What if......?????

In the U.S. it's now holiday season. Stores, streets, and individuals are happily decorating, there are parties and dinners to attend, many stores will be staying open late to accommodate shoppers, and there is often an extra measure of "good cheer" and graciousness in many interactions.

Here in DRC it's now "election season". The country's second ever democratic election(after 51 years of independence) will take place on November 28th. Believe me, the ambiance of election season here is vastly different from that of the U.S. holiday season. The city is "decorated" with thousands of posters and banners promoting various candidates. Riot police patrols dressed in full riot gear are a common sight. Tensions are high and people are stressed. Many do not want to go out at night as crime is on the increase and even wearing a tee-shirt that supports a particular candidate can easily get you beat up. One of our pastors told us, "It's awful. People go into their homes and lock their doors at 6pm. We don't even know for sure if we can trust our neighbors."

Pat and I have tried to go on with "life as usual" in outings and ministry, but we, too, are finally succumbing to the tensions and security warnings. The members of many churches that we work with are not wanting to go out in the evenings to attend seminars. Most pastors are mainly preoccupied with encouraging their congregations and communities and praying for peace - which of course we support and understand.

The other day, we finally had to have our "what if" conversation......."What if the girls are up at their school while we're down here at home and violence breaks out?" "What if we have to evacuate? Where would we go?" "What if looters come over the walls - where do we hide the girls?" Although I am keen on problem solving and big on prevention - I have not wanted to have this conversation. I don't want to think about it!! Any of it!! But especially when it concerns my daughters!! Granted - If I were a betting woman (and I'm not!!) I would definitely bet on a no evacuation scenario. But things here are tense and edgy and in the end, in situations like this, one has to draw up their plans for the "what if's", put a few processes in place, and then go on with life, knowing that you're ready....IF............

I'm so glad I serve the God of "what if's"......although I believe He expects me to use wisdom and common sense, in the end He is God and we can have peace because of that.

Please pray for Congo! Pray for peace, not just during elections, but even more importantly when the results are announced (scheduled for Dec. 6th). Pray for our safety and protection, and pray for the Congolese. In the midst of planning for the "what if's" we, as Westerners, have many more options to consider than most who are here.