Exactly 2 months from the day my team and I were evacuated from Gamboula because of a coup that unseated the government of the Central African Republic (CAR). A sense of stability in Gamboula has allowed few of us to return. We were welcomed here with many hugs, smiles, and head bumps. We have been back for almost two weeks now and all is calm.
During the time we were away the people of Gamboula kept their faith in God and their community. It has been encouraging to hear about how people prayed together, worshipped, and kept things functioning, despite violent upheaval in the rest of the country. Schools are in session, the hospital never stopped functioning, and people looked forward to the day we would return.
Two days after we returned there was a prayer service held in downtown Gamboula to pray for the country of CAR. Three churches were represented and a large part of the community turned up, along with head government officials. There was a program with singing and speeches about unity and lifting up the country to God. All this was followed by almost an hour of prayer. It was incredible to be a part of this event. Gamboula is probably the only place in the country where this kind of meeting would be possible. Being able to come together to pray for the country without fear brought a sense of unity and power.
There is definitely something special about Gamboula that can, be attributed to the long history of missionaries working with the Church and hospital. Another unique thing is that the commander who was put in charge of the troops here wants peace and stability. He has not allowed his troops to run wild and keeps order in this region so people do not have to live in fear of the military.
On Sunday I attended the first soccer game that has been played in Gamboula since the war. It was a great game with a lot of laughing and everyone participated in the fun; glad for the entertainment.
As long as things remain calm our plan is to remain here and carry on our work and ministry as normal. However, our internet system was shut off and will not come on again for few months more it seems. In the meantime we are using tethering-through phones. It is slow and cannot handle sending or receiving attachments, but it is better than nothing.
It is great being back,
