Yesterday morning we heard a series of loud explosions. Windows opened and slammed shut, the house shook, our ears popped, chairs moved. Everyone here does not own a television or a radio, and news coverage is not live and instant, so people were guessing and rumors were flying as to the cause. We were told more than one story. There was an invasion from Brazzaville, the capitol city of the Republic of the Congo across the river. We were told a munitions dump had exploded. A military depot full of explosives was on fire. There was a coup. Etc.
As it turned out, an arms depot in Brazzaville really had caught fire and caused the explosions. Our church lost a window. Friends of ours now have a cracked ceiling. I have not heard of any injuries or deaths here in Kinshasa, but my heart is hurting for Brazzaville right now. Some estimate over 200 deaths so far and collapsed buildings may contain more dead. Hundreds have been injured. Churches collapsed on entire congregations. One report I read that broke my mommy heart said that the government had to take custody of numerous children found wandering the streets, separated from their parents and unable to locate them. We have missionary friends across the river. They are in the northeast region of the country, far from where the blasts occurred, but I am certain their hearts are breaking for the country they serve and love. Please pray for the Congo Republic and the people of Brazzaville. Pray for the Christians who are there, that God will use them to bring hope and healing.
Congo river (Photo credit: Karin.Lakeman)
Image via Wikipedia
