What is a reality in every big city weekly, is a rarity here in Central Africa. Yesterday we were hit with the sad news that Constant, the head African of our agroforestry program was involved in a head on collision in a village south of here. Constant was driving the centre's landcruiser truck while the other was a car. They were both approaching the top of a blind hill from opposite directions at high speeds when they hit and two people in the car were killed along with a three year old boy who was riding in the back of the agri-truck. To make things even worse, the two dead are the secretary of the province of Berberati and the vice-Mayor of Berberati, who also happens to be the younger brother of a recent presidential candidate and minister in the government. There are four other people seriously injured and in our mission hospital, including a pregnant woman. We are all in a state of shock and we are unsure as to what the final outcome of this tragedy will be. Constant is generally a good driver, if not a little fast, but I know he must be beside himself right now knowing that his vehicle was involved in the deaths of three people.
Not unlike the United States, lawsuits are common here and we are bracing for what could be an expensive battle with the families of these very important men. One of the men has left behind four wives and numerous children. The judicial system is very corrupt and we are hoping for the best but won't be surprised by the worst. What this means for our programs here we are unsure. Our work here will be unaffected but we are concerned about the mission as a whole. We are asking for prayer from all our readers. Please pray for Constant and for his family. He is in protective custody as it is likely that if he is free family members of the dead men may try to harm or kill him. Pray also for the impending court cases and for Roy who will likely be involved in much of the details as he is Constant's boss and the vehicle was a work vehicle. Pray that we would have a positive attitude as we handle the fallout from this tragedy and that we respond appropriately and with love.
Thank-you, Angela
