Hello everyone,
I want to update you on an unfortunate event that happened over the weekend. First, I am safe, and God completely protected me. I am so thankful to God for how he intervened. And I want to tell this story as a testimony of how great God really is.
About 3 a.m. on Friday night, five armed robbers beat down my door. I was staying in a guest house with four other men. We were all in our separate rooms, our doors locked. The robbers had machetes and a gun. I've never been more terrified in my life.
One guy was screaming, "Where's the money?" Another guy looked at me and hit me on the head. The hit didn't hurt me, but I think he just did it to show his power over me. I just told them where my things were, and they proceeded to gather up everything I had. I remember one of them, the guy who was screaming, lifting up the mattress I was sitting on and even flipping through my Bible, looking for cash. The robbers took my camera, laptop, cellphone, audio recorder, book bag, video camera and about $60 or so.
I didn't know what was going to happen. I was so terrified that I could barely speak or move. But then one of the guests, a Liberian by the name of Matthew, intervened. He had heard me screaming, and so he shouted to the robbers, "The whole house is surrounded by police!" This scared the robbers, and they fled the house--dropping my pack of clothes and my video camera.
Matthew was truly a hero that night, and I am so grateful for his courage.
I am thankful to be alive. Please read Psalm 91. Someone gave this psalm to me to read, and it captures exactly what happened on Friday. One verse that struck me was verse 8. It says: "You only will observe with your eyes" the destruction and terror around you. That night, I was only an observer. No one harmed me. God protected me.
The robbers hit about five neighborhoods that night, including another guest house on the campus where I am staying. Thankfully, no one was killed.
As I move forward into this new week, I really need your prayers. I am going through many different emotions. I have thought about leaving. I feel let down by many people and even angry. I don't have the equipment I need to do my job here. But I also still believe that God called me here to tell Liberia's story, and I trust in His provision and protection.
I don't know how things are going to work out in the coming weeks, but please pray that I will be strong and protected. Today I am trying to move forward and to get back to the reason I came here--to tell the story of a nation in desperate need of God's hope and healing.
Hey Christina,
Sorry to hear this. Praying for you today. May you be filled with courage and peace.
in Him, Lisa F, SIM International
Posted by: Lisa Felch | July 14, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Christina,
We prayed for you this morning at SIM International. We love you, and we're praising God with you that you are safe and that everyone is safe.
Shalom,
Steve K.
Posted by: Steve K. | July 14, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Christina,
I pray that God's angels continue to surround you during this time. I am SO sorry about what happened. I pray that the Lord would continue to fight on your behalf. Please keep us updated.
Posted by: Zoe | July 14, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Christina,
I pray that God's angels continue to surround you during this time. I am SO sorry about what happened. I pray that the Lord would continue to fight on your behalf. Please keep us updated.
Posted by: Zoe | July 14, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Christina - All that comes to mind is, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." I pray that somehow amidst everything, the Lord will give you a peace and sense of His presence. Whether you choose to stay or come home, you have our prayer, support, and admiration.
Posted by: Travis | July 14, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Christina,
This gave me chills. Thank God you are ok! I will be praying for you tonight.
God bless.
Stacie
Posted by: Stacie | July 14, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Christina,
I got an email earlier from Jack's family (CC) about this incident, I didn't realize you were also a victim as well--until I got caught up on my blog reading! Please let all those with you know that there are many people praying for you all.
It is scary, scary thing and will take time for you and the others to process what happened and to come to terms with it. We never think it will happen to us or someone we know.
When I think about violence aimed at expats, I remember how Elizabeth Elliot eventually went back to the very people who killed her husband and the other men. I can't imagine all that you all must be going through emotionally--it's really hard and disillusioning when you are victimized by the very people you love.
May the peace of the Lord be with you all.
Praying,
Joy
Posted by: Joy Hancock | July 15, 2008 at 01:27 AM
You are in our prayers. If you need a place to get away for a bit our house is open in Accra.
Posted by: Steve I | July 15, 2008 at 02:57 AM
Thank God you're safe. Allen just put out a call for prayer for you the other day.
http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/2008/07/normalcy-return.html
Posted by: Gina | July 15, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Girlfriend,
Oh my gosh-I'm so sorry to hear about this, and I'm so glad you're okay. I'm praying for you!!!
Love you,
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie Hood | July 15, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Praying for you, dear sister! Like David sleeping in a cave fleeing from King Saul, may you be able to say, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Ps 4:8) Thanking God that you are safe!
Posted by: Kristine | July 15, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Steve Iwan (my son) e-mailed me about the situation and our East Africa prayer group here at SIM Sebring Village prayed for you and the others. Praise God for keeping you safe and praying that he will give you courage and protection for continuing your work.
Posted by: Eleanor | July 15, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Christina,
You continue to be an inspiration to me. Indeed, I am shocked to hear of this news and am concerned for you. I can not even imagine what you're going through right now. My prayer for you is that this event will be a catalyst to raise more awareness for the work you've been called to do. May this time of heightened intimacy with the Lord be a time of revelation to your mission...for you, your supporters, and those who don't yet understand. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace(Num 6:24). Surely, your passion for Liberia's story being told to the world is a gift from God.
Posted by: Dawn | July 15, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Hi Christina,
I'm Dawn's friend. I met you once in Arlington before you left. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. I'm so sorry to hear of the unfortunate event, but so glad that God brought you through it and protected you as he did.
Posted by: Melissa | July 17, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Christina, not sure if you remember me or not, but I met you when I visited Theresa with Michelle down in Naples a few years ago. Michelle forwarded your story on to me and I will pray for you as well. I can't imagine all that you are going thru right now, but I know that God has an awesome purpose for leading you there. Your story about the other night is a testament in itself. Take care and be safe, Laura
Posted by: laura marciniak | July 21, 2008 at 01:37 AM