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| Saki, Micheline, Mary Petersen, Barrett |
Thank you for praying for my trip to Abidjan, Ivory Coast in August. It was a very meaningful trip…a highlight of my 25 years with Campus Crusade.
After talking almost daily with Saki and Micheline for over 7 months, and knowing all of the staff by name, it was wonderful for Mary and I to meet them, hug them, and talk face to face.
CCC’s chief of staff Cherry Fields joined us and we spent three days reviewing the crisis with Saki and Micheline, the larger crisis team, and the Francophone Africa Area Team. The highlight was when all of the staff came to the headquarters, along with supporters of the ministry, to share together our thankfulness for His deliverance during this crisis.
The staff continue to face significant challenges because much of the country has suffered. Many of their ministry partners have lost their jobs or their businesses have taken a severe financial hit. I talked to one supporter whose business was looted and everything taken. Others worked for the previous government and have lost positions.
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| The Ivory Coast Campus pour Christ staff |
I shared with the ministry partners that their sacrificial giving allows the ministry of “Campus pour Christ” to exist, and the time there has caused me to give thanks to God again and again for the team of ministry partners he has raised up to stand with us. Thank you for your faithful support.
There are many stories I wish I could relate to you, but we did ask the Allouan family to write briefly about the experience they had before they could evacuate.
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| Some of the Allouan family |
“The date of Monday, March 28, 2011 will forever be etched in our minds.
Everything seemed normal that day when suddenly at 10pm, we heard very loud explosions that went on until dawn. The town was very quiet the next morning no one dared venture outside. I slightly opened the door to see what was happening. That's when I heard the rebels assaulting our neighbors. I rushed back to warn my husband. He led us to hide in his office that was in our back courtyard. We had with us our 4 children, all crammed into this small office. Just after we hid ourselves, the rebels came here. With guns, they fired in the main door, which has almost destroyed by the force of the shooting. They then took a large stone and threw it into the living room. From our hiding place, our children and us were all trembling with fear. If the rebels began to search the house, they would find us. And only God knows what they would do to us. But against all odds, the rebels suddenly left without us knowing why. God came to save us from certain death. With our 4 children, we hid in the office of my husband for over 5 hours before we went out.”
We heard again and again how much the debrief provided by the French speaking Mobile Member Care did for the staff when they were in Togo. Many of them were able to begin processing some of the trauma they experienced.
I received the email below from the National Director of Ivory Coast, and as he instructed, I’m letting you know that the staff appreciate your investment in our lives, and theirs!
With love and thanks,
A note from he Ivory Coast National Director:
Bonjour Barrett,
Africans like soccer! You brought us a soccer ball! Thank you.
But that is not all. You could have shipped it! The main reason of your visit in Cote d'Ivoire was to share your love with your co-staff. I felt your compassion in your face and life.
Please extend our thanks to your family and ministry partners
Rabe Mahi, August 26, 2011
