Several Christian Reformed World Missions staff were evacuated from a West African country, after violent protests threatened their safety.
“We praise God that they were able to travel safely,” said the spokesperson for the Event Response Team, an ad hoc committee struck by the Christian Reformed Church to monitor the situation. “We ask for your continued prayers for the region and people of West Africa.”
The evacuation came as a result of civil unrest that began Feb. 10. By March 3, at least some of the staff were already making plans to return to their homes.
“The way things have unfolded seems almost unbelievable,” one missionary wrote. “Last Sunday, the president of the country agreed to name a new prime minister. To almost everyone’s surprise he named one the very next day, one that was acceptable to nearly everyone. The state of siege (martial law) has been lifted. The nationwide strike has been called off. Businesses are starting to open up. . . . The borders are open. It all seems almost too easy. But then, nothing is too difficult for our great God.”
About the Author
Rev. Mariano Avila is assistant professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Mich.
