Complete Powerlessness

Have you ever felt completely powerless? Have you felt trapped like you are not able to do anything to change or improve your situation? Have you ever felt like you could not do anything? I know that so many people live life that way. This past Saturday night, I had that feeling. As we were driving home from the airport late, we happened to see a group of people on the side of the road. There was probably only 6 or 7 people and I think two of them were women. As we got closer, we realized that one of the men was beating one of the women. He knocked her down to the ground and then picked her up and knocked her back down again. He was dragging and hitting her over and over. What do you do? Should I get involved? Is it wise? It isn't good to just let a woman get beat. Surely there is something that we can do? But if we go over there without knowing the situation are we going to get beat up as well? But shouldn't I be willing to help? But it is a risk... But shouldn't I be willing to risk? If you are not willing to help others at risk to yourself, then are you living the life that God has called you to live? Aren't we supposed to lay our life down for others? But, would I really be any help? My swahili is not strong enough to argue? I felt trapped. We pulled over onto the side of the road near the people as did a few other cars. I hoped that just by stopping that maybe they would stop. As we were discussing what we should do, a man from another car got out. He looked like he was willing to help and he looked more able. However, as he walked by our car, we realized that he was carrying a gun. OH MY GOODNESS! What is he going to do? Is he going to use it or just show it to scare them? People here get beat up if you are just supsected of being a thief. There is no 911 to call. I have even been stopped to give police a ride somewhere. There is nothing that they can or will do. Do we just leave? Getting involved at this point definitely did not seem wise but can we just leave that woman? I felt so powerless. We did leave. As we left, I could nothing but pray. I pray that that woman is okay and will one day find freedom from oppression. I pray that the overwhelming sense of helplessness would no longer be the dominant feeling here. I pray that God would do a mighty work in transforming this country. I pray that I would know what to do