Last week, 5 members of our Gamboula team returned to the Cameroon/Central African Republic border. They met with several leaders from Gamboula that crossed the border to report on the situation in town. The reports were good. They said Gamboula was peaceful and even encouraged the group to cross the border to visit, which they did. The team reported that everything looked and felt normal despite a few new government officials from the Seleka group that apparently were very cordial and professional. The highest official is a 31 year old gentleman that has the respect of Seleka and the community. A lot of the peace in Gamboula has been credited to him. All of the workers from the women selling produce on the side of the road to the nurses and shop owners have returned to their jobs. Schools have also resumed. It appears that Gamboula has remained relatively unscathed during the rebellion. We also learned that the looting of our houses was not as bad as first thought. Apparently some of our neighbors video taped the looting and others wrote down names of those looting. Some teenagers even tackled some looters and recovered items. Days later, some of our neighbors went to the houses of those they knew were involved and recovered even more items. Our silverware was found in the Garden of Eden! Until we return and see for us we will not really know the extent of what was taken. Our team was warmly welcomed and many asked for us all to return. Over all the trip was a great success. It was healing, meaningful, and a wonderful chance to encourage our friends. We also learned that our house helps' daughter had a baby girl that they named "Lori" now all 3 Shinars have a name-sake in Africa!
The state of Gamboula is remarkable considering the rest of the country is still in unrest with continued looting, violence, and instability. Just 2 hours north of Gamboula, anarchy remains. Hospitals and schools are not functioning in the capital and poachers are killing elephants for ivory in the parts of the country. We pray that peace remains in Gamboula and spreads throughout CAR.
As for us, we will return home on Tuesday for a few months for rest and healing. We pray that we will be able to return to Gamboula. We are also praying about other options in Cameroon if we are unable. We would appreciate your prayers for easy travel and that we will be healthy- all of us have been sick today! Please also pray for our friends in CAR and for the country that is so dear to our hearts.
