We are hearing from the BBC and disciples in Abidjan that the fighting has escalated to several neighborhoods across Abidjan. Close to 500,000 have fled the capital. Fighting has continued in other cities as well. PLEASE PRAY for the disciples and for peace.
Please show the HotNews video "Disciples in Danger" in your church and ask your church to fast and pray. DVD's were mailed out this week to subscribing churches.
Already hundreds of disciples are refugees, and the fighting appears to be escalating. The current plan is for disciples who are fleeing the fighting to find peaceful cities for refuge. This is a crucial time. Your prayers are so needed. Dr. Solange Balou writes from Abidjan...
The situation is getting worse day by day, with shooting in all the suburbs, even where it was formally quiet.
Most of the brothers and sisters are trying to travel to neighbouring countries (Ghana, Benin, Togo).
Church leaders and HOPE worldwide management team are searching for a practical solution for the church members who are trying to leave. In that case, it is probable that the finances of those churches will be quickly exhausted by the presence of the refugees for about 2 weeks to 1 month until things calm down (that is the estimated time given by the international community to remove the current president from his position).
I will update you after our meeting with the Church leaders on Thursday.
Thanks and God may bless you.
Dr. Solange Balou
Abidjan, Ivory Coast