The Privilege of a Ride…

Traveling "in style" on ICDI's car

Everywhere we go, we take two jeeps. Once we only had one available and we were so "squished"! But usually there are two. When there are two and I have a "window" seat, I look out at this world of Africa and think many thoughts. Today I looked at how few cars there were and who was riding in them. There are jeeps and SUVs that are largely owned or operated for and by foreigners. There are lots of yellow taxis driven by Central Africans and the people riding in them are in general the more wealthy Central Africans. I don't know what percent of the population of Bangui is riding in these SUVs or taxis, but I can tell you that it is minuscule.

CAR's mode of transportation

The Central Africans ride bikes sometimes, but mainly they walk. They walk everywhere. They walk carrying things balanced on their head and their hips and babies on their backs. They walk pushing carts full of bricks that are so heavy I could probably not even lift the handle. They push carts full of logs that they can't see over the top of. The phrase "to walk a mile in their shoes" has a whole new meaning. I don't think I could walk a mile in their shoes… No! I probably couldn't walk five feet in their shoes.

And this is part of the privilege of being American, of being a foreigner. It makes me wonder less why they do things slowly or why they take a three-hour break in the middle of the day. When life consists of the same back breaking grueling work day in and day out, why rush? If you push a little harder, does it really even make a difference? What will make a difference in such a life that has little hope of lasting change?

Desperate needs, desperate measures

The only answer, fortunately, is the best answer and that is Christ. We need these people to remind us of the privilege of being American and the responsibility of being a Christ follower. We must reach out in love. We can offer hope in small changes like wells with clean water and latrines. And we must remember the ultimate hope of Jesus Christ and eternity as we work among these people and share Him with them. We need to pray with much more fervor for a
continent in great need of hope, both spiritual and physical. The privilege of the ride for us comes with a responsibility to Jesus Christ far greater than the ride. May we rise up to it.

Laura Gibson
Blogger's note: Thank you for praying for Barb Teach. She was able to get on a plane earlier this morning and should be in Bangui on Saturday morning. Keep those prayers going!


Don't try that at home!