NEWS FLASH FROM ACROSS THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD
NEWS FROM CASAMANS AREA OF SENEGAL
Two more people were killed by rebels in this predominantly Muslim region of Senegal. Pastor Gilles Lesieur,
FSCO’s France Director will be traveling there next week. 22 students are currently enrolled in SMTI there.
MARTINIQUE
We just returned from Martinique where the Lord showed up in a wonderful way! Every service had a prophetic
dimension to it. We saw healing miracles and many people came to the Lord during the mission. We also prayed for
the unsaved husband of the sister who hosted us. He gave his life to Jesus and demonstrated a radically changed
lifestyle!
NEWS FROM MADAGASCAR STREET CHILDREN
We’ve just received news from Taomasina, Madagascar. Here’s what Thomas Michel, our coordinator in Madagascar
says:
“ The street children are doing well and we were able to offer them toys, clothing and cookies for Christmas. In
other words, they celebrated Christmas just as more fortunate children do. They really enjoyed the several visits
by your friend Pastor Blaya. The couple from France you sent to Madagascar was also a great blessing to the
children. Thank you for your help to these children who would otherwise be forgotten. Once again, a thousand times
thank you!”
ALSO FROM MADAGASCAR
Pastor Blaya just had a group of thieves break into his house in Taomasina in the middle of the night. The
burglars took everything they could carry, including Pastor Blaya’s scooter. Eventhough he was in the house at the
time, he was unharmed. We thank the Lord for protecting this great man of God and pray that what the devil stole
from will be restored sevenfold!
UNREST IN MADAGASCAR
As most of the media ignores the situation in Madagascar, it has grown progressively worst. The two political
parties involved have completely stopped communicating with each other. The army has separated into two groups.
Thousands of rioters and thieves are vandalizing and looting the stores and companies that were spared during the
January riots. They’ve now turned their attention to private homes and vehicles. Last Friday, the 1400 students of
the French high school in Antanarivo were taken hostage by the rioters. They were finally set free by the military
during the night.
O3/16/09 FROM J-L B. in MADAGASCAR
The situation here has become increasingly confused and dangerous. The American Embassy has asked for all
U.S. citizens to leave the country.
Today, the President is confined to the presidential palace because a large portion of the military has abandoned
him. He has thus far refused to resign as thousands of partisans have come to show their support and to offer him
protection. In the meantime, the opposition is claiming victory and has taken over several government
buildings.
How will it all end? With a president that has been democratically elected that refuses to give up his position
and an opposing party determined to take over with the help of much of the army, God only knows.
While this is going on, bands of bandits are taking advantage of the prevailing confusion by setting up road
blocks, by committing robberies and by threatening businesses. Many have lost their jobs and the entire economy is
at a standstill.
In the midst of all this, God has allowed me to continue my work as an evangelist among the native population.
Our television program is reaching more and more people as it offers hope in Jesus-Christ, while everything else
has fallen apart.
MORE FROM MADAGASCAR
We received this from our missionary friends in Madagascar, Jean-Marc and Martine Fritsch.
For the past several weeks, the supporters of Antanarivo’s mayor, who leads an opposing political party, have been
rioting in the streets of Madagascar’s largest city. Stores and factories have been burned down, widespread looting
is taking place and the national television studios have been destroyed. It appears that the national police and
the army have taken position against the President. As far as they know, the President and his family have left the
city.
All grocery stores and market places have been closed and the prices of rice, sugar, oil and gasoline, have gone
through the roof!
Madagascar is still recovering from the devastation caused by two consecutive hurricanes .This latest crisis will
only make matters worse. Jean-Marc and Martine have asked us to intercede for the people of Madagascar. Rev. Engler
and Rev. Hall are scheduled to minister in Madagascar this coming May. Please pray that God will perform a miracle
in this great nation and that peace will be restored.
ANGOLA
A group Muslim extremists has recently attacked a Christian community in the city of Andulo. The school age
daughter of one of the church deacons was decapitated during the attack. 40 church members were also beaten and
tortured.
The local police seems reluctant to do anything about the situation for fear of the reaction of the Muslim
community.
Please pray for the Christians and missionaries working in Angola. They risk their lives everyday as they preach
the good news in this African nation.
IVORY COAST
Just received news from Pastor Antoine N. from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Besides the ongoing turmoil that’s been
going on for the past 5 years, the report he gave me was on a more personal level.
Pastor Antoine was just informed that the building he’d been allowed to use both as a church and a parsonage for
his family, will have to be vacated by the end of January!
Their new church building is still under construction and is far from completion. We’re standing in agreement with
them as they’re seeking a temporary location for themselves and the church family. We’re also believing that the
Lord will supply the finances they need to finish their new church building.
Pastor Antoine is one of the refugee pastors that had to flee Bouake during the rebel invasion in Ivory Coast a few
years ago. He relocated to Abidjan, where he’s been pastoring a wonderful church that’s grown to over 250.
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