Call to prayer for Ivory Coast

A call to prayer from Christine Housel, General Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (the global network of SCMs)

Dear Friends of WSCF,

Intense fighting erupted in Cotê d’Ivoire last week following the political crisis that started in November 2010. The Africa Region of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and the Federation at large are deeply affected by the situation. There is a vibrant and strong Student Christian Movement (SCM) in Cotê d’Ivoire and we are concerned about the safety of our members and the rest of the population. Much blood has been shed already. The violent fighting is putting the lives of civilians in great danger. Thousands of people have already fled to neighboring countries. Many who remain are subjected to violence, and many have been killed in the capital city Abidjan and in towns around the country.

WSCF believes a non-violent and negotiated solution to the crisis must be explored to stop the killing and insecurity, and to secure the human rights of the citizens and residents of Cotê d’Ivoire.

Please join us in prayer for peace in Cotê d’Ivoire and stand in solidarity with the students and all the people of Cotê d’Ivoire.

We pray for comfort for all those affected by this turmoil and violence. We pray that this conflict come to an end soon and that a peace and reconciliation process can start. We pray that those who benefit from wars such as this one can hear the cry for peace of the people whose lives are being destroyed by this conflict. We pray that the international community find the strength to continue working for just peace in the world. May we as WSCF community be able to continue speaking prophetic words in the midst of war and injustice. God, hear our prayer.

Christine Housel, General Secretary
Horacio Mesones, Chairperson

Email: chh@wscf.ch
Website: www.wscfglobal.org