06.14“Is it safe there?”
Given recent violence that has occurred in South Africa (if you haven’t heard much about this – this article gives a quick intro), many have asked us if we’re still going, if we feel like it’s safe, etc. While we were concerned at first and not sure why the violence was happening or how widespread it was, I think we quickly came to the conclusion that we are called and safety issues or not, we are going. We are trusting God to guide our steps and help us deal with the situations in which He places us. We’ll act with prudence and caution but continue forward as He leads us. If anything, these recent events give us a feeling that what we’re doing is a serious endeavor and makes us all the more eager to get going (in 51 days). If you love Jesus, we covet your prayers—not that we’d be spared from hardship, but that we’d maintain faith no matter what the circumstance we find ourselves in and be of use to the people there. I’d also ask for prayer that we would be able to take in and digest all the ins and outs of the various political and social issues in South Africa, and know how to be wise without taking sides.
Based on reading a few blogs from Americans living in Pretoria, there may be opportunities to serve the refugees of Zimbabwe and other neighboring countries that were the targets of the xenophobic attacks. Many of them have fled to their home countries, but many remain in refugee camps, afraid to leave. We’ll of course follow the lead of the Powerhouse Church, and I look forward to seeing how God uses the church in this situation.
If you’ve something to share on this, an interesting article or what, please share your comments.
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Nate and Rebecca,
Great thoughts above. I remember in Vietnam thinking that if “His eye is on the sparrow” – and, of course, we know it is – the Christian is as safe in the middle of a minefield as in his bed at night; not that he spares all believers from mines, or that more are not killed or maimed in minefields than in their beds, but that things do not happen to His children without His loving permission. And sometimes, like a good commander and like He did with Job, Paul, and many others, he calls His most faithful for the toughest missions. We would, of course, desire that you be spared the “cup” of persecution, but even more we pray that your faith and courage will be sufficient for whatever He allows or puts in your paths.
Al
June 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
My friends,
After this week – I am becoming to wonder if it is safe here in the town/area we live in. Both of you know about a 14 year old student that I tutored in public housing in Raleigh for this school year and how he was killed last weekend by being shot in the head by another 18 years old. I was angry about this all week, but now realizing how precious life is and how we must go everywhere with FAITH IN GOD, including coming out our own front door in America. We will pray for your safety!
June 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm