[dated 4-27-11]
Here is an excerpt/translation from a letter just sent from Isaac Keita the Dean of FATEAC to mission leadership:
We have arrived at the end of two weeks of intense tension in the city of Abidjan. No one is ignorant of what we experienced in this period. Well before that, the banks closed, the possibility of money transfers was nonexistent. As we write this letter, the price of basic foodstuffs has quadrupled. Yesterday I bought three baguettes for $2.25 (normally $1.00) and I had to go all the way to Akouedo to find it. I had to literally fight to obtain a bag of charcoal for $33.35 instead of the normal $8.90. Frankly FATEAC is going through a very difficult time.
....We just gave each CMA family $111.00, but given the reality of the situation that is insignificant. Given that 85% of our personnel and students are foreigners it is difficult and even inadvisable for them to circulate in town. It is heart-wrenching to see the hungry children on the campus. We remain confident that the Lord will provide.
President Ouattara gave a promising speech yesterday and we all gave a sigh of relief. But the effects of that speech will not be felt immediately. In the short term, while waiting, we must find a relief for the seminary.
We greet you and we reassure you of our deep gratitude for your prayers for us and for your incontestable solidarity with us.
May God keep you in the palm of His hand.
Isaac Keita
Dean, FAT EAC
Please continue to pray with us for God’s provision, and for creativity and wisdom about how to get the funds left (outside the country) to them as soon as possible.
[dated 5-20-10]
Dear Family & Friends,
First, THANK YOU so much for your prayers, Scriptures and words of encouragement. This past week has been surreal and I feel like I'm looking on at someone else experiencing these things. Some of you have wisely written that we will need time to heal and process what has happened..rightly so. We'll see how this unfolds as we will also be needed to help others process what has happened. BUT, if it's like today, as I got a few phone calls of others needing reassurance, I would be reassured just by reminding them of God's promises myself...
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