When civil war erupted in Chad in February 1979, I was 29 years old, teaching in a Christian high school in the capitol city, N’Djamena. The central city was being bombed, and we heard gunfire all day, all night. There were dead bodies all over the neighborhood.
Figuring out how to flee…
We had to shut the school down, and the students and teachers had to flee for their lives. For me, fleeing was complicated because I had so many in my extended family to help move out.
…with my younger siblings and young cousins…
At that time in Chad, not many kids had the opportunity to go to high school, because all the secondary schools were in the big cities. Children from villages and small towns, like my younger siblings, had to leave their parents and live in the city with relatives. So I had my two brothers, my sister, and my cousins with me.
…with my brother in the hospital under a bombing attack…
One of my younger brothers was in the hospital at the time. He had a narrow escape. On Sunday he had exploratory surgery followed by an appendectomy. Monday morning the war started, and his part of the hospital building caught fire when a bomb exploded. He was transferred to the part of the building that wasn’t burned, but it was four days before we first knew that he was alive.
…with my older sister and her seven children trapped under fire
My older sister’s situation was bad, too. She had seven children, ranging in age from two to 17. Her husband was in Europe at that time, and the family lived a few yards away from the house of Hisseine Habré, the prime minister. The war traumatized her kids, especially the youngest ones, because the regular army targeted their neighborhood. The army even dropped bombs with airplanes.
For years a rebellion against the Chadian government had been simmering in the northern part of the country. Then Felix Malloum, the second president of Chad, signed a peace agreement with Habré, leader of the rebellion, and named him prime minister. Habré still wanted the power, however, and with the help of Western troops that were stationed in Chad, he started the civil war.
What could I do?
I could not sleep. What was happening to my sister and her children? What was happening to my brother and my aunt, who was staying with him in the hospital? With all the shooting, we could not travel to the hospital or to my sister’s house to help the family or find out if they were still alive. TO BE CONTINUED
What the psalm writer wrote about disaster
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. (Psalm 57:1-3)
Today’s prayer
Merciful God, I pray for the families in Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic and other African countries at war who are facing danger today. Give them calm minds so they can think clearly. Amen.
Resources: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=137g96x4xQQ
This story and others by Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers are told in My Roots Go Back to Loving and other stories from Year of the Family.
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/25/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/23/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/15/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A Hinshaw
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Joe Herman
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Anonymous
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
2/28/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
2/24/2021 3:33:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/18/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/17/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/14/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
2/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/8/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Erik Powers
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
2/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/13/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
1/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
1/2/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/9/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
8/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
8/16/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Way We Homeschooled, Part 1 Balance: from the Parent Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/23/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
7/21/2020 9:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/14/2020 11:00:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/24/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/17/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/3/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/2/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
5/29/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/26/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
5/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
New Bride Confusion: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/28/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Losing Poetry: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
4/15/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/14/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
4/9/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
4/8/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/7/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/2/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
Toddlers Helping During COVID-19 and Beyond: tips from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/31/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/24/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
3/23/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/27/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/26/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/25/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/20/2020 12:45:00 PM by: Jennifer Cummings
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/13/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Glen Hinshaw
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
1/13/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/9/2020 10:01:00 PM by: Laura Jane Cerling
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/7/2020 6:20:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/1/2020 6:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Star of Wonder
12/26/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Shepherds
12/24/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Mary and the Angel
12/18/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Zechariah
12/17/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
11/27/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/22/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/19/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Preventing Parent Burnout: from the Parent Powerline
11/4/2019 5:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/1/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2019 3:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
10/25/2019 6:30:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/16/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Karen M. Pickett Ward
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/8/2019 9:10:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/2/2019 6:45:00 AM by: Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/26/2019 3:17:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/24/2019 3:20:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
9/9/2019 3:49:00 PM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/20/2019 3:28:00 PM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
