Africa




Depending on the generation, Africa is a vast wasteland of endless wild animals.  A continent wealthy is resources (i.e. diamonds, rubber etc.).  There is another animal that stalks Africa known as man.
For centuries Africa is the victim of robbers, rapist, and killers; robbing the land of its resources, raping the population, and killing the animals. One could contend the land and its people are cursed.  Did Africa do something so horrible God is punishing the inhabitants?

On the contrary Africa is a land where God is manifesting his glorious power through the people.  The western world with its elaborate living conditions has its share of crime and greed but Africa suffers through more than anyone living in the United States could imagine.

“In Zambia the life expectancy at birth has plummeted to 32 years.  It is estimated that nearly 1.2 million people in Zambia alone are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.” (Griner, Wounded Continent, (2005), pg. 15)  This is a country where one can find steady work as a grave digger.  According to Griner there are at least 50 bodies buried daily.

Griner further states, “As HIV/AIDS blazes through the countryside, killing the farmers, teachers, mothers and fathers of the nation, millions of children are left orphaned in the ashes.” (Griner, 2005)

These children fall prey to the warlords, victims of crime, and prostitution.  Many of them are uneducated.  They don’t have IPods, cell phones, or computers. They don’t have condos, cable or a bed with clean sheets or pillow.  They can’t get up during the night and wonder into the kitchen for a snack or have a cool drink of their favorite beverage.  Their quest for survival is a quest many Americans are not cognitive of and many don’t care; some Americans will say it is an African problem therefore let Africa deal with it.  The saddest part about this is (Griner, 2005) some of this rhetoric comes from so-called Christians.

Through all of Africa’s atrocities, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way, truth and life for a humble people.  Praise and acceptance of their bread (Jesus) in a starving land, their water (Jesus) is their source of life and they do not mine sharing.

Many Africans would be happy just to have a meal, a peaceful nights rest, and to go to school; though many have these things, there are thousands who don’t.

For many in the United States have their own issues; there is no time to venture into someone’s issues so far away.  When we say, “I will pray for them,” do we stop and pray or is it and I got mine; therefore you have to get yours.

If you ever been to an African church, you will understand their praise to the glory of the One who does not forsake them.



Bibliography


Griner, T. (2005). In T. Griner, Wounded Continent (p. 141). FHI Books.




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