THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 3, 1994 TAG: 9411020179
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Long : 101 lines
WHEN ROSE FERGUSON called the Rev. James Cress of Berea United Church of Christ in Driver, he thought she was a telemarketer.
But he soon discovered that Ferguson was calling from the UCC Board of World Ministries in New York with an unusual request: Would Berea be interested in ``adopting'' a refugee family from the Sudan due to arrive in the area by early December?
Cress agreed to approach Berea's Missions Committee and his church with the proposal.
``Our committee was wholeheartedly interested,'' Cress said. But before the church could vote, the family named Panoam was on its way and arrived in Suffolk on Sept. 26.
Cress and several other local UCC ministers quickly laid the groundwork for sponsoring the Panoams, and since then other local churches have joined in the program.
``We agreed to try to do what we could for this family,'' Cress said. ``It was certainly the humanitarian and Christian thing to do.''
The journey that brought James and Nyachin Panoam and their 18-month-old son, Gatpan, to the United States was long and arduous. Both James, 25, and Nyachin, 21, are natives of southern Sudan. Their towering, 6-foot-plus frames and ebony skin reflect the people of their African homeland, and Nyachin's facial markings reflect the tribal culture and rituals still prevalent in southern Sudan.
According to sketchy records, it appears the Panoams walked for two months to escape the violence of their native land. From that point, they stayed in a refugee camp in Ethiopia for more than six years. Next came a three-year stay in a camp in Kenya before coming to the United States.
When they arrived in Suffolk, the Panoams lived in the Super 8 Motel. While they waited for more permanent accommodations, meals were provided by individuals, church groups and local restaurants.
As the Panoams have settled in, 13 representatives from seven local United Church of Christ churches have organized a Refugee Resettlement Committee to spearhead this project. The Rev. Carlton R. Upton Sr., pastor of Tabernacle Christian, is chairman of this group.
A plea for help was issued at the annual meeting of the Eastern Virginia Association of UCC churches in early October. Since then, financial contributions, home furnishings, food and clothing have begun to come in.
Finally, Oct. 27, the Panoams stepped across the threshold of their first furnished apartment in their new homeland. Their new Cedar Street dwelling is stocked with furniture, curtains, linens, dishes, pots and pans, fuel oil and appliances, all donated by local churches and businesses.
Now, one-on-one instruction must begin to help the Panoams adjust to their new home's culture. Nyachin needs to learn domestic skills like cooking, shopping, housekeeping and how to use electrical appliances. James begins work this week at Coastal Lumber Co.
Language has been a big obstacle for the Panoams. They speak Nuer, one of 100 tribal dialects in the Sudan. A recent study revealed that only about 30 people in the United States understand it.
But fortunately, Deng Leek, a Sudanese who plays basketball at Norfolk State University, speaks Dinka, which is similar to Nuer. According to Cress, Leek has helped the Resettlement Committee several times and has helped surmount the language barrier.
Another link in the communication process came Oct. 26 when James' cousin and step-brother arrived from Kenya to share housing with the Panoams. John, the step-brother, speaks Nuer and enough English to serve as interpreter for the family.
In addition, contacts have been made with the Refugee Resettlement Office in Norfolk for tutors to come to the Panoams' new home to provide English instruction. Local churches also plan to help with private tutoring.
``Everyone has really rallied to support this family,'' Upton said. ``They are such a warm and lovable people. It's been a very fruitful experience for all involved.''
Added Cress: ``We've had a wonderful experience through all of this.'' MEMO: The Rufugee Resettlement Committee plans to provide support to the
Panoams until they are independent and self-supporting. The committee
welcomes community involvement, and anyone interested in offering
assistance may contact one of the United Church of Christ steering
committees: Berea, Corinth Chapel, Fellowship, Holland, New Hope,
Suffolk Christian and Tabernacle Christian. St. Mary's Catholic Church,
where the Ponoams are attending services, is also providing assistance.
HOW TO HELP
Financial assistance:
The Refugee Resettlement Committee has established an account at the
Bank of Suffolk. All checks or money orders are to be made payable to
the Ponoam Refugee Fund and sent to the Refugee Resettlement Steering
Committee, c/o Rev. James Cress, 4109 Driver Lane, Suffolk, Va. 23435.
All contributions are tax deductible.
Clothing needs:
Men's shirts: 15 1/2 neck, 34-35 length
Men's slacks: 30 waist, 32 length
Women's apparel: size 12
Boy's clothes: size 2-3 toddler
For more information, contact the Rev. Carlton Upton at 539-3533. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
James and Nyachin spent nine years in refugee camps before coming
to Suffolk. The last three years were in a camp in Kenya, where
their son, Gatpan, was born.
by CNB