So many people are struggling to get by. The people in western Ivory Coast and in Abidjan are surrounded by violence, literally caught in crossfires. Food prices continue to rise while the amount of cash people have at home shrinks. The banks are closed and most people have not received a salary the past two months. Cash itself is becoming a scarce commodity throughout the country.
And all these things because of the hunger for power by a few men. Long awaited elections (5 years overdue) were meant to reunite the country, however it has driven a wedge further between various people groups and ideologies. The former president, Laurent Gbagbo, lost the election overseen by the UN to his long-time rival Allasane Ouattara. Gbagbo has preyed on the fears and deeply entrenched prejudices within society in order to keep his hold on power. The military continues to follow his orders, along with other militias who support him, and have attacked , threatened and intimidated all those who dared to support Ouattara publically. Ouattara's supporters had enough and began to fight back. These are the clashes that the news has been talking about in Abidjan and in the west.
The African Union has had representatives in Abidjan trying to mediate the conflict, however they have made little to no progress. They have repeatedly delayed making an announcement of their recommendations... and now their delayed announcement has been pushed back another month.
The eastern part of Ivory Coast has mostly remained peaceful. We were able to return and continue working and serving the Abengourou community. However, earlier this week Gbagbo called for his supporters to fight "the enemies and rebels" (who the enemies are was left to interpretation) on state television while one of his aides openly called on militias to kill foreigners (in response to the international community's stance against the former president). We decided it was time for us to leave before trouble found its way to us.
When looking at the current situation, there doesn't seem much to be hopeful about. But this thought gives me hope: God is still God and He is still sitting on His throne. Jesus calls his church the salt and light of the world. In the darkest of times, a small light shines brightest. Just last week we purchased 100 kg of rice that the church members plan to share with their neighbors struggling to find enough for even one meal a day. The church still plans on serving and loving their neighbors as Christ commands. Shining the light of true hope into the darkness.
So, please continue to pray for our friends and family who remain in Ivory Coast. Pray that God may give the endurance, courage and passion to follow and serve Jesus to a world desperately seeking hope. Pray for the church leaders to set the example. Pray for their protection and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Pray especially for our two sister churches in Abidjan: the Abidjan Christian Church and the Anono Christian Church. Both churches are found in the midst of the heaviest fighting in Abidjan.
For now we are still in Ghana. Tomorrow we are headed to the capital, Accra, and will be returning to America March 12th. It will take us a couple of weeks to get acclimated and plan our unscheduled furlough. Pray also for our team mate, Christina Skelton, as she heads to Burkina Faso to continue studying language and helping CMF's Burkina Field Team. Also, before heading to Burkina Faso, she needs to get some treatment for her back and sciatic nerve that has been ailing her for over a month.
We appreciate your prayers and support and ask that you continue to pray ardently for Ivory Coast and the Lord's people there. May God give them peace and a leader that will guide them towards unity and reconciliation.
Andy Gable
