First Term Updates – Cote d’Ivoire/Senegal

On Friday, we drove from Bouake to Abidjan without any problems along the way.  We were rejoicing about the possibility of peace. Actually, we had some of the inside story because of our location at ICA where some of the negotiations have taken place this week. You may have seen pictures of helicopters landing in places in the Ivory Coast with touring officials and UN workers – some of those pictures were taken on the soccer field at ICA – we have some of the same pictures on our digital camera. 

After spending yesterday feeling rather euphoric and optimistic about the future of ICA, even making plans to return and open in August of this year, we spent the night here in Abidjan – the safe city – listening to helicopters flying overhead, gunshots in the distance and angry shouting in the streets. Of course we all knew in the back of our minds that things would not happen peacefully.  The people in Abidjan are blocked from hearing all the news – they do not realize that the ‘rebel’ forces are actually an armed political party, the MPCI, with enough bargaining power and legitimate cause to make the French and the rest of the world stand up and take notice.  The people in Bouake do not get the news from Abidjan either.  It’s only those with outside contacts of some sort who get the total picture.

Missionaries from all over Ivory Coast have been returning to their homes and ministries, not only to check on their ‘stuff’, but also because of the love that God has placed in their hearts for what He has called them to do, and because people still need the Lord. 

Today, on the day we are to fly home, we are being warned to stay indoors and not to venture out anywhere. The citizens of Abidjan are angry at the French for ‘interfering’. They are rioting in the streets and have pulled white people from their cars and are beating them. It’s not clear yet whether our plane will even arrive, yet alone fly out, and it certainly looks at this point that we will not be on it.  The French base, which is between us and the airport, has had to repel angry mobs with tear gas. So, once again, we ask you to pray, not only for our safety, but for the peace of Abidjan and the Ivory Coast.  Services all over Abidjan have been cancelled today.  There are 11 of us missionaries gathered here at the guest house, singing some of the same hymns you will be singing today (Great is Thy Faithfulness, It Is Well ), and praying, not only for peace, but also for the safety of God’s people here in the Ivory Coast. We love you all and will keep you posted.

You people are amazing, or rather, our God is amazing. Last week we asked you to pray that we would find an apartment after 2 months of searching. The very next evening the key to a 2-bedroom apartment was placed in our hands. This apartment is in the same building as 5 other ICA staff families, so we are looking forward to good times of fellowship.

Although we packed up our belongings Friday evening, we haven’t moved in yet since the very next day we were given a sudden opportunity to return to ICA, with French escort, to pack up a few more things as well as pack up the computer and network equipment for safer storage. I’m writing this e-mail from ICA. There are 10 of us here, and we are working hard! It seems that a lot of our (ICA) stuff has been ‘borrowed’, so some of our time has been spent looking all around campus for what belongs to us. Fortunately, we are all finding most of our things. Of course, smaller things of value that can easily be hidden in backpacks have grown legs and walked away.

It’s been special being here, not only to check out our houses, but also to see some of our workers again. Antoine and Bob have spent quite a lot of time together. They’re sitting out back talking now as I’m writing this update.

Our return trip to Dakar is scheduled for Sunday, but that will depend on when we can get a French escort out of Bouake. Just to get from ICA to the other side of Bouake involves about 20 stops at various checkpoints. Our 1 1/4 hour trip from Yamo to Bouake on Monday took about 4 hours because of all the checkpoints along the way – and that’s with a French escort! We won’t be taking much back with us because we are limited to 35 kilos each, and because we hope to return to ICA to minister in the future.

So, dear people of prayer, we ask you to pray for our safety. We believe the Lord has given us this ‘window of peace’ for our encouragement and to remind us that He cares about ICA and MK education in West Africa. We also ask you to pray for the peace talks that are going on in Paris this week. Progress is being made, but the parties are still very far from reaching an agreement. As you know, African countries are not known for settling things peacefully, but France is spending a lot of time and money on trying to bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Thanking you for your prayers.

Peace talks begin today, January 15th, in Paris between all three rebel groups and Ivorian government. Previous talks in Togo have not ended the conflict. Violence continues in Cote d’Ivoire.  We are thankful for the peace-treaty signed by the remaining 2 rebel groups on Monday.  Pray that these talks in Paris will lead towards a lasting cease-fire agreement between all factions and a unified government.

Mission leaders are meeting and making decisions about the future of ICA. Please pray for wisdom for them as what they decide will impact missions in West Africa for years to come.

Please pray that an apartment will open up for us; we’ve been on a waiting list for the 2 months we’ve been here and are living in temporary housing. Another couple arrives today who have need of our temporary housing and will be staying with other missionaries until we move to a new place.

Thank you for the notes many of you send to us.  Please remember to use the e-mail address listed below and on our prayer cards for the most reliable communications.  We love to hear from you and to share your praises and requests as well.