Please Pray:

For the past several months there has been increased discussion and sporadic rioting in Mongu, Zambia, revolving around the Western Province of Zambia seceding from the rest of Zambia to form their own independent country. These feelings are not new, but have been simmering for years. Pray for peace to reign in Western Province, and specifically Mongu and Limulunga. While the recent rioting has mainly involved rock throwing and destruction of property, there have been at least two and possibly 4 people killed. Pray that the violence would stop, that the police would be able to control the rioters without lethal force. The Lozi protesters are calling for all tribes, (Mbunda, Luvale, Luchazi, etc) to leave the Western Province by mid-February. Daren has called a number of the believers around the province, and they generally feel that this is just way to put pressure on the government. These tribes have been living together peacefully since the 1800's. The Baptist believers in the Western Province are a combination of all the tribes, pray for the safety of these dear brothers and sisters, that any feelings of alienation would be resolved. The Litunga (Lozi Paramount Chief) does not support any of the protesters demands. We have also been told that everything is peaceful in other locations throughout the Western Province and that as of Sat. morning the rioting in Mongu has stopped and all is quiet. Pray that the Zambian government would listen to the concerns of the Lozi people and that the problems would be addressed and resolved. Pray that we will experience the peace of God through all of this. We will contact the U.S. Embassy to see if they will allow us to return back to Lukulu on Saturday. Usually these conflicts are very localized and the possibility of problems in Lukulu are low. Thank you for lifting up the Upper Zambezi Team, the believers in the Western Province and all the residents before the Lord.