Southern Baptist missionaries in Guinea are asking for prayer after the African country’s president declared martial law the week of Feb. 12 in response to violent protests against his leadership. More than 120 people have died in the conflict.
The International Mission Board (IMB) evacuated two missionary families who were living in rural areas where violence had erupted. All other personnel in the West Africa region are safe.
Trade unions protesting the president shut down public transportation and many businesses and schools. One of the evacuated missionaries said how thankful he was for safety as his family fled to the border of Sierra Leone.
"As we drove out … the kids and I held pillows next to the windows just in case rocks were thrown [by the protesters]. God protected us. Not one rock hit our truck," he said. "We arrived exhausted, yet glad that we did not have to remain [in Guinea] one more night with gunfire … [T]he hand of God was with us."
A missions worker is asking people to commit to 20 days of prayer for the country as it continues to recover from the violence. "We need people praying for Guinea around the clock."
In Guinea, a country with a population of more than 9.4 million, 85 percent are Muslim.
Martial law was due to expire at midnight Feb. 23 after lawmakers in Guinea voted against extending the "state of siege." (BP)
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