Jesus knows the reality of this temptation, to worry and fret over life’s challenges. Yet, He simply commands us, “…Let not your heart be troubled…”
It’s just been one story after another here in Yei. Within the network of friends I’m discipling, I daily encounter seemingly endless reports of struggles and pain.
From a fresh rape case to other matters too disturbing to write in this limited space, I’m worried. And it worries me that I’m worried.
Maybe I should practice concern and stave off worry in cases like the aforementioned. After all should it be easy not to worry when this dear sister, a student, who has suffered with a bag load of unresolved personal issues, was raped last week and now needs the equivalent of $15 USD to finish bailing herself, her sister and her mother from jail after they beat up the culprit for his crime?
And it also shouldn’t worry me too much that the culprit – a student in a school 100 meters from my room – has already posted bail and been released by the police.
In his testimony, he confessed that he used witchcraft to access the girl’s room and ambushed her after everyone else had fallen asleep.
Am I just amplifying this matter unnecessarily? After all, it’s not an epidemic. Sadly though, as I write this, some brethren feel this sister is not sincere. “How is it possible for someone to enter your room, strip you naked, and start having sex with you without you even knowing it?” Some have dared to ask.
But would you feel differently if the victim was your child, your sister, your friend…or even your own mother?
What should be the appropriate response for a pastor, a leader, or a parent whose child or family member has been raped?
Most challenging of all, what if the culprit is your disciple, your son, your brother, your friend… or even your own father?
How do you teach young boys and men to conduct themselves, much less control themselves?
You may have simpler answers to these difficult questions, and if so, I’d love to know them.
I do know that at the core of this intensely painful situation is the need for vigorous discipleship. Our discipleship needs here are immense!
I’m worried. And the root of my worry is that we seem to be giving more attention to projects, programs and property than people. The apathy to matters like this here is worrisome.
Time is running out to lay proper foundations. Damage control is always more expense and arduous than preventative measures.
We continue to covet your prayers and welcome your counsels.
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 