October 18, 2002

Dear Ministry and Prayer Partners,
HELP FROM FRIENDS
Words of encouragement, scriptures that have come to mind, just a short note to say "I was up at 4 a.m. praying for your family and the Grebo this morning because I just could not sleep", news from home . . . and the list goes on. Thank you for supporting us in these ways. It means so much to hear from you, know you are praying for us and sharing what is on your hearts!
FRIENDS IN TABOU
We have been able to correspond with some of our African friends at home. The telecommunications are still open, although electricity is only on for a few hours in the evening per generator then cut off. There is no fuel for sale. The food is getting low because travel to neighboring towns has been so unsafe. Just yesterday there was a rumor of rebels headed for Tabou. Everyone was gathering up families, packing what they could gather. The rumor proved to be false. Many thieves have taken advantage of this unpredictable time as well. A Grebo friend of mine, Margaret, was robbed at knifepoint just this week. She is a Liberian refugee with many health problems. But despite them she houses nearly 30 orphans at last count. Now the little she had is gone.
OUR SITUATION
Today marks week FOUR since the attempted coup here in Ivory Coast. We remain in Abidjan unable to travel, although we can move about within the city. Plenty food is available, as well as water, electricity, and telecommunications. No acts of violence have been targeted at the missionaries, but our African friends and workers have been targeted. many of their homes have been burned; they have been harassed, and even robbed.
HOW YOU CAN PRAY
1)Continue to pray for the Grebo of Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. We only had room to mention a few of those hurting and suffering. many are suffering alone because they do not have Christ.
2)Pray for our family back in the states. Ask for God to bring a sweet peace to their hearts during this difficult separation.
3)Ask God to guide us in our daily activities. We want to be a good steward of our time and focus on our relationship with Him rather than be consumed by the circumstances surrounding us.
4)Lastly, pray for decisions that may need to be made should we not be able to return to Tabou in ministry.
In His Name,
Guy, Cindy, Derrick, and Erin DeMars
Missionaries to West Africa


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