Author name: Lois Gillespie

“Several have confirmed receipt of my messages so thank you for doing that. I trust the communication will remain good. After lunch today, and an update to students and staff, we have opened the campus from the road in front of Bethel and Bethany dorm, down in front of Betheden and down to the lower courts. The soccer field remains off-limits for the time being. The gym is open, and the Commissary also to the delight of the Junior class, and informal activities are going on all over the area. Slip and slide is behind Bethesda, for those who know what that is. Staff members with radios are stationed at certain points to sound an alarm if that should become necessary. I remain impressed with the way everyone is handling this and thank you for the high quality of students and staff you have sent to ICA.

“The rebel soldiers at the front gate left the area and returned to town around 11 AM. There continues to be sporadic shooting as they take more control of the town. They now appear to control the central commercial district and most military installations around town. Contacts in town and guards arriving for work here confirm that no businesses are being looted, no houses are entered and no individuals are mistreated. Only government connected facilities are being bothered. There are no soldiers near ICA until you get to the ENSOA camp three kilometers up the hill towards town. We have received a visit from the Colonel in command of the ENSOA Military Officer’s Training School at the top of the hill toward town. He assures us that all preparations have been made to protect ICA.

“US Embassy contacts confirm that there are no plans for an evacuation although they have prepared contingency plans. The US Embassy has a complete list of people at ICA should this be needed. We have prepared evacuation packs if the necessity should arise. Adequate numbers of vehicles are prepared to transport everyone if they are needed. No missionaries in town have joined us at ICA.

“Tonight we will allow activities in the same general areas as this afternoon, with the exception of the petit poteau courts which give off too much light in the distance. Regular schedule for coming into dorms and closing down will be followed.

“Sunday morning we will be having a church service at 10:30 AM in the ICA Chapel. At 3:30 PM there will be a memorial service for Dave Golding in the ICA Chapel. We have decided not to delay this service for a number of reasons and will gladly open the doors for anyone able to arrive from outside the school. I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and to those of you who will be unable to attend at this time. There will not be a burial service at this time. I will let you know when the burial will be and will make every effort to allow representation at a graveside service if this would help some who will not be able to come now. We ask for your prayers during this service, especially for Denise and the children. This memorial service will fall during many church services in the US since we are on Greenwich Mean Time here.

“We have credible information that government troops have arrived at the outskirts of Bouake on the Abidjan road. They appear to be planning to re-take the town at some point. Our plan is to remain in place and count on the preparations we have made. As is true for every one of you, ultimate safety lies in God’s hand.

“Sunday the Crisis Management Team will evaluate what is happening and make decisions for the next day. We all appreciate your prayers and support during this experience.”

This morning, although we are still hearing gunfire in the distance, all is quiet here at ICA. We are told that the military from Abidjan is on it’s way north to stop the ‘rebel resistance’, so whatever action is going to happen is still to come.

A positive encouragement to us all: the local military commander brought his three teenage daughters here to ICA last night for protection. He doesn’t want them on the military compound, and must think we are safe here. You would not believe how uplifting that has been to us who are responsible for the safety of these missionary children.

“We have spent a great deal of time today listening to news reports, contacting friends for information and trying to understand what is happening. At this point the situation seems more clear but we still do not know exactly what has happened except here on our campus. There have been reports of government officials killed in Abidjan and the suspicion that this might be an organized attempt to take over the government. 

“Classes met as normal today even though some people were missing from school since they were unable to get to the campus. We are also still dealing with the reality of Dave Golding’s sudden death which has affected everyone deeply. The sports teams have seen their trip to Abidjan canceled because of the events but we plan to have this scheduled again as possible.

“At this time we have news reports and direct contacts in Bouake who describe this town as being controlled by the rebel military personnel. The government is working to bring order to the situation but there is no traffic in town and businesses remain closed. None of the shooting has been near ICA and we have heard very few shots this afternoon. We have been in contact with missionaries in town who are remaining in their homes following recommendations from the different embassies. 

“All ICA staff and students are on campus, along with some people who were visiting and some day students. The students know what is happening and understand the reasons for increased security on campus and at the front gate. The ICA administration has examined what can be done to increase security and has put in place different measures to do everything possible to make this a safe place. We also recognize that ultimately our protection comes from God and we ask for your prayers. We desire to act like God’s children even in times of stress. 

“The expressions of concern and support from all over the world have been a big encouragement to everyone. We feel a part of a larger family that is supporting us during these times of crisis. May God bless you as you live and work for Him where you are each day.”