February 6, 2009
Prayer Needed
Greetings to our prayer support team.
Normally I try to write a devotional thought or update that will bring inspiration. But this is a note to request your prayer for our nation.
Some of you might be aware that in the last two weeks Madagascar has been going through a time of political turmoil. There has been an opposition party, led by the mayor of the capital city, who has been seeking to overthrow the present government & establish a new government.
As a result of this, the last week has been filled with many unpleasant things. There have been political demonstrations and rallies. There has been rioting and looting in the streets of the major cities across the island. There has also been mass destruction as many businesses have been burnt. The more tragic has been the loss of almost 100 lives due to these different acts of violence. This unrest has caused a military curfew to be enforced each evening. It has caused shortages of food, fuel and other supplies. Most of all it has caused those who are poor to enter into a greater time of suffering than what they have already been enduring. The long term effects of this present crisis could continue for many years to come.
Even as of this writing there are still demonstrations planned and people are waiting for what might come next.
For those concerned for our safety, I can assure you that our family, as well as the other missionary families on our team are safe. We have been using caution as to when and where we travel. We have been able to find all of the needed supplies to meet our needs. God has been very good to us.
If you want to get updates on this situation, the easiest way is to go to google news & type in Madagascar in the search line.
Here's how you can pray:
Pray for the government of Madagascar that God would protect and preserve those who have been duly elected by the people of Madagascar. That's what scriptures requires us to do as believers.
Pray that God would give wisdom and a spirit of cooperation to those on both sides of the argument to be willing to come to some kind of agreement that would be good for the future of Madagascar.
Pray for peace to come to our nation and that the violence would cease. Obviously, we believe that the true source of peace come from the prince of peace, Jesus Christ.
Pray for those suffering due to loss of life or from lack of needed food or other necessities. It is always the poor who suffer the most at times like this.
Pray that the assemblies of God churches across this island would continue to grow and reach the people of Madagascar, even in this time of political uncertainty.
Finally, pray for the safety and provision of your missionaries (there are three of our families in country here) who represent you here on this island. Pray that God would allow us to be a demonstration of love and grace to all we encounter.
We appreciate you!
Blessings!
Jay