Update on Central African Republic Situation
Posted by Terry White on September 29, 2006
Much prayer is currently being offered for the Grace Brethren students and educators at Bata in the Central African Republic, as bandits recently attacked the school, driving the residents into the bush and beating some of them.
Jim Hocking of ICDI provided the following updates this morning.
”Mike Taylor [Grace Brethren International Missions] and I both talked to people there in the Central African Republic. James Panos, the Charges de Mission at the American Embassy, said that things are not stable up-country and we need to be careful and get good information before going.
“We also heard from Pastor Mboi Andre and from David Zokoé, ICDI administrator in Bangui. All are indicating that there have been no more problems and they are leaning toward the team going up to Bata and having the 25th anniversary celebration of the opening of the Seminary.”
[NOTE: Former GBIM missionaries the Mensingers, the Volovskis, and Lois Wilson are currently in the CAR to participate in this 25th anniversary celebration.]
Francois Ngoumape called Mike Taylor and indicated that CEMAC (African multinational forces) have some soldiers there and so do the national army. They have guaranteed that soldiers will be on campus during the celebration and will stay there until the visitors go home.
These reports are all good news, and although a final decision will not be made until tomorrow when Mike Taylor arrives in Bangui, it does look like the celebration will take place and there will be USA representatives there to celebrate with our Central African brothers and sisters. Pray for wisdom and safety for the travels there to Bata.
Hocking also provided the following update on Dr. Francois Ngoumape’s son, Wilfred, who was among those recently beaten and hospitalized in Morocco.
”He is out of the hospital and doing well. They still do not have a solution to the problem of the finances so they are not in the dorm as yet. He has talked to his parents on the phone and said he is okay but things are not easy.”
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