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Congo Crisis Entry 43

The funeral ended. The graveside burial was performed on Tuesday morning. Throughout the week, the family slowly managed their grief through quiet contemplation. On Friday evening of that week, Rob was on the two-way radio talking to Dan down in the capital.

Alessandra’s ears perked up when she heard Dan say that someone wanted to speak to her. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized Wesley’s voice. Dan handed the microphone to Alessandra and left the room to give them privacy.

“Hey Wesley,” she greeted.

“Hey, Alessandra. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up. Any thrilling encounters with snakes or leopards?”

Alessandra chuckled. “No snakes or leopards, but I have met a few hairy spiders. How are things going down there?”

“Well, funny enough, that was the main reason I was calling. It appears that something major is brewing. Actually, maybe your friend Rob needs to hear this.” Alessandra stepped out and called Rob and Cathy to the radio.

“What have you heard, Wesley?” Rob asked.

As briefly as possible, Wesley explained about an unhappy faction in eastern Congo. Talk of an extended counter-revolution was on the streets. While Wesley was sharing his tale, Katey and the pastor came in to listen to the conversation. They had just learned of local issues with this national emergency. Dan got back on the two-way and said how the U.S. State Department was expecting to make a statement requesting American citizens leave the African nation. He offered to pick up Alessandra if she would be ready to leave earlier than planned.

Life is fleeting and changeable. And no where is that more obviously felt than in an unstable African country, like Congo. A simple conversation opportunity with Wesley turned Alessandra’s world upside down, swirling her into panic and dread. May we learn to grip this life with loose hands. Even in Scripture, we learn “For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For that you ought to say, ‘If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.’” (James 4: 14, 15). Planning our life is wise. Assuming we have forever is foolish. Let’s make our plans with God’s approval and through His grace and strength. That’s really the ONLY way to live.



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