We want to thank you for your prayers. We had all hoped that the peace process would continue here in Ivory Coast. No one would have ever expected that the government of Cote d?Ivoire would attack the French peace keeping troops in order to get at the Rebels. Once again Satan had destructive plans for ICA but God had other plans. He even used the French to carry out His plans. After the French took out the entire air force of Cote d?Ivoire, we once again felt safe. We can fill you in on the details later.
As for now, things are bad down in the coastal city of Abidjan. Many of our friends there have been hiding in their houses from people who are angry at the French and who go after anyone with a white face. We at ICA are in a very safe place, but the political situation is very unstable and there are no good options for leaving the country at this time. We are better off staying here until it is safe to drive out without the risk of loosing at the very least our vehicle. If things continue to deteriorate, we may have to be airlifted out.
When we get home we are going to catch our breath for a while, possibly starting our furlough year 8 months early (although originally we had planned to take our furlough a year later – after a 5-year term). We know that God has given us these experiences for some reason and we trust that He will lead us into a new place of ministry. We will be looking to our home church and EBM (our mission board) for wisdom in this matter. I am confident that God has the perfect fit for us and soon we will be serving where our gifts, abilities and experiences have prepared us for.
We trust that you will continue to pray for us in these matters and as we seek a window of opportunity to get out of the country. While here, we do not want to forget the impact that we can have as we minister to the French soldiers and the foreign refugees that are on campus now. They are all so thankful that we have been here when they needed help. God has always used ICA as an outreach to others. This time the outreach is coming to us, right here on campus. Please continue to pray for the students as well. Some have parents living in Abidjan are they are fearful for them.
School is still going on in order to keep some kind of normalcy. We realize that this can be some of the most important learning times the students will ever have. We can?t teach children how to trust in God; they have to learn it for themselves and by example. What an awesome opportunity we have to demonstrate our trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God! I don?t think that these kids are going to forget these ?classroom? lessons soon.