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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Africa (03/05/09)
A suffering people

My heart is sad. I have been looking on a map of the vast continent of Africa. It is so big. It is so divided. So many nations are there. I see names of nations that bring tears to my eyes — Angola, Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, and many more. Why do I cry? Because millions of Africans have died over the years and are still dying today. Many have been murdered, many have died from disease, and many more have died from starvation. Today the suffering continues. I have seen pictures on the TV of starving people, especially little children, which make me shudder.

If I look back a few centuries then I see more of the suffering and bloodshed that took place, as thousands were pulled from their homeland and shackled and sent away on slave ships to different parts of the globe to be slaves, possessions of others. For years they suffered the indignities of slavery.

My heart cries out for these people who constantly fight against each other, as if killing is what they live for or were born for.

Yes, there are nations in Africa that appear to be more civilised, but even there there is no guaranteed peace. There are coups and strikes, and political rivalries.

Africa!! I want to cry to God, for I believe He knows all about it. Why are they such a suffering people. Why is this part of the world so divided, so hopeless and so destitute of love. Where did all these multitudes of people come from. They must have multiplied and multiplied years ago, for millions have died. When did all the divisions begin?

I wonder why the rest of the world has left the peoples of Africa to largely fight their own battles, as so little help has been given. Armies are sent to keep peace in some countries, but African tribes are left to kill each other. People are left to starve when food could be sent to relieve their suffering.

Sometimes I feel more than sad, I feel angry.

I know Jesus died for them as He died for me, so is it because no-one has gone to tell them of His love that they continue in darkness. Not really, for missionaries have gone to Africa and there have been revivals, but they did not last. Perhaps the gospel has been rejected.

I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians where he wrote, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believed not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

I wonder If there is any hope for these peoples of Africa? Will they always suffer?

Yes, my heart is sad when I think of Africa.

I cannot go to help, I do not have anything to give. But, I can pray.

My prayer is that God will send help to Africa, that He will call out a people to go to them and tell them that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. That He will challenge the nations to send food to the hungry and help for the sick. That somehow the leaders of these nations will realise that only the wisdom that comes from above can help them.

Jesus taught us to pray ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’. Can we pray ‘Thy will be done in Africa as it is in heaven’. Oh that this might be true for this part of the world. Then it would be a shining light to the rest of the world.

Yes, I cry for Africa and I pray for its people.





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Member Comments
Member
Date
Dee Yoder
03/12/09
Yes, Africa, like many countries the world over, need our prayers. God is with them, too, and prayers can be answered that the many battles clam and peace returns to the countries there.
Ruth Ann Moore
03/13/09
They say the pen is mightier than the sword; but prayer is mightier still. Thank you for sharing your heart. Keep writing!
Josiah Kane
03/14/09
I think it is worth remembering that not two centuries ago our "civilized" nations had similar wars, diseases, and oppressions. What remains so sad is that though we now know the answers to many of these problems, We seem never to give the answers to those in need. It is true that only the love of God can ever solve this problem. Thank you for sharing this.
Laury Hubrich 
03/18/09
It is very sad watching all the suffering in Africa. We do need to pray- and pray for our missionaries there, too. Thank you for sharing your heart.