Ethiopia (MNN)–A call to strike over Ethiopia’s disputed poll results has a lid on a simmering pot of tension in Addis Ababa.
The anti-government protests are a result of the general election in May, which the governing party won. The opposition says voting and counting were rigged.
Last week’s events quickly turned violent, and forced many to stay home this week, for fear of a new outbreak of unrest.
SIM’s USA Director, Steve Strauss, expresses grief over the loss of life and injuries that have occurred. He also shares, “There’ve been no injuries of our missionary personnel nor have I heard of any of any of our related church personnel there.” Bingham Academy, SIM’s school for MKs, was closed, but staff reported.
Protests have taken place in areas all around where SIM personnel are stationed. Even with the uneasy calm in Addis Ababa, Strauss explains the teams are looking for ways to meet the needs of those affected by the protests. “Pray that God would use the uncertainties created in a time like this to turn people to Him–that they would recognize that they can’t find their ultimate answers in any kind of political process. And, that Ethiopian believers and missionaries would have many opportunities to share the Gospel.”
SIM serves the Ethiopian people primarily in partnership with the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church, a thriving Gospel community that has been a transforming presence in Ethiopian society for over 75 years.
Strauss urges other believers to pray for peace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There are also concerns for the Ethiopians who are the most impacted by the violence. Many are unable to reach family members by phone. Continue to lift these people in prayer.
