Hear a remarkable story of survival as two of the Lost Boys of Sudan discuss the One Book One County selection, “They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky,” during a presentation Oct. 13 at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center.
Benjamin Ajak and Alephonsion Deng were raised among the Dinka tribe of Sudan. Their world was an insulated, close-knit community of grass-roofed cottages, cattle herders and tribal councils. All that changed the night the government-armed Murahiliin began attacking their villages. Amid the chaos, five-year-old Benson and seven-year-old Benjamin fled into the dark night. Two years later, Alephonsion, age seven, was forced to do the same. Across the Southern Sudan, over the next five years, thousands of other boys joined this stream of child refugees that became known as the Lost Boys. In the book, they recount their experiences along this unthinkable journey, painting a powerful portrait of war as seen through the eyes of children.
One Book supporter Gail Walsh of East Lansing has heard the Lost Boys speak and said of their story, “You will laugh. You will cry. You’re going to love this program.”
Thousands of Lost Boys have come to the United States and more than 500 of them moved to Michigan. Walsh’s family has close ties to them.
“Over the years, my son took in 10 of them as foster children,” she said.
One Book One County Organizer Maureen Burns said, “When Benjamin and Alephonsion share their story, it has been described as magical.”
“This is a program that is for everyone – men, women, teens, readers, non-readers. You will enjoy it even if you haven’t read their book,” Burns said. “These young men will be sharing their own experiences. They aren’t reporting on something they learned about. They lived it and we cannot imagine it. It is rare we get an opportunity to learn about the world in such a real and personal way. We hope everyone will come and bring others with them. They won’t be disappointed.”
Everyone is invited to meet Ajak and Deng during two free events on Oct. 13. They offer a book signing from noon to 1:30 p.m. in MCC’s Activities Building on the college’s Sidney campus, which is sponsored by MCCs Culture and Travel Club. From 7 to 9 p.m., they offer a presentation at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center in Greenville, where they will discuss the book and entertain questions from the audience. They also will sign books following the event.
One Book One County Montcalm is sponsored by Chemical Bank, the Greenville Area Community Foundation and the Montcalm Community College Foundation.
Visit www.montcalm.edu/onebook or contact MCC Instructional Services Assistant Carol Hopkins at carolh@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-1260 for more information.