From Ms. Judy,
Good Morning!
I spoke with Mark's father at length late yesterday (Mark and Parker
Phillips--the missionaries in Ayorou, Niger, we are praying for). The
situation is not much changed. The only good news is that the angry mob
at the "jail" went home and have not as yet re-assembled.
Having been to Ayorou twice in less than a year, I know that this is
a peaceful town of friendly people, but also I know that due to the
nature of this being an Islamic/Animist stronghold that has only in the
last year had its first Christian convert, that, in the snap of a
finger, the whole nature of the town could change to one of anger and
violence against Christians.
Here are specific concerns:
--Ela is still missing and feared killed for witnessing boldly. The
hope still remains that he will just show up, having gone somewhere, but
this is unlikely since he has been gone 4 weeks now.
--The anger over the murder of Hamsatou's brother could escalate to
anger against all Christians since the murderer had recently claimed to
be a convert to Christianity from Islam.
--At present, authorities (village chiefs) are saying there is no
connection between the disappearance of Ela and the recent murder, but
this is not for sure. Both incidents could be actions against Christians
or people who are close to Mark and Parker.
--Mark and Parker are having to explain to all those they have been
diligently witnessing to
how someone who claims to be Christian could commit murder.
--Pray that in all this that somehow God's Name will be glorified.
--Pray for the protection of Mark and Parker and their one-year old
daughter Isabelle.
--Pray for the safety of the other Christians, which in a town of about
18,000 number less than two dozen, all recent converts.
--Pray especially for Ibrahim who was led to Christ by Ela (missing) and
who is boldly witnessing to others, even now.
--Pray, with hope, that Ela will show up, unharmed, and continue to be a
bold witness for Christ.
--Pray that these incidents will not deter the the interest in hearing
about Jesus that has recently been seen in the town, but that even more
people will yearn to hear the Gospel.
--Pray that Mark and Parker will be able to stay in the town, as they
desire, to continue the work there.They have chosen to stay in the town,
and as yet the threat level has not been high enough for the IMB to
bring them out.
Good Morning!
I spoke with Mark's father at length late yesterday (Mark and Parker
Phillips--the missionaries in Ayorou, Niger, we are praying for). The
situation is not much changed. The only good news is that the angry mob
at the "jail" went home and have not as yet re-assembled.
Having been to Ayorou twice in less than a year, I know that this is
a peaceful town of friendly people, but also I know that due to the
nature of this being an Islamic/Animist stronghold that has only in the
last year had its first Christian convert, that, in the snap of a
finger, the whole nature of the town could change to one of anger and
violence against Christians.
Here are specific concerns:
--Ela is still missing and feared killed for witnessing boldly. The
hope still remains that he will just show up, having gone somewhere, but
this is unlikely since he has been gone 4 weeks now.
--The anger over the murder of Hamsatou's brother could escalate to
anger against all Christians since the murderer had recently claimed to
be a convert to Christianity from Islam.
--At present, authorities (village chiefs) are saying there is no
connection between the disappearance of Ela and the recent murder, but
this is not for sure. Both incidents could be actions against Christians
or people who are close to Mark and Parker.
--Mark and Parker are having to explain to all those they have been
diligently witnessing to
how someone who claims to be Christian could commit murder.
--Pray that in all this that somehow God's Name will be glorified.
--Pray for the protection of Mark and Parker and their one-year old
daughter Isabelle.
--Pray for the safety of the other Christians, which in a town of about
18,000 number less than two dozen, all recent converts.
--Pray especially for Ibrahim who was led to Christ by Ela (missing) and
who is boldly witnessing to others, even now.
--Pray, with hope, that Ela will show up, unharmed, and continue to be a
bold witness for Christ.
--Pray that these incidents will not deter the the interest in hearing
about Jesus that has recently been seen in the town, but that even more
people will yearn to hear the Gospel.
--Pray that Mark and Parker will be able to stay in the town, as they
desire, to continue the work there.They have chosen to stay in the town,
and as yet the threat level has not been high enough for the IMB to
bring them out.
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