Received a phone call this afternoon from Les - the team left Jos this morning, all members are doing well. However, as they prepare to celebrate Christmas together (9+ Hours PST) in Abuja, they were informed that a bomb was detonated this afternoon back in Jos that killed at least five people and wounded 'dozens' according to Reuters News. He wanted to confirm that the team members were fine as well as any known in-country missionary contacts.
Please pray for the peace of Jos and its people, for the comfort of the families of the lost and for the injured to recover fully. Pray again for reconcilliation between the warring factions and protection of the innocents. That Satan would not be allowed to undo the work of our team by creating confusion and fear.
I was recently informed by some African missionaries on sabbatical that "Jos" is not an African name - the explanation for the name is an acronym for one of the first Christian missionary posts in the interior of Nigeria during the 1800s. J.O.S. = Jesus Our Savior !
At this time of year especially, we are reminded why the baby in the manger was to be named Jesus for his mission into this world: "to save his people from their sins." Alleluia!
And even from his birth, the Christ Child has many other wonderful names given from eternity that we worship and appeal to. . . "the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace." At this time as our team leaves in their wake the blessing of serving and witnessing to the Love of Christ to the people of Jos, I ask us to again pray while appealing to the name of "Comforter" for his people in Jos. If I may be so bold to borrow a phrase from Isaiah, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jos, and cry to her that her warfare is ended."
There will be many great stories of God using our team when they return next week. He is good - all the time. Thank you for your continued collaboration with this mission team through your prayers.
Merry Christmas!
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