Monday, November 15, 2010

Injecting Christ-in-Me into Africa

Eldoret, Kenya
Sudan borders northern Kenya. While in Kenya I was told of a coming referendum in Sudan that will potentially devastate Sudan even more than it is now. For 50 years Sudan's Arab-dominated Islamic north and its non-Muslim black African south have been warring. On January 9, 2011, southern Sudan will vote for independence and self-determination.

Key oil fields are involved, so our country is politicking in Sudan.

Prior to going to Kenya I knew nothing of this. One discussion came up about the great number of refugees from other African countries who have been displaced and settled in Kenya, who welcomed them. Many have come from Sudan to Kenya. In my mind I place myself as a parent in South Sudan. Would I still be alive? My children? My sons would be at war. Richard Dowden says, especially regarding Africa: "War or disaster sometimes injects dynamism into a society. Since the genocide, Rwanda has become one of the most focused and dynamic countries on the continent. Uganda and Ghana, too, freed from oppression and conflict, have forged ahead. War in South Sudan appears to have destroyed more than people and places. The will to make life better tomorrow seems tom have been a casualty, too." (Dowden, Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles, K 2147-51) 

What am I to do? I'm now helping four Kenyan pastors with ongoing education. It doesn't seem like much, but to these four it is something. They want so badly to learn and grow and be effective for God's Kingdom, yet lack financial resources and ed-opportunities. A tiny bit of Christ-in-me is being injected into Africa.

Give what you've got. As much as you can.