It is no use; death is a moment that shakes everyone in all places and times. Here in Guinea Bissau, history repeats itself, and time after time, we see people mourning their dead with broken hearts and intense pain.
I recently went to the funeral of a Muslim family. As usual, the house was full, especially of women with their heads covered and looking sad.

Most houses here in Guinea Bissau have little lighting, which makes the environment darker and more distressing. But the fact that most marked this funeral was that the deceased was an eleven-year-old boy. He had a heart problem since birth, and everyone knew his death could happen at any moment. However, when death entered that house, no one was content. Despite not shedding tears, the distant look of his mother showed a sadness and an outcry that spoke very loudly.

If the family does not know the One who is the resurrection and the life, what future is there for them? What consolation could be enough for this mother? We must be more emphatic in preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to these people. We must bring hope to those assailed by the evils of a world of sin.

In Guinea Bissau, 51 percent of the population practices the Islamic faith and consequently does not recognize the saving ministry of the Lord Jesus. We need to find ways and resources to reach Muslims, not only so that they change their faith but mainly so that they have strength and hope in the face of the dilemmas that life imposes on everyone, everywhere. Let us pray for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit so we can carry out this much-needed work.

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