Cry from Africa

Many people--from entertainers to governments to teen activists--are trying to help Africa. SIM and our partners are well into our second century of addressing needs there: clean water, AIDS, malaria, poverty, and, at the root of it all, the need for right relationships with God and one another. But just now I'm "hearing" cries from individuals on the far east end of Africa and from one on the far west end. It would not be wise to name either country.

I've mentioned before the place in east Africa where churches have been closed or burned down, and hundreds of Christians have been imprisoned, some in railway shipping containers. A couple of weeks ago, two girls were delivering a meal to the father of one of them and they were themselves arrested. The word came that they were placed in a very hard adult prison. How we prayed! This past Sunday we got the good news that a pastor and 20 others (hopefully including the girls) had been released. Thank God. But we must not forget those who are still suffering so terribly.

The other story comes from western Africa. Somehow, a few weeks ago God caught the attention of a popular musician, extremely well known in his country. On his own initiative, he sought out a local Christian leader and asked--demanded--to be taught the way of Christ. Like St. Paul centuries ago, "Ahmed" made an immediate about-face. He'd been a member of the religious group with a huge reputation for violence and killing, and we knew he was in danger. How we prayed! This morning he is in the hospital, struggling for his life. His father (his father!) led a gang that beat him severely and tried to kill him.

Please hear these cries from Africa and lift up a prayer for the dear people. Doesn't it break your heart?

We're so blessed! Thank God for our freedom. Somehow, even cancer shrinks in proportion to the everyday struggles of multitudes on our planet. I'm still grateful for your caring and prayers, and I'm feeling well this morning.

Our wonderful magazine designer (Jeremy at Relevant Media Group) finished the layout two days ahead of deadline! And it's strikingly beautiful. (This is the issue that will be mailed out in August and September from the various SIM offices. If you receive it, I hope you like it. If you don't, and want to, let me know.)

Have a great day.

Carol