continued....Friday April 1st

Although the fuel problem with our truck was solved it was overheating. We carried on with a long drive. We needed to get home to Jos because Saturday was election day and a no travel ban is in effect. We finally approaced Jos at about 1:30 am. We were rejoicing that we would soon be able to lay our bodies horizontal and get some sleep. Bitrus did all of the driving and Monica monitor for pot holes. It was very exhausting. As we approached the city limites there was evidence of a huge crash that had happened earlier. Several cars and a livestock truck were completed crashed, over turned and burned. The cattle carcasses were burned also and still evident. According to today's news one of the vehicles had brake failure. Approximately 20 people died according to reports. The police check point that is usually at that location was moved about 1/2 km closer to Jos. Our car was heating and losing power as we climbed this last hill.
Earler in the day we had received an email from the Canadain embassy reminding us of the no travel from Sat. 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. We were aware of the approaching checkpoints but we were shocked when they told us know one could pass after 12:00 midnight and that we would be spending the night in the car. This is when we sent out our SOS for prayer. We received direct responses from our prayer partners and at the same time Bitrus received a phone call from Pastor Emmanuel (ECWA Seminary). Pastor E had been phoning frequently to check on our location and was veryy worried for our well being. He was in contact with the provost and also the State Commissioner of Public Works who attends his church. The State Commisioner contacted the General in command of the secutiry troops and we were given clearance to pass the checkpoints. The troops came looking specifically for the Canadian missionaries. Unfortunatley we did not have an escort vehicle and thus were detained at each of the next 4 chekpoints. Each time we needed to explain and ask them to call their platoon leader to verify our actions. The last check point attendant actually knew Bitrus. At the 3rd checkpoint the patrol officer had the platoon commander speaking on a phone in one ear and the commissioner speaking to him in the other ear. Very interesting. We were totally amazed at how many people were on thier phones between 1:30 and 3:30 to ensure our safe arrival at Jos guest house.