This morning we awoke to powerful explosions across the city from shelling in Youpougon. Boom-boom-boom. Sounds like loud thunder rolling across the city laced with gunfire from AK-47s. There were militias from the war trying to control one large quarter or neighborhood of the city. Helicopters flew overhead. Traffic stopped and reversed on several large streets to the area as it was blocked off by soldiers.
The church leaders want to meet. The region leaders have horrendous stories from their communities. They tell of people shot on the streets and bodies burned in front of them. Their houses have been stormed by soldiers and militia with AK-47s looking for guns, food or opposition leaders. Women are threatened with rape and violence at their houses. "What tribe do you belong to?" "Where have you hidden the guns?" "Give us food!" “When we come back you must be gone or we will kill you!" Hundreds of the disciples’ homes have been looted and destroyed. They have lost everything and now live with family members and friends.
Bombs fell at the entrance to one leader's house. Another leader's home was destroyed in a firefight. One leader's in-law's house was burned to the ground because of their tribal background. Some are angry, some cry, and all are overwhelmed by everything they've seen and heard. All the shepherds need help before they can help the sheep.
I began to cry, too. What can anyone say? We then all prayed for "peace like a river" through the Holy Spirit to pour out all over Abidjan. We talked about what the Spirit of God can do to help us and the city. It was amazing to see the Comforter of God, the Encourager of God, the Strengthener of God, the Power Giver of God, the Binder of Broken-hearts of God at work right in that room.
I met with Dr. Solange who leads the work of HOPE worldwide in the Ivory Coast. She is working hard to re-open the AIDS Clinic since the clients are desperate for medication. Some have already died. They have treated over 2,000 clients with ARVs and they hope to re-open soon. The orphans need help, too. They have supported over 18,000 orphans over the last five years. Where are they now? How are they? Do they have food? Solange wants to help people and meet other needs but she must re-start these crucial programs and send someone else to initiate other relief programs around the city. We discussed several options.
That evening I met with the students on campus. I am super-encouraged by their faith. They are all looking for small jobs since school has been closed for three months and all the dorms have been locked. Many have no home to go back to and in one small room there are 12 brothers near campus sleeping on the ground. There are over 400 disciples on campus and they will need a lot of help.
I return home and pray to be filled with the Spirit of God for tomorrow.
Mark Ottenweller