Mali (MNN) — On March 22, a coup seemed to be the best answer to
a growing leadership problem in Mali.
Now, an interim leader charged with heading up the transition
government must take the country back from the junta, Islamists, and Tuareg
rebels.
Meanwhile,
northern Mali could be facing a major humanitarian disaster unless fighting
stops long enough to give aid groups access to distribute food and medicine.
Aid
groups have also warned of a humanitarian crisis and abuses against civilians
in the lawless area hit by drought and acute food shortages, where more than
200,000 people have been displaced by the fighting this year.
The U.S. State
Department said it "warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Mali at this
time because of current political instability in the country, an active
rebellion in the north, and continuing threats of attacks and kidnappings of
Westerners in the north of the country."
At that point, the Southern Baptist International Mission Board evacuated
their team. They are now with other co-workers in neighboring countries who
have warmly received them and provided for their immediate needs. Due to the continued chaos, there is no
timeline for getting back into Mali.
Pray for those in leadership as they spend time debriefing these
personnel, that they would have the wisdom to know when teams can return and
the compassion to be comfort to them.
Pray for the missionaries as they process this uprooting from home
and the feelings of guilt at abandoning the field and their friends. Ask
God for continued Gospel opportunities for the indigenous team in spite of the
upheaval.
