Sorting and packing, for CAR, for S. Africa, for the U.S.
Where do I begin? CAR has been somewhat unstable, to put it mildly, since this ongoing conflict began in 2013. We have left and returned many times, sometimes because of unrest, but mostly because of our normal travel plans. We usually have heard about skirmishes, with death and suffering, from afar, in the east and the north. We have felt that we could stay in Gamboula and continue ministry because the conflict was not local. Our trip wire was if there was fighting very close by, we would leave in a hopefully timely fashion. Recently we have lived with suitcases partially packed, ready to leave in a hurry, because of rumors of possible nearby conflict. The skirmish happened, the UN troops stationed just to the east of us routed the attackers, and it seems that all is peaceful now. We chose to leave, with the blessing of our colleagues who are choosing to stay, the difference of choice in part lies in the fact that we can go back to South Africa and still be in ministry on the continent. We are scheduled for a vacation in the states this July and August, and upon our return to Africa the beginning of September, we will evaluate the situation prayerfully before returning to Gamboula. We leave for South Africa this morning, and look forward to a less stressful time of ministry before heading to the U.S. Thank you for praying for CAR, for peace and reconciliation, for grieving families and for UN protection. Thank you for praying for wisdom and safety for our colleagues who are choosing to stay put for now. Thank you for praying for all our Central African friends who can’t leave like we can when the going gets hot – all they can do is flee into the bush. May God have mercy on CAR.
