Dear Praying Friends,
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Eph 6:18
A couple of weeks ago we asked for prayer regarding the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. Thank you, but as you will read, the situation has worsened and prayer is needed more than ever.
This is an update from our key crisis response coordinator working with Liberian leaders (dated Aug 18):
Things are tough in Liberia, and about to get tougher. Besides closing schools, government offices, markets, the government is starting to restrict travel. The fragile economy is tottering. Already the price of food, fuel, and other necessities have almost doubled. EFC of West Africa (EFCWA) leadership is urging pastors to get a garden in as soon as possible. Widespread hunger is imminent. So far no Free Church pastor or member is known to have caught Ebola, but extended family members have. Eleazar G, EFCWA Vice-President for Leadership Development & head of their Ebola Response Team, lost his cousin this past week. Making it more grievous was the immediate cremation, tragic in a culture with traditions of long family funerals.
Here is a brief note that our Liberian partner, Dave K shared a couple of days ago:
I am writing with a very heavy heart. The Ebola disease in Liberia is out of control, and our government is not able to control the situation. As I talk to you, the oldest son of our missionary in Sierra Leone . . . died last week of Ebola and his body has been burnt by health workers. From Dolo town, town near our airport and very close to us, over 100 plus people have died in their home. The government has declared a state of emergency and they have asked people to take care of themselves. Right now prices of goods like rice, oil and diesel have gone up. Some businesses have closed down, and most airlines have suspended flights to Liberia. Even hospitals and clinics have no health workers.
We appreciate your prayers. If you would like to read more and help further, please access the link below.
· EFCA ReachGlobal response: http://go.efca.org/blogs/reachglobal-blog/top-3-challenges-ebola-response-liberia
Merle & Claudia Wiens
EFCA ReachGlobal – Africa