Requesting prayers for Uganda

Last night, the lead prosecutor of the case of the 2010 World Cup bombings in Kampala, Joan Kagezi, was assassinated at a produce stand near her home.  This story in The New Vision newspaper gives more information.  

As the popular saying goes, "the struggle is real, people."  The fight against terrorism continues daily, long after the headlines fade.  When the US Embassy releases a terror alert (like they did last week), it makes the news, and people increase their vigilance, for which I'm thankful.  Security gets ramped up, and while that can get old quickly, I'd much rather be inconvenienced for 60 seconds as I try to enter a shopping mall or a church than become a target.

Please pray for Kagezi's family as they grieve; she was the mother of four, and a highly respected member of the legal community.  SAMS missionary Brian Dennison counted her as a friend, so her murder comes close to home, even though I did not know her.

Please pray for Uganda as we continue to fight terrorism, and that the course of justice would not be thrown off.  Al-Shabaab targets Uganda because of Uganda's military peacekeeping presence in Somalia.  Of course, the threat of terrorism is everywhere, and we should keep all those who lead the fight to keep us safe in our prayers.  It's a multifaceted battle, and I am grateful for every person who plays a role.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Ultimately, our fight against terrorism isn't one that's fought on the battlefield, on the internet, or anywhere on earth; it's a spiritual battle against evil that must be fought in prayer.  

I join David in his prayer that opens Psalm 27:  "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"  We should always be vigilant and careful, but remember that ultimately, our security is only found in Jesus.  Despite all David was going through, he ends this psalm with his heart's desire in verses 13 and 14:  "I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  His eyes weren't focused on the trouble around him, they were focused on the Lord, as they should be.