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.