Unrest has broken out in the Central African Republic over the last weekend. Below is information from Ginger Hock, which posted yesterday (September 29) by Encompass World Partners. More information may be found here: Renewed Unrest in CAR, which was posted on Monday by Encompass.
In addition, Water for Good, a cooperating ministry in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, has noted on their Facebook page that their offices in Bangui were looted.
“We’re still trying to determine what all was taken, but it’s a heavy loss,” the Facebook page says. “We weren’t the only ones, many other non-profit offices, gas stations, and even government houses were looted.” Click here to view photos of the looted offices.
Encompass received this update from staff member Ginger Hock this morning regarding the continued unrest in the Central African Republic. Please continue to pray for Encompass staff in the area, and Central Africans who may now face difficulty in buying food, in getting to work, and in transportation for ministry.
Many of you are reading reports from Encompass or other media outlets about the events in Bangui. Some of the things we are reading are news to us, some we have seen and are experiencing even today.
Last night was the second night of gunfire, bombing and looting. Most in areas away from us, some fairly close. We certainly hear it all during the night and feel the tension. Each morning we see people walking on the streets, but very few vehicles or motorcycles as there are many roadblocks, and at least one vehicle was stolen and burned.
Brenda Artrip and I were scheduled to depart on Air France today but the airport is closed and AF has cancelled the flight. We spent most of yesterday working on other ways to leave Bangui. There are several SIL missionary friends staying here, and we are working together to find the earliest possible means to leave. We currently hold the AF ticket and also purchased a ticket to Douala, Cameroon via another airline. Now we wait for the airport to open and to see which airline arrives first.
Yesterday was difficult as we tried to figure out what to do. So many changes; go or stay, yes then no, open then closed, ups then downs. We are learning (sometimes kicking and screaming) that we cannot control these things, but God certainly remains in total control and we can rest in Him!
This morning I realized we have so much to be thankful for:
- We still have electricity (fans for coolness)
- We still have internet (for communication)
- I still have coffee (each morning I seem to have enough, much like the widow’s oil and flour)
And we have YOU praying.
We will keep you informed of the situation as we hear more news. Please continue to pray for safety and a way to leave Bangui.
Ginger
Read More:
Central African Republic: The roots of the conflict
All night fighting in Central African capital despite curfew