Africa

In Africa I have selected Uganda as the country with February 1977 as the key month. During this month Archbishop Luwum was put to death personally by Idi Amin; a week later a group of young Ugandan Christians were killed while producing a play about those killed a century before.

In other Africa countries (Mozambique, Zimbabwe etc) Christians have been killed in the internal conflicts leading to independence. In this context I include the words of a young African written shortly before he was killed for his faith.

‘I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

The die has been cast.

I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking,

Smooth knees, colourless dreams, chained visions,

Worldly talking, cheap living and warped goals.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven,

My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few,

My guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I won’t give up, shut up or let up until I have stayed up,

Prayed up and paid up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop,

Preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble

Recognizing me because my banner will have been clear!

(Dick Eastman ‘A Martyrs Measure of Commitment’ Every Home for Christ, 1993)

AFRICA