A WOMAN’S courageous escape from an African child army and her mission to help children in the same circumstances will be the subject of a talk next month.
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Uganda’s 2010 UN 'Woman Achiever of the Year,’ Grace Arach, will speak at a World Vision sponsored event at the former St Joseph’s Orphanage on Taralga Rd on December 6.
Former Milton couple, Darryl and Maggie Patterson bought the 1912 building last year. They’re transforming the three-storey structure into an intentional Christian community, named ‘Liminus,’ the Latin word for threshold.
Ms Arach’s visit is very much in keeping with the centre’s social justice thrust, Mrs Patterson says.
“She’s an incredible woman who suffered so much and overcame adversity to the point where she now has three university degrees and is running her own charities.” she said.
Ms Arach will speak of her abduction into Kony's Child Army at the age of 12, her escape and subsequent rehabilitation through World Vision's transition home.
She was abducted by rebels, raped, forced to kill and then to marry the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army.
She later made a dramatic escape and found refuge at a World Vision Child Soldier Rehabilitation Centre in Uganda.
Today she is committed through her charities to rehabilitate children who have also been abducted into armies.
“They may have also been made to kill so in a sense the children have been rejected twice,” Mrs Patterson said.
“They need a lot of help and rehabilitation.”
Ms Arach will be joined at the event, labelled ‘A Night of Hope,’ by singer/songwriter Levi McGrath and his wife, Megan.
The couple spent six “life-changing” months in 2009 working with former child soldiers in Uganda through World Vision.
It was here they met Ms Arach, an experience they said had greatly impacted their lives and Levi’s music.
Levi will share the stage with Grace and perform songs written about his time working at the Child Soldier Rehabilitation Centre.
“The Night of Hope Tour will move you deeply and reveal the harrowing realities facing children affected by war,” Levi said.
“I'm proud to be sharing my music alongside Grace – a remarkable woman with a powerful story of courage in the face of extreme adversity."
McGrath is also artist partner for World Vision Australia, and assistant musical director of choirs for the disadvantaged and marginalised.
He believes there is much work to be done and music to be made, to help turn the tide of poverty, apathy and human suffering.
“I'm really excited to share a message of hope through my experiences working with child soldiers in Uganda,” Levi said.
“Grace's gripping story of survival and recovery from life as a child soldier will give Australians a rare glimpse into a unique area of World Vision's life-changing work.”
The talk is part of a nine-city World Vision tour, which kicked off in Queensland on Thursday. (Nov 26).
Mrs Patterson said the free event would focus on forgiveness and hope in the face of trauma and the empowerment of those vulnerable to exploitation.
Since buying the building, the Pattersons have also made a conscious effort to reconnect with former St Joseph’s orphanage residents.
On the same night, one of those women, Vanessa Irving, will speak about her experience and present a peace rose in memory of the 2000 girls who lived there over 69 years.
“Daryl and I feel strongly that we want to honour the people who lived here but also to remember the boys who spent time at St John’s (boys) orphanage,” Mrs Patterson said.
“The chapel will also be open on the day for anyone who wants to light a candle for those who were in institutional care and felt that abandonment and loss.”
She said the orphanages touched people at a deep level but were also a major part of the community. Many people generously gave food and other items to the institutions and extended a compassionate hand to the girls and boys.
A Night of Hope will take place at Liminus, 153 Taralga Rd, 4.30pm for 5pm on Saturday, December 5.
The evening will conclude with a free sausage sizzle.
“This is a free event and the whole community is invited to share in a special evening,” Mrs Patterson said.