God uses Woodford for healing
By John Mohan

"God told me to ..." is a phrase I heard often during my two decades as a church pastor.

Usually it was used to justify doing something selfish or simply to just tell someone off about something.

"You might not like this but God told me to tell you ...." "God told me to stop going to church."

"I didn't want to buy that car I can't afford but God told me to. I guess I'll have to cut my donations."

I've heard them all and was seldom impressed -- until a few days ago.

Nearly two weeks ago an 85-year-old aboriginal gentleman and Second World War veteran entered the main doors of Siloam Mission for the first time. Explaining he had a donation to make, staff directed him to the administration offices.

Without fanfare Mr. Woodford mentioned his donation was drawn from his residential school settlement. Officially labelled the "Common Experience Payment" (CEP) it was a federal government settlement paid out to thousands of First Nations people who were separated from their families during childhood and forced to attend government and church-run residential schools.

After decades of lawsuits, negotiations and bureaucratic and political delays the survivors endured the anguish and frustration of waiting for the promised settlements until cheques started arriving last year.

For some the money was a godsend, yet to others a poison. Increased substance abuse, child abandonment and even suicides (from triggered memories) have all been linked to the settlement cheques.

But countless have fared well as they've taken family vacations, paid off debts and some have secured better housing. William Woodford did none of those things with his long-awaited compensation. Unceremoniously he brought a $40,000 bank draft to Siloam Mission to help his friends and family who rely on the Mission services. (A few days later at a public honouring ceremony he presented an additional $10,000 gift.)

Although he didn't intend to be recognized, he is rightly viewed as heroic nationwide by aboriginals and non-aboriginals alike. Though not wanting to be noticed he and his generosity are an example for others, especially younger generations who are too often void of the positive influence of elders.

A quiet man, Woodford has taught generations that although compensation is appropriate, money cannot heal the past. But when he gave $50,000 to the Christian Humanitarian organization he unintentionally demonstrated the qualities of healing and forgiveness through compassionately caring for others.

A nation followed curiously, wondering why he could be so self-sacrificing when others were self-destructive and others self-indulgent. Mr. Woodward simply and quietly answers "God told me to do it."

I think God had something bigger in mind. He wanted to use Woodford to bring real healing and change to a nation.

--John Mohan is the CEO of Siloam Mission.

Originally printed in the Winnipeg Sun, Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.