Back to Africa

I still have more photos to share from other parts of our trip to Greece and Rome. But I'll take a break for a brief update on life in Nigeria.

There is a saying which I've heard from a variety of Nigerians -- "The only natural disasters that Nigeria ever has to face are caused by our leaders." Indeed, Nigeria seems to be untouched by earthquakes, typhoons, tornadoes, etc. The famines, homelessness, lack of education, lack of electricity, ... all are brought on by corrupt leaders who pocket the nation's wealth and allow the nation to remain in darkness.

And it's not just Nigeria that has this problem. Though Nigerians are looked down upon by all of their neighbors, other countries do have some of the same patterns.

I recently watched an interesting BBC News show "The World Debate" out of Capetown, S. Africa. The topic of this broadcast was the fragility of the African countries that even seem to be progressing. The president of Ghana was one of the brightest participants of the debate. A bitter leader from S. Africa was a participant. A VP of the World Bank articulated some thoughts well. Most striking were the comments from an opposition party member from Zimbabwe.

The entire broadcast was thought provoking. But the statement that had the highest impact of all was something BBC said just after the airing of the debate. They said that shortly after the taping of this show, the Zimbabwean was arrested in Zimbabwe for treason. He remains in jail today.

The "run-off" elections are soon to happen in Zimbabwe. The world is watching. But, as we have seen in the past, even if the elections are run in a fairly democratic way the handling of the results of that election is in the control of a man who is of questionable character. So, the masses may continue to suffer.

When praying for Nigeria and it's neighbors, I find myself most often asking God questions rather than presenting requests.

I don't even know how to pray for Africa but pray for Africa, we must!