MAF missionary homes looted, vandalized

BANGUI, Central African Republic — Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) reports that its main facilities in Central African Republic (CAR) were recently looted and vandalized. A military coup carried out in the middle of March has contributed to lawlessness, MAF reported.

While no MAF personnel were injured, homes used by missionaries, a garage, print shop, bookstore and several storage areas were looted. MAF pilot Rod Hochstetler said that looters had even taken door frames and wiring from the walls. “The airplane hangar and fuel storage areas have been emptied of what little was left there, but the buildings themselves appear to be intact,” said Hochstetler. “Even though these were just things, we feel a keen sense of loss. It is also a time of evaluation, to see what the Lord is doing and whether He will give a new focus or way of doing ministry in CAR.” MAF said that peace was returning to the African nation and the new government appeared to be including numerous political groups as it reconstructed a political infrastructure. MAF requested prayer for the situation.