One of the men in our church went up front to read a letter from a member of our church who is currently serving as a missionary in Jos, Nigeria. “Joseph” has been a missionary in Nigeria for several months now, working especially with young boys, as well as the village people in his “compound.”
Over the past few days, there has been enormous violence occurring in Jos. There was an argument over a local government election that has the Muslims attacking the Christians in that area. So far, the death toll has reached 350.
Joseph, the missionary, wrote a letter this morning to our church. He gave us the sad news that many buildings have been burned in his village, including their brand new church building that the people worked so hard on. The enemy also burned the pastor’s house and took his belongings and money. Many people ran to what is known as “The Bush” for safety.
Joseph woke up two mornings ago to see deep thick, black smoke in the sky (from the shootings and bombings). Last night, Joseph went to sleep listening to the sound of machine guns and small bombs firing off. Can you imagine going to bed hearing gun shots just a few short miles from your bed??
Today (Sunday, 11-30-08) has been a peaceful day in Jos, but there are rumors that more fighting will continue during the week. Right now, there are men guarding Joseph’s “compound” against the enemy. If ANYONE leaves after the set curfew time, there is a high chance they will be shot.
So I’m sitting in church thinking, “Oh my word…this is real.” You know, you hear about and see things like this in the movies…even in the news. But it wasn’t until a friend’s life was in danger that I really thought about how real it can be. God has everyone’s days numbered…He is in control of how long we live. But when you go to bed literally not knowing if you will wake up, that can be a scary thing. Imagine Joseph’s parents sitting safe in my church wondering what’s going on with him…wondering if he’s safe…wondering if he’s been captured.
When I put all these things into perspective, my “bad days” are a pitiful definition of a “bad day.” A bad day for me is when my hair is out-of-whack…or if I’m in a bad mood…or if I don’t get to do something I want. When I think about how Joseph is living…not knowing when the enemy is going to strike with their guns, lethal weapons, and clubs…my bad days are nothing in comparison. Nothing at all.
Listening to Joseph’s letter being read, part of me wanted to be there in Jos to help the children…to bring them to safety…to DO something courageous. But that’s not where God wants me now. As much as I would love to serve the Lord on the battle lines, my job is here…in America…in North Carolina…in Charlotte. My job is to be a Prayer Warrior. Not only for Joseph and the Christians, but for the enemies…the attackers.
The POWER of prayer is amazing. God hears every small utterance…and He will answer. So if you’re the adventurous type of girl who wants to do some ACTION, no action can be better than the action of prayer. Pray like you’ve never prayed before…not just for the people in Jos who are suffering and nervously waiting for the next attack…but for those in your life who need prayer. And thank the Lord that you don’t have to go to sleep wondering if you’ll be awakened by gunshots.
I have a new perspective of prayer…a new perspective of a “bad day”…a new perspective of the precious gift of Life. I hope you do, too.
~Lauren Winifred
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