FUNDING UPDATE: Since the beginning of the Ivory Coast crisis, ICOC churches have committed more than $500,000 to support HOPE worldwide's relief and recovery efforts in Abidjan and surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
As we stand on the rubble of their destroyed dormitory, the students are discussing all of the challenges they face at the University of Abidjan. But thanks to the support raised over the past few months, 450 disciple campus students who had lost everything now have shelter, food and water. Soldiers are spread out across campus. Many of the students I’ve met are still traumatized by the fighting and killing that they saw on campus in April and May. HOPE worldwide is providing counseling to help them recover. In an effort to recover financially the students want to develop a small business center to make money, maybe several cellphone centers near campus, or a car wash and restaurant.
Abidjan Today
The situation in Abidjan has settled down for now but gangs of bandits still roam the streets at night. The banks and stores are open. Everyone seems more relaxed and glad the fighting has ceased. Several disciples who received food and shelter have now found jobs to support themselves and their families. The Abidjan AIDS Clinic staff, who had not been paid since January, did not stop working during the conflict. They have now received their salaries from USAID, their supporter. We have also provided support to church leaders who stayed behind in the fighting to help neighbors and local church members. The Humanitarian Aid Committee has put together a plan for recovery for 1,122 local unemployed residents that include vocational training, income generating, and job creation activities in each neighborhood.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude and Anticipation
The Abidjan church and its leadership are extremely grateful for the support our fellowship of churches have provided during this time of great need. I am excited about all the progress that has been made since May when I visited during the civil war. I pray on the pile of rubble that they will have "peace like a river" and that "gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35.