Heschle, generation fundraising efforts by Marty Max and the Rogers Park Builders Group, the Rogers Park community made it happen.

The Lost Boys of the Sudan were a group of 30,000 boys of 8 or 9 years of age who left their families and war-torn homes of Sudan. They stayed together on a treacherous journey. They traveled first to Ethiopia, then Kenya, which was home for eight years and finally settling in the United States three years ago in search of a home. One-hundred and fifty of these young men now 19-23 years old settled on the north side of Chicago. They want to be regarded as "The Lost Boys of the Sudan to honor their commitment to each other and the journey shared. Today many of these young men speak to schools, churches and other community organizations to share their stories of survival and courage. Where they go, they inspire hope.

During his remarks, Bishop Bul encouraged the young men to continue with their studies, become educated and earn meaningful incomes while here in the United States. He encouraged them to consider returning to their homeland because their country desperately needs new young educated leaders to help rebuild a society devastated by years of strife and civil war. The computer lab is located at St. Paul's Church by-the-Lake at 7100 N Ashland. The computer lab will be used to assist The Lost Boys of the Sudan and other neighbors with improving their computer skills.  For more information call (773)764-6514.



For more information, call 773.764.6514
 
 

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