October 23, 2014
Our hearts are heavy in the wake of Ebola’s destruction. Thousands have been killed, children orphaned, and whole communities wracked by panic and despair.
Now, because of the realities associated with this contagion’s rapid spread, Alliance leadership has made a difficult decision, asking our international staff in Guinea to temporarily withdraw from the West African nation by November 9.
“As much as this decision has our lives in upheaval, it’s nothing compared to what those living in these countries are dealing with,” wrote Stephen and Lori Albright, Alliance Compassion and Mercy Associates (CAMA) staff, who partner with Envision in Conakry, Guinea’s capital city.
The Albrights are among the 34 Alliance people (including 15 children) directly affected by the temporary withdrawal. “All of our team members are making the difficult preparations to leave Guinea as soon as possible,” the couple told prayer supporters this week. “Pray for wisdom as we try to determine where and what interim ministries to engage in during our time outside of Guinea.
“To quote Dr. Kent Brantley (Samaritan’s Purse), ‘This is not about [us]. This is about our great, loving, compassionate God who has called us to love our neighbors. This is about the [nearly 5,000] people who have died from Ebola in West Africa.’ This is also about the many more struggling to survive or risking their lives to care for the sick.”
“God Is Working”
Joe and Mary Smith,* who serve at an Alliance youth center in Guinea, also are grieving. “All of the students were heartbroken that we were closing. We know it’s God’s will, and we tried to encourage them that we will come back and continue the youth center ministries as soon as we’re able.”
In the midst of this painful transition, the Smiths have experienced a reassurance of their Heavenly Father’s intimate presence. “God is working. Teachers have had opportunities to pray with students. Just before we closed, some important conversations about our Savior took place between our staff and some of the center members.
“Pray that these young people will not be allowed to forget those conversations. Pray that God will reveal Himself to them even in our absence.”
Miraculous!
Stephen and Lori also shared how God has graciously allowed them to see His hand at work during this distressing time. “When our youth center team attempted to refund the students who had begun studying English, many of them didn’t accept the money. Instead, they asked that it be used for the center. In the poverty stricken-country in which we live, that is nothing short of miraculous!”
The Albrights noted that another international worker was anonymously interviewed on a local radio station. “He was able to give a clear gospel presentation, explaining why he had peace in the midst of all that’s going on in this country.”
Day of Prayer
In response to this crisis, international workers in Guinea are setting aside Monday, October 27, to unite with the international Body of Christ in fasting and prayer for the countries most affected by Ebola—Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
“We believe that God honors the united prayers of His people,” Stephen and Lori observed. “We want to see things change here and God glorified as a result.” Please join believers worldwide on this date in praying in Jesus’ name for
- Ebola’s spread to be halted
- The truth about Ebola to prevail in affected countries
- Quick, efficient distribution of aid to those in need
- More capable medical personnel to help contain the virus
“Pray especially that many people will come to know Jesus as a result of God’s hand in this crisis,” the Albrights said.
*Names changed
Based on reports from Alliance international workers