Battlefield Biwat

Tonight I was planning to preach at a night fellowship in Biwat settlement, where many members of our congregation live. But several people who live there told me it was really not a good idea, because it would be too dangerous tonight. The last few days, Biwat has become a rather volatile place. In fact, some have described it as a battlefield, and I don't think that's an exaggeration.

It's always a tough call when congregation members encourage us not to come - because it is at times like that when the gospel is most needed. We realize our brothers and sisters are concerned for our safety, but we also want to entrust our safekeeping to the Lord. Tonight it seemed pretty clear, though, that even if I did go, there would be no one there to listen.

So what's happening? Biwat settlement has three different groups, representing people who come from three different parts of the Sepik area (towards the Indonesian border). There are two larger groups, and then a smaller group which happens to live right between them. Many of our church members come from this smaller group.

For some time now (years, I think), there has been feuding between these two bigger groups in Biwat. Someone (quite likely drunk) attacks someone from the other group - slashes them with a knife or something like that. Retribution mode kicks in, and the other side has to get even. That never solves problems, of course, but only invites more retribution. Usually the conflict blows over within a day or two, but it's always simmering, waiting for the least excuse to start up again. It has started up again over the last few days, and has become bigger than ever before. Now it's not just knives being brandished and stones being thrown, but guns being fired as well. A couple of houses have been burned down, and there are plenty of threats of more violence. There are conflicting reports on whether or not anyone has been killed, but there certainly have been injuries.

The people in the third group want nothing to do with it all. But simply because they live right between the two groups, they are caught right in the middle of it. They are bystanders, but their home has become a battleground. Shots are fired on their street, and they live in fear of being hit by stray bullets. Women and children leave home for safety during the day, and come home at night to sleep - but even then have to sleep with one eye open. They don't want to pick sides - but their neutrality and unwillingness to help makes them suspect to both sides.

We as missionaries feel rather helpless sometimes. We are ever so thankful that our brothers and sisters and their relatives are not joining in the fighting. But what can we do? We did have some members of the congregation come to our compound to share what had been happening and to pray together. Prayer is what we continue to do, and prayer is also what we ask you to do. Pray that God may send his angels to protect his people (Psalm 91:11) and turn the hearts of those who are fighting to hearts of peace.

Tonight there was supposed to be a meeting between the community leaders and the police to sort things out. We're not sure yet what the outcome of that was. May our Lord use that also to put an end to this cycle of violence. But most of all, we pray that the gospel will really penetrate into people's lives. That alone will bring lasting peace.