Why Art Thou Cast Down?

March 19, 2023

Sometimes the difference in customs of a place can be so hard to us! We just finished singing a song in Sunday School when I heard what sounded like a mob chanting/singing. I thought maybe they were storming the church! Brother Shadrick told me they were marching a thief to the police, beating him and chanting something like, “Don’t feel sorry! You have robbed yourself!” There is no police near here. Maybe a 30 minute drive away there are some police, but I’m not sure. We don’t know if the person made it or not. Often, they are beaten to death. This form of judgment makes crime low here, but I still was tempted to run out and see if I could stop the mob! With the Lord’s help I was able to compose myself and teach my lesson, but it is something that sticks with you.

Isaac made his trip back to Phokera today for the Bible study. He’s as excited to see the kids as they are to see him!

I wasn’t able to say much today because Brother Shadrick needed to take someone to the doctor. Thankfully, his wife was able to teach. Isaac greeted everyone and led them singing and reciting their memory verse.

After hearing about the little ones who passed away, I was specifically looking for some of my regular kids. I don’t know which ones it was. The little one who loved to sing Jesus Loves Me (I posted a video about a month ago), was not there today. I know they could have gone somewhere else, like the displaced persons camp…but still it hurts to think about it! I feel so much relief any time I see someone who I’ve had contact with previously!

We were able to find some tarp and one large bag of corn flour, which is their staple food. I had hoped to get 3 to share with some of the families of the children who come, but Eric couldn’t find more. They are also really gouging the prices of food since trucks can not get in right now to bring more.

I know my posts have been more discouraging lately and I have considered just not posting, but it is a relief to have a place to journal everything and share. The laughter, singing, and smiles have not stopped- both in our home and in the church. God is good! All the time! We are not suffering. Our minor inconveniences include eating the last of the ice cream today (something most of them have never tried), washing clothes by hand (something they do every day), drawing water for washing (we have a well and just pull the hose over to the porch to fill buckets-they wash their laundry in the rivers or get water from a central pump). No. We are not suffering. We are so very, very blessed!

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Psalm 42:11