MARALAND, OUR PROMISED LAND

Maraland, Maraland,

Our Promised Land!

Here’s where our ancestors’ long journey ends,

In the land where the rainbow ends;

Here’s where our missionaries’ long journey ends,

In the land where “the earth ends”.

A VISITOR WHO CARRIED HIS CROSS

(Written on Good Friday 2000. Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross is one of the characters in the Bible I admire so much and wants to emulate.)

Brother Simon,

What brought you

all the way from Cyrene

to Jerusalem

the day they crucified

the Lord?

A TRIBUTE TO MISSIONARIES, DARREL AND BECKY WELLING FROM USA

(Written in 2000, this poem is a tribute and “thank you” notes to Darrell and Becky for 40 years of their missionary service in Sudan (1960 – 2000). The Wellings were like parents to me.)

Compelled by His love,

You left your comfort zone for a far-away difficult place

Carrying few belongings, but armed with His sufficient grace.

Thirty long days on a tempestuous sea

Followed by times of wait and see.

A difficult situation for a young lady with two babies;

But Becky, you have proved your God to other ladies.

A TRIBUTE TO MISSIONARY ELLEN KITTO FROM NEW ZEALAND

(Written in 1999; this poem gives a tribute to Ellen for her 40 years of missionary service in Sudan (May 1958 – March 1999). I was so encouraged by Ellen’s love for the Lord and her single-minded service for Him.)

She came from the green pasture land

To find the sheep that were lost in the brown desert sand;

Scorching heat, desert storm, hungry wolves withstanding,

She tarried ‘til she found sheep that were wandering.

READY TO SERVE

(To the tune of “Will your anchor hold…”)

Lord, the years have passed and this day has come,

So we thank you for all you’ve taught and done;

Now we’re here to go where’er you send,

Yes, we’re ready to serve you till the end.

I’LL STAY

(Written in 1996 while serving in Africa)

Though the sky’s getting dark

And the hungry wolves bark

Lord, I’ll stay

If that is what you say

I’ll stay at any cost

‘Til I find your sheep that are lost

BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE

(Written in 1995, while serving in Africa)

We do not come here out of mere zest

Life here is not easy at best

Dust, dust everywhere

Suspicious eyes here and there

Scorching heat, desert storm, malaria

False accusation, opposition, filarial

The cup we’re drinking is a bit bitter we feel

When we think of others enjoying their sweet music reel

A visitor who carried his Cross

I wrote this poem on Good Friday 2000 in Khartoum, Sudan. Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross [Luke 23:26] is one of the characters in the Bible I admire and want to emulate.

A VISITOR WHO CARRIED HIS CROSS
A Good Friday Poem

Brother Simon,
What brought you
all the way from Cyrene
to Jerusalem
the day they crucified
the Lord?