News & Prayer Items

(Editor's note:The following letters were sent privately to the receivers, but the information contained therein is so to the point for prayer needs that they are published here.)

Greetings in a difficult situation,

The USA Embassy in Bangui was closed and the Ambassador and staff were evacuated according to RFI broadcasting this morning. France said that their military is here in Bangui only for the French people and the interest of France in CAR. That means there is no concern about us. In such circumstances we are wondering what to do, where to go? With a big family I don't really know what to do. We are staying at home in the main entrance to Bangui lifting our eyes to God and waiting the salvation from him.

We are encouraged by your motivation in prayer on our behalf. We need such support and God's intervention in a way above our understanding. We will keep in touch with you when it is possible.

With love in Christ

Augustin and Marie Helene Hibaile

Dear Augustin,
Our prayers are with you my friend. Many Americans know that the Embassy was closed because it was on the American CBS news last night. We also saw on the French news President Hollande affirming that the French Army would not be involved or take sides for or against the rebels. Both the American people and French are tired of the loss of life of their soldiers in far away places. These are difficult choices for political leaders.

Please be assured of our prayers. May He guard the gates of your home....He never slumbers nor sleeps.

In our Lord,

Harry and Kathy Walker

I'm sending this short Newsletter to give everyone information about the ongoing rebel activity in the Central African Republic asking for your prayers for our missionaries and our African brothers and sisters.

Encompass Missionary Evacuation from C.A.R.

This morning after receiving news that the rebels were very near Bangui the decision was made to evacuate to Cameroon. Please pray for Josh and Rachel Flaningan and children and Heidi Sisson as the depart tomorrow for a two day journey to Yaounde, Cameroon. I spoke with Josh and Heidi this morning. They are doing well and are in good spirits. Josh's children have been sick and Heidi is still exhausted from her long drive on Christmas day but they are ready to move and are thankful that two other families from the Covenant Mission will be traveling with them. These families live in Cameroon and speak French, which will be a great help.

In the interim we have asked Pastor Nadjilao, the current President of the Grace Brethren Churches in the C.A.R. to "hold down the fort". He comes to the station where we have a computer and internet running and we are in contact most of the day. I am so thankful for SKYPE. So far things are quiet and running smoothly. We have increased our guard situation and will now wait to see what happens in the next few days.

Please be in prayer for Pastor Nadjilao. This is a big responsibility and we are so grateful for such a godly man to come to our rescue at a time like this.

Please pray for safety for those living in Bangui and restored peace.

Pray for safety as many staff travel today

Pray that God would prepare hearts for a great time of fellowship and growing together

Pray for safety on the ski slopes

This morning (Dec. 21) Frank Puhl, Africa Regional Director for Encompass, talked with Pasteur Nadjilao, president of the African Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches - CAR, about the conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR). Peace talks have begun between the CAR government and rebel delegates in N'Djamena today. The rebels have stopped their attacks because of the negotiations taking place.

The Chad government has sent soldiers to assist the CAR government. Their soldiers are in Sibut blocking the rebels from moving to the capital. There is no fighting and much is depending on the peace talks. Pasteur Nadjilao remains slightly optimistic.

Our staff remains safe and have not had to evacuate. They are prepared to move quickly if the talks break down and fighting resumes. Thank you for your continued prayers!

The live nativity event that was held at the chateau in Saint Albain, France, December 7-9 was termed a success. The overall attendance for the weekend was over 860 people who visited the manger and left with a program containing the true Christmas story from the Bible.

One new feature was a coloring contest for children. Over 30 non-church children participated, and after the weekend were sent a children's Bible to the "winner" in each category and consolation prizes of some sort of fun Christian literature to all the others.

Please pray that the families who received these materials will be touched by the Gospel. Even the local newspaper covered the event and wrote a great article, including pictures.

"After sharing the good news of Christmas, we did some crafts with the people and had tea and cookies. At two different services, we had four staff persons attending. How grateful we are for their presence. Joachim, one of the Special Needs people, consistently invites to our services everyone he can get to listen."

Please pray for Rainer and his team as they continue their mission to special needs people.

Pray for good conversations as they go around the neighbor handing out cookies and a gospel tract to neighbors.

As you have previously read here, Argentine National Ministry Partners Gerardo Peyrera and Walter Testa were abducted and robbed while on a ministry trip in Guatemala last week. We praise the Lord for having watched over and rescued them out of a harrowing ordeal. As a partner with Encompass, you need to know that Walter and Gerardo are being assisted through a crisis relief fund we have here at Encompass. If you would like to help them and others like them who experience similar crisis, please send your gifts to Encompass and designate your offerings “Missionary Relief Fund.” You can give either online or send your check to:

Encompass World Partners
Box 80065
City of Industry, CA 91716-8065

We received this important email from the Flaningans who are serving in the Central African Republic:

Dear Friends,

We want to make you aware of potential threat to us and our ministry. As you look at the map above you can find the town of Ndélé (North Central) and Bria(just to the west of center of the country.) Both towns have been taken under control of rebel forces. Ndélé last week and Bria this morning. We are understanding that three or more rebel groups have banded together to do this.

As for now we are safe in Bangui and life goes on as "normal" but we have moved ourself to an "alert" status. We are ready should the US Embassy along with the leadership of Encompass World Partner advise us that we are to evacuate the country.

We ask you would pray along with us for peace. If you hear or see anything from your news sources, know that information can be relayed incorrectly. We have had a number of false reports even within the country today.

We are fortunate in todays world we can communicate quickly and personally so look for updates from us.

Thanks you all for your prayers and partnership with us!

Josh, Rachel, Emily and Roy

Please join us in praying for continued safety for our friends and staff in the CAR.