Paroikos

Sunday, November 8, 2009

This incident I am about to relate, might seem to some proof of how unsafe it is for us in Africa.  In reality the story shows just the opposite, because it makes very evident that the Lord is present and able to deliver whom he will from the very mouth of oppression. It reminds me that we are as safe here as we possibly could be, here or anywhere else.

Last night around 9:00pm a group of three armed bandits came to Pastor E. E. Essien’s house, which is right next to the mission house where I stay when in Efa. Apparently they went there looking for me in order to kidnap me and take me to Port Harcourt for ransom. They asked Pastor Essien, where the American missionary was. Pastor Essien refused to tell them saying only that, “He isn’t here.” They ransacked his house looking for me. When they could not find me after about 2 ½ hours, they stole about $133 from Pastor Essien and his car keys and left. Sometime around 11:30pm I was taking a shower about to go to bed, when I heard people outside the house. Thinking it was probably Immanuel come to ask about something, I called out asking who it was. They answered but I did not understand what they were saying. I grabbed a towel and came out into the living room, where there are windows to that side of the house. Again I asked them what they wanted. They said they had run out of petrol and asked if I had any. I told them I did not, and I was sorry I could not help them. They left and a little later Pastor Essien found his car returned to him and the bandits gone. Although the porch door to the house was shut at the time it was not locked, and even if it had been, one good kick would have opened it anyway.

Thanks be to God!

Other than that quick little incident, everything here is quiet and coming along nicely. This morning I was able to join them for worship here in Efa. What a blessing. My schedule for the next two week is also filling up very quickly, with meetings and church visitations. My time here is so short and there is so much to be done.

Other than the protection. The Lord has certainly given me great blessings on this trip. Last time I came the electrical power was on at the house maybe two hours in the entire two weeks I was here. In the last three days that I have been here it has already been on for probably 24 hours. Including all last night, which means that I was able to sleep with a fan on. This is probably the greatest physical comfort the Lord could provide here in Africa. With even the smallest breeze the climate of Nigeria at this time of year isn’t bad at all. Normally however the air is humid and completely stagnant, which makes it quickly uncomfortable.

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers,
May the hand of the Lord surround you all as He has me,
In Chirst,

Matthew Ude

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