Article February 26, 2007 Issue

PRAYER FOR AFRICA, from Africa

BY BOSEDE FUNMILOLA BAKAREY

Many people the world over are concerned about the situation in the Sudanese province of Darfur. Various efforts have been made, and continue to be made, to find ways out of the violent conflict and devastating war that have affected millions of innocent people. Among others, the African Union is involved in trying to find a lasting solution to this crisis. This war should stop—there's no question about that. But with many opposing sides and opinions, resolution seems elusive. What role do you and I play? What can we do?

As tragic events in Darfur continue to dominate the news, I naturally feel a desire to help. Darfur is in the westernmost part of Sudan and shares a border with Chad. My country, Nigeria, also shares a border with Chad. As refugees flee to Chad and cross-border attacks have become an issue, I see that the need for prayer is even more imperative and urgent.

For many people, it's natural to look to the Bible for answers. It contains numerous accounts of people and nations whose very existence and livelihood were threatened by violent conflict, turbulence, and war. And it shows how prayer brought help and healing. The Gospels demonstrate how Jesus turned to our Father-Mother God to restore harmony. From his example, we, too, can learn how to feel the peace and power of God in our lives. For instance, through acknowledging God's control over all, Jesus calmed an angry turbulent sea (see Luke 8:24). We can find that the healing Christ is present to calm the turbulence in Darfur, through the power and efficacy of Christianly scientific prayer that Mary Baker Eddy discovered. She proved through her own experience and those of her students that prayer is answered as one gains a clearer understanding of who God is.