Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. – Amos 5:24
How does one work for justice?
Listening to stories of the university conflict that erupted this past June, it was striking just how quickly a situation can turn from calm to panic. An organized group of university students (the science and technology faculty) had repeatedly tried to hold a peaceful protest on campus, walking to the university president's office to deliver a petition lamenting the many injustices on the university level. After several repeated and squashed attempts (the president announced that protest walks were no longer allowed, despite being a constitutional right of students at the university), this group tried one last time. What most of them did not realize was that a small sub-group within them had pulled back as they approached the presidential building. This group took off their shirts and wet them, covering their faces from the tear gas they knew would come. Then, from behind the main group, they began throwing rocks at the few police and military who were stationed outside of the presidential office. After this, many students figured they had no choice but to pick up rocks and fight in order to get past authorities who had sealed off the exits of the campus. Unfortunately, at least one student from our community was involved in the rock throwing.
Recently, I (Jeff) preached on Amos 5:24, exhorting those in our congregation to consider their calling as prophets who renounce injustice. It occurred to me that this is exactly what the students have been doing – standing up for their rights, and it ultimately led to violence. How can God hate injustice but let it get to a point that even Christians see violence as the only solution? How can Christians work for justice peacefully alongside other Christians, equally fervent to renounce injustice, but who do not share the same perspective on Jesus' life and teachings?
Despite all of this, the university is attempting to finish up the 2007-08 school year. Most of the students in our community are in the last week of exams. Still, there is a dark cloud hanging over the campus. A campus police force has been assigned to maintain order on campus. Recently, a student was stopped by the police who asked him for the receipt for his bicycle, to prove that he had not stolen it. When the student could not produce the receipt, he was arrested. These random power reminders pushed some to post signs around campus calling on students to re-mobilize. The need for discipleship in Jesus' way has never been clearer for our ministry.
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We have quickly resettled into life here. Check our blog for our travel and arrival experiences. We're all more or less healthy, except for some colds. Danika is full-swing into school, with daily homework assignments.
We're growing. With every new school year we add new students to our community as older ones find their wings and leave the nest. We are fortunate to have the possibility for students to move into a courtyard that is just a five minute walk away from us. This could be important in maintaining past relationships and allowing older students to support new ones, while remaining in our church.
We praise God for:
- Safe travels and God's evident intervention in our return to Burkina.
- Clearer vision for our ministry.
We request your prayer support for:
- University students as they study and write exams as well as cope with the results.
- People in Burkina who are still adjusting to increased food prices.
