29/08: A church rebuilt
In January 2008 I sat under the stars in Wunlang and listened on our satellite phone as my daughter told me about her engagement to Brandon Zimmerman. They had big plans for the rest of the year -- Brandon to join the Catholic Church, Rebecca to graduate from college, then to marry before Brandon's graduate courses began at Catholic University of America.
A few days before I had sat in Wunlang's church, wondering how it was still staying up. When it came time for me to speak, without even having consulted Brandon, I pledged the support of his colleagues at CUA.
Brandon came through. When he was received into the Catholic Church, he asked that all gifts to him go as donations to Village Help for South Sudan. He raised more than $2,000, enough to rebuild the church in its beautiful traditional style.
Graduation day, wedding day, the new semester all have come and gone. Now, my son-in-law is one of the newest doctoral students and teaching fellows of philosophy at CUA. And we have received pictures of the church he and his friends and colleagues have helped to rebuild.
Promise-making and promise-keeping is at the heart of all ethical conduct. I am so grateful that other people, Brandon's people, were able to keep the promise I made.
A few days before I had sat in Wunlang's church, wondering how it was still staying up. When it came time for me to speak, without even having consulted Brandon, I pledged the support of his colleagues at CUA.
Brandon came through. When he was received into the Catholic Church, he asked that all gifts to him go as donations to Village Help for South Sudan. He raised more than $2,000, enough to rebuild the church in its beautiful traditional style.
Graduation day, wedding day, the new semester all have come and gone. Now, my son-in-law is one of the newest doctoral students and teaching fellows of philosophy at CUA. And we have received pictures of the church he and his friends and colleagues have helped to rebuild.
Promise-making and promise-keeping is at the heart of all ethical conduct. I am so grateful that other people, Brandon's people, were able to keep the promise I made.
