January 24, 2013
What’s Happened and What We Can Do to Help
Recently, it has been reported through the general news media that the American Embassy is urging American citizens to leave Mali. This declaration, prompted by “credible chatter” intercepted from cell phone and radio transmissions, is related to possible terrorist attacks in the region.
The majority of our workers in Mali have evacuated, while others are on home assignment. Conversations will take place in coming days to decide the best way forward in light of current developments.
What You Can Do
- Pray for God’s intervention, guidance, provision, and powerful presence.
- Encourage evacuated workers with e-mail notes, assuring them of prayer and support.
- Be faithful in supporting workers financially. (In addition to giving through the Great Commission Fund or CAMA Advance Fund, the Mali Crisis Fund has been established to help with the costs of evacuation. Gifts for this purpose may be designated to “Mali evacuation.”)
- Intercede for Malian churches, many of which have already been ransacked or destroyed in the north as Christ followers have fled. Churches in the south could face intense persecution if this rebel movement overtakes their areas. Thank the Lord that while church buildings can be destroyed, the Church made up of those redeemed by the blood of Christ cannot. Their faith cannot be removed from their hearts!
In times like these, we can be reassured that the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27)!