The problem of corruption

Had a wonderful time talking to students on campus yesterday. It was heart breaking too though. I got to talk to a student named Julie for a while. She is a Christian, but she was talking about how hard it is to be a Christian here, especially at the university. The corruption we experienced this past weekend with the police is just one area, it extends to the university as well. Julie was explaining that many professors expect bribes to pass students, even ones who have gotten good grades. One of her friends knew he had passed his class, but his professor refused to post his note (grade) until he gave him money. For girls, it is not uncommon for professors to expect sexual favors in order to pass them. This broke my heart, and she went on to say that they have no where they can go for help because those higher up in power are just as corrupt and do nothing to stop this. I was talking to Marcy, who has been serving as a missionary in Africa for the past 18 years, and she said this is common all over Africa. Many professors see it as a perk of their job and do not see anything wrong with it. How to you combat corruption and people taking advantage of others if they do not even see it as such? My prayer is that God would continue to move on these campuses, not only in the hearts of students, but with the faculty and administration as well. It is hard seeing this pain and feeling so powerless to do anything, but God is now powerless, and He has given us the amazing gift of prayer, which James 5:16 says is powerful and effective. As you pray for our team and the work God is doing in Cote d'Ivoire and Africa as a whole, please pray that God would change the hearts of those who are continuing this cycle of corruption. I also pray that God would reveal areas of corruption to me in my own heart and life back home. It is not something that is just here in Africa.

Also, as you pray please be lifting up our team leaders Craig and Bryn as well. Bryn haas not been feeling well the past two days, and they went to the hospital this morning. It turns out that she has appendicitis and she went for surgery and hour ago. Just prayers for a quick recovery and for peace for their hearts. Surgery is scary enough on its own, but it is even worse in an unfamiliar country with language barriers and everything. The Lord continues to be faithful though and takes us one day at a time! We are so grateful for you all and your prayers! In Christ,

~ Lauren