We had a real life lesson in not trying to store up earthly treasures this past week. We were helping some friends by packing their belongings to be ready for a 15 hour bumpy dirt road trip instead of the short drive around the corner to another house on the mission, when we came across Adam’s mandolin. Termites had totally destroyed it, but you can just barely make out what it once was. I guess the case wasn’t as tasty as the instrument! I had just shared the story of Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler and the quote about a camel going through the eye of a needle with my Fulani buddies. They couldn’t get over that idea, it was so absurd to them, so they did grasp the thought about focusing on God first, then taking care of daily needs and possessions as second priority, because otherwise they were going nowhere fast. It was a good reminder for us to hold our possessions lightly, as well, especially because the past week has been very up and down for us and the community around us. The local bandits began tormenting the small village in the bush between the CEFA farm where we live and the river road to the ferry near the mission. Many people lost goods and cattle, and most ran away from their homes to take refuge with family and friends at our mission. The CEFA farm’s cattleherder took the cattle to the mission for safety as well. We listened to counsel from others, and chose not to be a target out by ourselves in the boonies. We stayed at the mission for a few nights until the bandits returned to their base up north, their pockets bulging with their victims’ money, their motorcycles loaded with gunny sacks full of dried meat and manioc meal. Please continue to pray for this country, that the good guys would win over the bad guys! Pray that peace would return, that all the refugees could return to their homes and farms.
