So Angola...

It's a big country (twice the size of Texas) in southwest Africa. Long war, finally peace, lots of rebuilding to do, and a key time of receptivity to the gospel. If you really want to know more, there's more info on our mission team's site, www.angolateam.org.

Today I ran across a news article which describes Angola's economic progress in glowing terms. It sounds like good news. Sounds like the country is moving further and further from war. But I wonder what the more complete story is. Is Angola's economy stabilizing and growing, or does all the growth belong to foreign companies seeking their fortune in Angola? The country has a long history of economic slavery to other nations (500 years). Is this simply a variation on a theme, a remix for a new generation of radio?

And if Angolan firms are also gaining a more solid footing, are they doing so to the benefit or at the expense of the Angolan populace? This article notes,

Many new buildings are being erected, mainly in the commercial centre of Luanda, where oil and financial sector companies are establishing offices.

But another news article gives a different perspective on the same growth phenomenon:

Police arrived at 07:00 and began tearing down homes in Cambamba 1 and 2 neighbourhoods [in Luanda]. More than three hundred families have been made homeless.... The houses were apparently torn down to make way for new buildings.

I pray that Angola's political and economic leaders are doing what needs to be done to set the country on firm enough footing to help the majority population meet their basic needs. Big business growth doesn't seem to be an indicator of such.

Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing against big businesses. Nor do I think the hope of Angola's future lies in economic progress. Angola's hope lies in the Lord, period. As best I can tell, the Lord takes a keen interest in the sufferings of His creation. He has definitely noticed the Angolan people, and He is working to rectify their situation. Whether he uses economics, politics, or missionaries, He will continue to redeem Angola from its dark past - physically, relationally, emotionally, spiritually.

A tip o' th' hat to Bobby

I'd like to share my testimony: I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Bobby the blogangelist (p. b. u. h.). What a mentor he is for me in this brave new world where all are empowered to let their foolishness stream forth. I've got some foolishness of my own to add to the hobo stew; if you don't like the way it tastes, I guess Bobby is to blame. But then again, he's to blame for Bob and Greg too.

By the way, I mean that bit about campfires and bridges. Two things dear to my heart. From my childhood in Africa surface cherished memories of the starlit southern hemisphere, a majestic midnight blue canvas enveloping a world of adventure, danger, and peace. The night air alive with the sounds of insects, jackals, lions, owls. The nearby bushes concealing who knows what. And the light of the campfire radiating on the faces of those who love God's creation. I learned to listen to God there. I still long for those times. Grad school just isn't quite the same.

And bridges. Connections. I'm constantly pondering how to make new connections. How to connect people with Christ. (Ever read Bridges of God by Donald McGavran? I'm checking it out right now.) How to maintain bridges among Churches of Christ, left right and center. How to build bridges between Churches of Christ and other denominations. What types of bridges need to be built between America and Africa. How to build bridges of African Christians from other countries into Angola. How development may serve as integral parts of bridges among Angolan Christians. How seminary students like me can bridge the gap to normal life, normal people.

Campfires and bridges. My prayer is that both will be an honor to God. It is Him for whom I exist. I hope that's true for you too.