My Refuge

My former place of corporate worship...destroyed

After a long two weeks of unexpected events, it's finally time to return to normal. The fighting in Jos has ceased, military presence is strong in the city and I'm going back to the kids I love. This past week I returned to our main care center and spent a few nights with our boys and girls. They were all relieved and happy to see "uncle Joseph" show up. Many weren't sure of my whereabouts because I wasn't allowed to venture outside of my compound until it was "safe". It was quite a relief to know they were all safe and sound as well, still counting down the days for their Christmas celebration and festivities. Spending time with the kids is a lot of fun, especially during the holidays because they are the only family I have here. They keep asking me if I'll spend Christmas in Nigeria, I just say "ofcourse, I came to this country for you, do you think I am going to leave and go back to my people and miss Christmas with you?, no way!"

With 12 days to go until Christmas, the shadows of the atrocities that took place just a few weeks back still linger. People are still on edge, tensions are still high, Jos is at peace but we still need your prayers. I was able to visit the site of my local church this week but kinda wish I didn't. It was a sobering event, seeing the place of our corporate worship flattened to the ground, walls tore down, everything burned and ripped to pieces. It was the first time I really seen what man is capable of doing. You and I are capable of the worst atrocities. I'm reminded of one tyrant who said "I want to raise a generation of young people, devoid of a conscience, relentless, inferious and cruel", his name was Aldolf Hitler and he nearly succeeded. Apart from the grace of God, we too are capable of the same evil acts of cruelty and wickedness, not very exciting to read huh!

I was greatly encouraged by the words of king David this morning, he always says it so well. Here is what he said:

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in Whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior<>

My refuge, what simple yet wonderful words. Is He your refuge?