Tag Archives: prayer

The Dynasty and Censorship Continue

The announcement from the court took place 31 hours ago, confirming Ali Bongo as President of Gabon. In an interesting twist, the court accused both candidates of cheating and Bongo’s lead for victory increased in the final confirmation. President Bongo has told Ping he would be arrested and his government has already arrested a high-ranking ex-official that backed Ping. As a westerner, arresting an opponent and those who backed the opposition is unfamiliar territory. I am pleased we do not attempt this practice. Our politics are far from honorable but at least we have not fallen so far as to arrest those of differing opinions or politics.

So, with that I add nothing has changed. Bongo remains in power, no unrest has developed with this verdict, and we remain censored with our internet curfew and social media suppression. I remain cautiously pleased that no one else has been harmed in this emotional election. I say cautiously because it is has only been 31 hours since the announcement. Cautiously optimistic is the phrase of the week for all of us with the newness of the this next era, or continuation of it all actuality.

Bongo family dynasty will continue on into a 5th decade of power. I am curious to see how Bongo  addresses, and acts upon, his next Presidency, it being contested 2 for 2 now. In addition, what will the people do over these next seven years? They have twice protested a Bongo victory, will they accept it or decide that as a Republic their voice stands for more?

The country, leadership, and the people need continued prayer and wisdom for direction, not from man but from God. Continuing to look at Bongo or Ping for salvation of Gabon and the betterment of their lives will only bring disappointment.

photo from cameroonintelligencerport.com

 

Called to Stand in the Gap

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”- Ezekiel 22:30

Will you stand in the Gap? Will you intercede for God’s mercy and grace? I believe we are being called to stand in the gap, will you be there?

He is calling us to lead, will you stand in the gap?
He is calling us to lead, will you stand in the gap?

Speaking Locally

Where are my prayer buddies?

You may recall that I became part of the CRU team as International Affiliate Staff. This weekend I have been asked, by the local CRU director, to speak to the local ministry group and other local Christians. This will be my first time speaking to this group and to date I have only met two of the local ministry people. Well, second time really but right after a girl lands in a foreign continent is a little soon to speak. I needed to see straight before trying to put a speech together.

Please keep me in prayers as I prepare these “words of encouragement.”

I simply pray to be a vessel, a mouth piece, of encouragement from the Lord. Nothing I say is of any worth but words of the Father is living water. Let whatever I prepare to speak about be just that.

This is also the first time I will use a translator. Pray with me that the Lord gives him the words also. Translating from english to french is actually difficult.

I truly believe God orchestrated this whole African adventure; although, I feel truly insufficient when I think about the task at hand, I can’t wait to have a front row seat to His mighty work. The place I serve may change but He never does.

They have asked me to come encourage them in their endeavor to serve God and this ministry. It is true that from a westerner in a western culture I have plenty to say on the subject. I understand the struggle to maintain consistent and or committed members. I understand the plight of weariness, being downtrodden, and burdened. I understand so many trials of ministry leadership; however, from a westerner in an African country, all I think is I have much to learn.

I am excited and humbled; I look forward to sharing how the meeting, or “reunion” as we say in french, goes.

Use your gifts
Encourage Each Other in Words