Encompass World Partners, the international church planting arm of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, has issued evacuation orders for personnel serving in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). Dr. Dave Guiles, executive directory, issued the statement below and asked for prayer that the individuals will be able to obtain travel documents, for protection while awaiting flights, and a successful transition of local responsibilities to local leaders.
In consultation with Central African leaders and in light of a recent deterioration in security, Encompass World Partners has issued evacuation orders for our personnel serving in Bangui, CAR. We request urgent prayer for 1) obtaining travel documents, 2) protection while awaiting flights, and 3) a successful transition of local responsibilities into the hands of national leaders.
The Jensen family will relocate to Yaounde, Cameroon, where they will engage in discipleship of local leaders, pursue French language study and assist with CAR relief efforts. Barb Wooler is wrapping up her assessment of urgent humanitarian needs and is returning to the U.S to continue to develop proposals for concrete ways Encompass can assist in crisis relief efforts. Decisions concerning other staff will be announced soon. We anticipate that this evacuation may last twelve months or more.
We also request urgent prayer for national church leaders and members in light of increases in rebel activities and continuing deterioration of security. Encompass will be shifting its focus from partnerships in church planting, leadership development and integrated ministries to assisting with crisis relief efforts.
We will release additional information as it becomes available