Story number 1 for 28 Jan 2003

(Ivory Coast)–We begin today’s newscast in the Ivory Coast where rioting greets a new power-sharing peace deal brokered by France. The unrest tops four months of fighting that forced the evacuation of the International Christian Academy in Bouake. Evangelical Baptist Mission’s Dr. Paul Jackson says they hoped for calm, but, in light of the ongoing situation, the ICA’s board meets this week to make some tough decisions. “I think there is a general sense by everyone that we are praying for the peace process to continue, and for the campus to return to the Ivory Coast; but, I think they’re looking at a point here where they’re going to have to have some kind of direction as to what they’re going to do for 2003.” Jackson explains their need as it relates to their ministry. “We’re just really praying specifically, that God would return peace to this land that will allow this wonderful campus, with the facilities that God has given, to be able to be reopened up and used again in Bouake.”