Congo Dawn
Page 48
But Robin had ears only for the warmth in the deep baritone voice that was no longer gentle but shaken with fervent, passionate conviction. The flame in tawny eyes blazing into hers was sunshine burning away the mist of a cool jungle morning. Dancing on the brown, tranquil swells of a Congo tributary. Melting the last frozen crevices of Robin’s heart.
“Back there in Afghanistan when we were interrupted, I had nothing to offer you. I was leaving. I couldn’t even ask you to go with me. You’d barely started your deployment. All I could do was share my heart. Hope you cared enough to wait a year or two until we could work something out. I never thought it would be five years. Or that God would give me—us—a second chance. But he’s brought us back together for a reason. I’ve been sure of that since I walked into that border hut and thought I had to be hallucinating. And now there’s nothing left separating us. No reason to wait. I’ll be leaving stateside in a week or so. We could go together, see what your sister has in mind. Or . . . Ephraim is a minister. He and Miriam would be happy to—”
Robin was free to move only because one of Michael’s hands had released hers to slide around her waist, the other rising to push back that windblown strand of red-gold hair. Her hand over his mouth interrupted the flow of speech. Arms slid around his neck as Robin stood on tiptoes to brush lips against a strong jawline.
“Michael Stewart, I love you more than I can ever wrap into words, more than life itself. And if what you’re trying to say with all of this history lesson is what I think you’re trying to say, the answer is a very definite yes.”
Michael’s arms around her tightened so that her rib cage creaked ominously. Robin hardly even noticed. Then his head came down, warm breath against her own, until there was no longer breath for further speech. Beyond the ridge, a staccato of sticks against metal and wood picked up pace. The rejoicing of freed prisoners swelled in volume. Took on those unbelievably rich, complex harmonies that were the Swahili people’s gift to the rest of the world.
“Yesu, nuru ya ulimwengu.”
“Jesus, Light of the World.”
Unnoticed by the mute couple standing motionless as one on the ledge, the curve of yellow light above the far green horizon became a half circle. Then a sphere of molten gold resting on a bed of jungle foliage.
Dawn rose over the Congo.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a child of missionary parents, award-winning author Jeanette Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Currently living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jeanette spent sixteen years as a missionary in Bolivia and now travels as a missions journalist and mentor to Christian writers in many countries, most recently Afghanistan. She has more than a dozen books in print, including Betrayed, Veiled Freedom, and Freedom’s Stand, as well as the Parker Twins series and the political suspense bestseller CrossFire.
Visit the author’s website at www.jeanettewindle.com for further information and a list of recommended reading.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Robin is no humanitarian—she’s just in the Congo to earn her “fair market price” to pay for her niece’s surgery. Does the fact that she needs the money for an altruistic purpose make it any less grievous that she’s taking part in a mission that exploits the Congolese?
Michael Stewart has compassion on the border guards demanding bribes before the Ares Solutions team can enter the Congo, since he knows their own government isn’t providing a decent living for them. Do they deserve this compassion? Has there been a time when you’ve needed to exercise exceptional negotiating skills?
Robin would’ve given anything to be initiated into her family’s male sphere of gun ranges and exercise grounds. Is there any role that you long for? How should you respond when you find yourself in a dissatisfying role?
Colonel Duncan, Robin’s father, had very unrealistic expectations about the right of a parent to dictate career choices for his children. Do you have any unfair expectations of the people in your life? What steps could you take to surrender them?
Robin has learned to survive among suffering people by keeping her focus on her own job, heart, survival, and family. She believes the Congolese do the same. Is there another option for any of them? Do you see any of the characters in Congo Dawn living by a different set of priorities?
In chapter 8, Carl attempts to help the mother and her “blind” child at the airport fence by giving them money. Does offering a temporary fix to people in difficult circumstances help them in the long term? Why or why not? Name other options.
In chapter 12, Trevor Mulroney states, “But if there’s one thing those early multinationals knew, it’s that sometimes you’ve got to make war to make peace.” Is that ever true? If so, when?
Michael says to Robin in chapter 14, “How can you even be certain who are the good guys and the bad? And believe me, the line between the two around here isn’t as clear cut as you want to think.” In a complicated world like ours, how do you determine who is good and who is bad? Why do you think this is so challenging sometimes?
What situations in Congo Dawn require forgiveness? How does the lack of forgiveness damage countries, people groups, and relationships? What can end a perpetual cycle of revenge? Give examples of revenge in the story and examples of characters who choose to seek alternatives to revenge.
Ephraim tells Robin of a Congolese saying in chapter 17: “Our Christianity is as wide as the Congo River at flood season, but also as shallow as a puddle under a hot sun in dry season.” What does he mean? Describe how this problem can also be seen in the Western church. What steps can the church take to promote a faith that is both wide and deep?
Ephraim also says that he doesn’t pray for an end to the fighting, hunger, and death besetting the Congo, but that “God would use these evils to purify us as a people. To purify us as a church.” How can this prayer also apply to the United States? Do you think it is a difficult prayer to pray? Why or why not?
In chapter 21, Michael recalls injustices in Europe’s history (aristocrats mistreating peasants, torture at the Tower of London) that changed only when Christians began practicing Christ’s teachings “to the point where their societies were turned upside down.” What practices could Christians follow today to impact our culture and turn society upside down? What practices could you implement in your own life?
At first, Robin believes that the Ares Solutions operation will impact the Ituri Rainforest for the better. She tells Michael in chapter 21, “Once we can secure stability and open transportation, Earth Resources will be able to bring in some heavy-duty mining gear. Make this place a model for mining here in the Congo. Offer a chance for a real life to the locals.” Michael responds, “They have a real life.” Do we sometimes think technological advancements automatically lead to better lives? Can you think of an example where technology has done more harm than good?
According to Miriam in chapter 26, human suffering is “God’s equivalent of tough love.” What does she mean by that? Have you ever bailed someone out of trouble, even though they needed to feel the consequences of their sin?
Later in the chapter, Miriam says, “Darkness, suffering, [and] injustice are the very things that show the measure of a person’s true character as peace and comfort never can.” Has this been true in your own spiritual walk? Give an example.
As the story begins, Robin, Joseph, Wamba, and Mulroney all use the darkness around them as an excuse to turn from the light. In the end, how are Robin and Joseph different from Wamba and Mulroney?
When you discover Joseph’s motives for carrying out violent acts (blowing up the mine, etc.), can you overlook his methods?
Robin collects “hazard pay” to accept the contract work in the Congo. What type of hazard pay would you require to do a dangerous job? What would that job be?
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