With former president Laurent Gbagbo in custody, the fighting seems to be winding down quickly in Abidjan. There is a window of peace that may be opening this week. The water is working again, and the electricity is back on in many neighborhoods. The airport has reopened as well. It appears the prayers for peace have been answered for now.
Churches and HOPEww workers are hoping that this will be an opportunity to rush in with supplies and help for the disciples who literally lost everything in the fighting. This week would be a wonderful time for churches everywhere to consider contributing to help meet the needs of the Abidjan disciples. (You can contribute at www.HOPEww.org).
So far $90,000 has been donated to HOPEww for Abidjan disciples, but Mark Ottenweller of HOPEww told HotNews today that much more is needed.
HOPEww is not planning to evacuate the disciples at this time. Since the fighting has stopped, the safest place to care for people is now in Abidjan. Roughly 130 are living as refugees at the church building. Hundreds more disciples are living in the homes of other disciples in the safer neighborhoods. Everyone is out of money and food. Many have lost everything.
All of us need to keep praying. Ethnic tribal tensions are running high. Without police or public order, it is still dangerous in many parts of the country. Many are still afraid to return to their neighborhoods.
Speaking with Francis Dassé, Lead Evangelist in Abidjan, he told HotNews that his parents' village, as well as the village of his wife as well, were both burned during the night. He tried desperately to call, but could not get through. Many in the church are facing this struggle. The war is over, but the civilians are still angry and vengeful. These are truly dangerous times.
Please be praying for peace in Abidjan, and the well-being of the 1,950 disciples there. Pray also that the fundraising at HOPEww.org will be successful. (You can also help by posting this article at your facebook page to get out the word!)
Mike Taliaferro