Many Reasons to Have Tears

 

You will not find many Congolese with tears in their eyes.  But they have many reasons to cry out.  As a matter of fact, there are few reasons not to cry.

The health system is in shambles.   Tens of thousands of people die each month from treatable and preventable diseases.  One out of five children do not live to their fifth birthday.

The education system is barely functioning.  Even so, many parents can not afford to send their children to school.  Most schools do not have adequate resources of trained and paid teachers or books.

The Congo's infrastructure continues to deteriorate.  Dirt roads revert back to washed out trails and grassy paths.  Utilities, like running water and electricity, do not operate any longer.

The list of things to cry about is endless!  However, the Congolese are not crying because they hope for restoration. 

 

Today's Scripture:  Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!  You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth

2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.  Stir up your might, and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.

18 Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.

19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

 

Prayer for Congo:  Dear God restore the Congolese and save them from further suffering.  Neighboring governments and rebel groups disregard the Congolese government.  Congolese flee in shame.  Mothers and children cry out for food and water.  Come and save the Congolese while the international community debate the proper response.  AMEN.