Focus

Following the shooting I mentioned last Monday evening, we heard a couple of days later about a different shooting. That one made international headlines:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31520322

We sometimes hear shots and "booms!" at night. It is unsettling, but we usually hear no more about them on any news or security updates, so these incidents are easily forgotten. They are no direct threat. However, it can still make us tense at times, as it can be hard to discern which incidents are to be feared and which pose no danger.

This morning we received a message to stay inside our compounds and to keep the children inside the house. There was some kind of local incident, but I stress that it was nothing to do with our work or any threat against us. It has now all passed over and everything is back to normal. The boys, as I type, are outside playing with their friends in the compound (and no doubt getting very muddy!).

These occurrences keep us on our toes- and on our knees when we think about our children! And here is a verse I came across recently which helps to bring focus, giving me something specific to pray for during those on-the-knees moments! Isaiah 52, verse 12:

But you will not leave in haste

    or go in flight;

for the Lord will go before you,

    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.