Story number 1 for 7 Dec 2000

Topping the news, an uneasy calm has settled over the Ivory Coast, following two days of violent political rioting. Evangelical Baptist Mission’s John Jackson says the pressure has been building toward a December 10th parliamentary election. Jackson says the danger in the area has completely disrupted their work at the International Christian Academy. “250 students from first grade to 12th were evacuated-taking these children back to their families in West Africa, Central Africa, some were evacuated back to the States, until, presumably January 2nd, when they’ll open up the school.” Despite the disruption, Jackson is confident evangelism will continue. “That’s what all of us are there to do-is to train and mentor the nationals so that they can take over and manage the ministry under the direction of the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Times like this, when our missionaries return, whether it’s Cote d’Ivoire, or other countries, they’re finding that the work has progressed.”