Mission activities in the Ivory Coast have been suspended because of political unrest and widespread violence in the country. More than 135,000 Ivorians have crossed into Liberia, more than 7,000 into Ghana, and more than 2,000 into Togo. Relief organizations have set up refugee camps in border areas.
There are no reports of deaths or injuries among members, according to a Church welfare report. Many member families have abandoned their homes, taking refuge in rural villages or fleeing to Ghana, Liberia, Benin or Togo. Those who have reached locations where there is a Church presence are being attended to by local leaders and members.
I don't know how exactly these refugees will be "attended to by local leaders and members" under the circumstances. As for LD$ Inc, clearly the harvesting season there is done. And what has it gained them, eh?? What a waste.........
When my son decided to go on a mission (about 9 – 10 years ago), they originally wanted to send him to the Ivory Coast. I did a bit of checking, and found that the country was in turmoil, riots, policemen dragged out of their cars and murdered, etc. I was upset. When I talked with other members about this, they said, “The lord will protect him, don’t worry. He’ll be OK.” I worried anyway. I talked to him and others, asking that he decline this assignment, and ask for another. They all laughed at me. I even researched and called the mission president there in the Ivory Coast, and I expressed my apprehension about my son’s safety. He started off by being impatient and dismissing me, but he soon calmed down and explained some of their security procedures (which weren’t very good, BTW).
After he entered the MTC, my son was unable to learn and master the French language. After two weeks there, he asked the MTC people to let him go home. They sent him to a mission in East LA the next morning.