Philemon Fundraiser - Jan 2012

On 28th January 2012 the Oscar winning film ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ was shown by Grace Park at Westwood Church, Coventry. 

The film somewhat echoes the injustice encountered in the prisons in Kenya in the sense that the main character, Tom Robinson, is falsely accused and treated disrespectfully by the mainly white southern American community.   The difference is though, the injustice is racially motivated.  What is particularly profound about the film is the overall message that we should go against the prevailing culture and treat those on the fringes of society as equals, after all they are only ‘a harmless mockingbird.’  One of the fascinating things about the film is it parallels many things that happened in the author’s own lifetime.  For example Harper Lee’s own father was an attorney who defended two black men who were convicted of murder. 

Prior to the film, Grace Park gave a short talk and people watched a short film by Dominic Hatje about the work of Kelvin Mwikya and the Philemon Foundation.  People were supportive in making the event possible such as providing edibles and overall there was a really positive response to the film.  Although only several people came, a total of £40 was raised.  It was also significant in making people aware of Philemon ministries for the first time including those who didn’t come via facebook, with the hope that they will continue to and encourage others to support the Ministry.