Where ever you look these days, what ever country in Africa you think to pray for, you will see turmoil. For the past few days, your news has been about Kenya. The week before that it was where we are, South Africa. Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, Sierra Leon, Liberia, Cote' D'Ivoire, Eriteria have all had there names in the headlines. And, don't ever forget the sad stories out of Burundi and Rwanda.
As we listen to people discuss these events, we have come to learn that, most of the time, behind all this is the tribal issue where an African tends to be more loyal to his or her tribal background, than their National citizenship.
Remember that Africa was carved up by European Colonialist who created national borders that seldom reflected the region where a whole “people group” or tribe existed. This forced tribes to exist together under the control of a dominating European government. In certain countries and areas that created huge stress and tribal friction. When the colonizers were present and “running the show”, the tribes were subservient to them and more “under control.” When these African countries became independent of the Europeans, real strife began over which tribe would rule, and who’s tribe would benefit from these new governments, who now would control the land and the resources (and Africa is loaded with both).
Some of these conflicts continue today.
So, when you pray, remember that most of these governments have only been national for less than 60 years. Right in the middle of all this, there are many missionaries serving and trying to bring peace in these areas. On our last blog I listed those serving with HCJB Global.
Remember that Africa was carved up by European Colonialist who created national borders that seldom reflected the region where a whole “people group” or tribe existed. This forced tribes to exist together under the control of a dominating European government. In certain countries and areas that created huge stress and tribal friction. When the colonizers were present and “running the show”, the tribes were subservient to them and more “under control.” When these African countries became independent of the Europeans, real strife began over which tribe would rule, and who’s tribe would benefit from these new governments, who now would control the land and the resources (and Africa is loaded with both).
Some of these conflicts continue today.
So, when you pray, remember that most of these governments have only been national for less than 60 years. Right in the middle of all this, there are many missionaries serving and trying to bring peace in these areas. On our last blog I listed those serving with HCJB Global.
Pray for your missionaries in Africa! Pray for Africa!
Ron and Barb
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