March 26, 2007
The church in prayer and practical action
“Free and Fair” the Independent Electoral Commission
declared at the end of the national elections in February 2007,
a major accomplishment in a country where ever since Lesotho’s
independence in the mid 1960s violence and unrest have seemed
to be integrated into the election process. And though not everyone
agrees with the results and opposition parties continue to seek
ways to be heard, peace has reigned this time.
Some say that the fears of reliving the bloody aftermath of the
1998 elections is the reason peace prevails. Others say it’s
important to preserve the development that has taken place since
that time, when the capital city of Maseru was nearly razed to
the ground.
Both opinions certainly have some truth to them, but there may
be additional factors: For some time before the elections, groups
of intercessors from various churches have met regularly to pray
for the country. One group of women meets every morning of the
week from 7:00 to 8:00 at a centrally located church in town,
fasting at certain times. Once a month they gather for an all-night
prayer meeting, interceding for Lesotho and its people. “Wherever
two or more are gathered in my name, there I will be also.”
Do we not believe that God hears the cry of His people? For those
of us who believe our God is a living God who knows our needs
and is with us in the midst of our trials and difficulties and
uncertainties—and that He hears our prayers—our faith
is strengthened and our hope renewed when we see peace prevailing
in such a situation as this. God is with us, of that we are certain.
It was not only the prayers of His people that ensured a peaceful
post-election time, but also the active participation by church
leaders, Christian-based NGO members, and lay people, who were
trained and integrated into the process, taking an active part
in guaranteeing the integrity, honesty, and openness of the process.
What an encouragement is was to see the Church of Christ active
and involved, contributing effectively in practical and committed
ways, reflecting the Church as “salt” in the community.
For that—and for peace—we are grateful.
Cindy Easterday
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
330 |
