Ivory Coast evangelicals ask to pray for peace after terrorist attack

“On Sunday, March 13, 2016, we received troubling news on the cowardly attacks at Grand Bassam Beach, in Abidjan. The gruesome attacks, which left 18 people dead and scores wounded, cast a shadow over the whole nation”, the Evangelical Federation of Ivory Coast (FECI) said in a statement.

Six armed militants opened fire Sunday at an Ivory Coast beach resort packed with vacationers. The victims included 14 civilians and two soldiers, President Alassane Ouattara said.

The jihadist group al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the attack. Witnesses told that one of the attackers shouted "Allahu akbar" — Arabic for "God is great." 

“PRAY FOR LONG TERM SECURITY”

“As children of the Almighty God, we lift our eyes to Him as our shield and defender”, the evangelical Christian federation said.

“On behalf of the President of the Federation of Evangelicals in Cote d’Ivoire (FECI) and on behalf of the entire body of Christ in the Ivory Coast, we launch this appeal, for the global Church to pray for the long term security of Ivory Coast.”

“We remember Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 6: 12 ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’”

“OUR HOPE IS IN GOD”

“We need your prayers so that in unity, God will intervene and protect our beloved nation. We ask you to pray that God surrounds our nation with His grace and mercy, so that there is peace and love.”

“We want to thank you in advance for your support in these difficult times. Our hope is in the name of our God, who made heaven and earth. With Him, we are always winners.”

“May God comfort the victims’ families and support the government in its efforts to provide security amidst reports of further attacks”, the text finishes.