Attacks are taking place all around the world almost every day. Many times in out of the way places brutality of heartbreaking proportions happens. Even though it may be reported by mainstream media, I am one of the guilty ones in almost overlooking it. Not thinking seriously of what has just happened and doing the very least I can do and that is to PRAY.
The Burkina Faso attacks struck me differently because Aldyth and her husband live there. Aldyth founded the Beauty for Ashes woman’s movement in South Africa and I have always followed her comings and goings. Her husband was transferred to the capital of Burkina Faso which is Ouagadougou. Suddenly this unknown country, which is not far from Timbuktu, got my attention. Imagine living in Burkina Faso. It’s a rare occurrence to find someone who does. When at home in Ouagadougou, Aldyth and her husband are often out and about. They will mix and socialise with other expats and find like-minded people. In fact, they planned on visiting the hip meeting place of Cafe Cappuccino last Saturday morning. Their plans were quickly scuttled when terrorists attacked the Splendid Hotel as well as Cafe Cappuccino late Friday and into Saturday, leaving 28 people dead.
One of the people who died was Mike Riddering, an American missionary who, together with his wife and 4 children worked about 150km away from the capital, in a town called Yako. They ran and orphanage and care home for widows.
Photo from Facebook
When Amy received the news that Mike wasn’t coming home, she posted this on her FB page…
This is just devastating for Amy and her family. Please pray for them.
As I perused the news and followed other stories, I came across one of another courageous, sacrificial couple – Ken and Jocelyn Elliott – medical missionaries for more than 40 years to the people in northern Burkina Faso in a Djibo. They were abducted late on Friday 15th January 2016 and their family does not know where they are. This couple, originally from Australia, are in their 80s. Please pray for them…
Photo from tenplay.com.au
In times of fear and uncertainty; in times of dread and violence; in times of wickedness and pain, we can only trust God.
Psalm 31:14
But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
Please pray for all affected by these attacks. Prayer is effective. Keep praying.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx