Prayer for Abele

Early this month, I sent out an email requesting prayer after a tragedy in Cameroon. Since some of you may not have gotten this email, I'll copy it here before posting an update.

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing with a heavy heart to ask for your prayers. On December 31^st, I received word that there had been a tragedy in Cameroon. One of our close Baka neighbors and friend Abele became drunk during the New Year celebrations and stabbed and killed his wife, Iya. Abele was beaten by some villagers and then was taken to the government clinic by the gen d’arms (police). Abele and his family are the Baka team’s closest neighbors, and naturally, we care deeply for them. The loss of Iya will be deeply felt by the team.

Also, the couple has 4 children, ranging from about 13 to about 3 years of age. Their names are Kinge, Epele, Joe, and Kunde. They will be cared for by family members. Please pray that they would experience the love of God in the midst of their grief.

Pray also for Abele. This act of violence was very out of character for him, and was due in part to drunkenness. When asked why he did it, he said that he remembers stabbing Iya, but doesn’t know why. He also said that he would kill himself if he was given the opportunity. He is deeply distraught after this tragedy and is also suffering physically after a brutal beating. Pray that God would heal his body, but more importantly, pray that he would remember what he has been taught about God and cry out to Him in the midst of his pain.

Pray for the families of Abele and Iya. Abele’s family is fearful of retribution. Pray for protection for them.

Two other people were injured during the stabbing, so pray for a smooth recovery for both of them.

Also, pray for the community. It is customary for lengthy death ceremonies to take place, sometimes for several nights. These “celebrations” are accompanied by drinking and dancing. Pray that the community would see that drunkenness can have horrible consequences.

Lastly, pray for the Baka missionary team. The Abbotts were in Yaoundé, the capital city, when this happened, so the Conrods were left to deal with this alone. Pray that they would be able to process their thoughts and grief well, and that God would give them an extra measure of wisdom and grace when dealing with the individuals involved in this tragedy. Praise God that both couples are out of the bush right now at an annual conference for Cameroon missionaries. They are surrounded by friends who understand the challenges that the team is facing.

Your prayers are much appreciated. Thank you for all the encouragement and support that you have poured out on me. I truly thank God for you.

In Christ,

Jennifer