We have entered a period that calls attention to the agony of women and children in our nation. They live daily with the fear of abuse, rape, murder or worse. They fear that they could be the next to die at the hands of men. This reality is not just for 16 days. It has seemingly assumed a state of normalcy and permanence. It has become a culture.
What makes matters worse is that no measure taken by authorities appears to stem the ride of this brazen abuse. Not legislation. Not moral appeals. Not imprisonment.
Sadly, the Christian church is not immune to the sin of gender based violence. Many Christian women and children carry terrible scars as survivors from the abuse of the “man of God”. Our sin is made more grievous because we know the Truth that ought to set us free from the principalities and powers that shape our society.
Like Daniel, we ought to pray “ Lord, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame— because of our unfaithfulness to you. Daniel 9:5
May the Lord help us to stand in the prophetic tradition of Daniel, to confess our sinfulness unreservedly on behalf of our churches and our nation, and to turn away from this vile sin of GBV.
Further, may we know to be active combatants against this evil. For repentance alone will not suffice. This season of activism to end violence against women and children is a reminder to begin spiritual warfare. Pauls’s letters gives us some clues about how.(Ephesians 6:10ff2Cor 10:4-5).
Aluta continua.
Reverend Moss Nthla
TEASA General Secretary