The Bombs

By now I assume many of you have heard about the bombs that exploded in Maputo on the 23rd of March. There was an accidental explosion of military weapons and bombs which were being contained at an underground armory near the Maputo airport. The military was on sight, but unable to stop the explosions once they began. Thankfully we were up in northern Mozambique and weren't here in the city. If you want to read some official news on the event, please visit www.allafrica.com.

According to our friends who were here, it was a horrific and frightening 4 hours filled with deafening explosions and great chaos and fear. The number of lives lost is over 100 and hundreds of people were maimed and mutilated. Many people died from the impact of the bombs, but many more died from complications and injuries. There were so many injuries and not enough medical personnel to handle the crisis.

Unfortunately, there are still unexploded bombs littering the city and damaged buildings. And sadly there are still children and loved ones missing. In the chaos of the explosions, many children were swept up in the rushing mobs of people trying to get to cover. Some of the children were carried several kilometers from home and don't know how to get back to their families. Sadly, it's likely that some of the missing will be discovered deceased.

There are many rumors floating around as to the cause of the explosions. I will spare you our personal speculations and just say that we are hopeful that this time (there have been 3 previous armory mishaps) the government will make greater efforts to clean up the remaining weapons.

Please pray for the people of Maputo that they would be able to feel safe in their city again. Pray that the missing would be found and reunited with their families. Pray that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus to minister to people in practical, tangible ways.