First Term Updates – Cote d’Ivoire/Senegal

“The night was mostly quiet right around ICA. Two vehicles parked down near the bridge at the bottom of the hill for a while and then one left to return up the hill towards ENSOA. About 11:30 a loud sound, similar to a mortar round being fired came from the area of the bridge about 150 meters from the school. Another similar sound came from beyond ICA towards Koussiblekro from the direction of the main road east. There were no secondary explosions or sounds of a projectile flying through the air. We assume these sounds were a signal between two groups of soldiers at these locations. There were no other sounds from them during the night. This morning at 6:15 the vehicle down by the bridge returned up the hill, with two people seated in the front, and we have seen no activity from that area. There continue to be sounds of shooting from the town and also from the area east of Bouake.The town electrical supply in this area was cut off around 10:30 PM so we started the generator. The generator is still running at this time and we will be evaluating what times and how long to run this during the day. There is adequate fuel for now. We have received no communications from official sources since early last evening and we have had no events that would lead us to call either. The staff and students will be getting up soon. No classes are scheduled for today as we wait to see what will happen.The Crisis Management Team will meet at 9 AM and evaluate reports from the people taking care of various aspects of the campus. People are taking this in stride and working well together.”

We are thanking the Lord that we were able to have the Celebration Service for our friend Dave Golding this afternoon. We were quickly rushed through lunch to our various ”safe” houses because of shooting right outside our wall, so we were wondering if we would even be able to hold this service. Although we heard guns in the close distance throughout the whole service, we stayed where we were and did what we came to do. It was a special time of realizing what a special man we had been privileged to know. This was especially apparent by the number of students who shared “I wanna’ be like Dave.”

But gunfire continues. Pray for our Crisis Management Team as they make decisions concerning the next few days. We are preparing for evacuation, although so far the embassy has recommended staying where we are. Also be aware that when the news reports say that fighting is over in the Ivory Coast, their reports of peace are greatly exaggerated. We are here and the fighting is not over. 

We are able to send e-mails, but we aren’t receiving any that have been sent today. Even so, we know you are praying. Thank you; we’ll try to keep you posted.

“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.”