On Friday 5th February 2021 the nation of Trinidad and Tobago was thrown into shock and mourning. The body of 23-year old Andrea Bharatt was found down a precipice, a week after she entered a licensed taxi on her way home from work. Unfortunately, this scenario was one that our country is all too familiar with. On November 29th 2020 18-year old Ashanti Riley entered a taxi and never arrived at her destination - her body was found with signs of violence on it a few days later in a stream. Four years before that 20-year old Shannon Banfield's body was found in the storeroom of IAM and Company, a few days after she did not return home from work. There are countless other women who have disappeared without a trace, or whose dead bodies were discovered subsequently. Andrea's death sparked nation-wide outrage in the days following her death. The people of Trinidad and Tobago were fed up. We could not simply continue with "business as usual"
The plague of violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago is not one that has a simple solution. The torment arises as a result of the failure of the systems which were designed to build us as a nation, and to maintain law and order. It is justifiable to hold the persons who are responsible for the adequate functioning of these systems accountable. We are well within our rights to demand better of our government and judiciary. As followers of Christ we too have a responsibility; what can we do when our nation is in crisis?
Mourn
It is a natural response to cry, lament, be enraged when injustice occurs. In the Old Testament, we see God's wrath displayed in the face of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus wept and showed compassion when persons lost their loved ones. Romans 12:15 encourages us to mourn with those who mourn. It helps to grieve in community, as the burden of the pain is shared. There is a release that comes when persons are able to share their stories, and know that there are people who care about their sorrow. After the emotions have been expressed, after the tears have been shed, it is time for action.
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| In tears at the vigil outside of the Red House |
Pray
James 5:17 highlights the power of the prayer of Elijah, who was a human just like us, yet his fervent prayer resulted in no rain in the nation of Israel for 3.5 years. We are encouraged that the earnest prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. We recognise that the attack against women in our nation is not merely a physical problem - it is a spiritual issue, and we need to address the rulers, authorities and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12) There is power when the body of Christ comes together to agree in prayer (Matthew 18:19) We must persevere in prayer, without doubting, believing that God is able to bring about transformation in our society. Between the 14th-18th of February 2021, four women were targeted to be kidnapped, and all four attempts failed. We have been praying, and God has been answering.
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| Praying outside of the Hall of Justice |
Evangelize
Sin is at the core of the issue that we are facing today. When the hearts of men are evil, they engage in all manner of wicked and vile acts, that no amount of policing and legislation can stop. While we recognize that it is God who draws persons to Himself, we need to seek out opportunities to share with persons the deceptiveness of living a lifestyle focused on self gratification, and point them to the only One who can truly fill every empty part of their lives. Apart from sharing with those in our spheres of influence, we need to be prepared to go outside of our comfort zones, and reach those who may not have any Jesus followers in their immediate environment. Romans 10:14 challenges us "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
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| Some of the persons who responded to an altar call at an open air meeting last week Sunday, following in water baptism |
Impact
Everyone does not have the same assignment, but there is an impact that each of us can be making. A mother who can train her son to respect women. A man who can mentor a young man whose father is not present. A friend who can listen to the stories of those who have been hurt so they can feel loved and cared for and healing can begin. A teacher who can use their platform to facilitate conversations that can begin to shift mindsets. A mobilizer who can execute events to raise awareness. An advocate who can lobby the appropriate authorities to bring about change. Find out what good works God has prepared for you to do (Ephesians 2:10), and be faithful in doing it.
Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
