In recent days there was heavy gunfire and a steady flow of refugees towards the church of our mission. On Monday afternoon we had more than 3000 people accommodated in our church and primary school. We did our best to provide shelter, food and medical care, despite the fact that since the crisis the roads have been closed and the supply of food and other basic necessities is interrupted.
A very positive aspect during the crisis has been the involvement of the community: all members (Salesians, students, aspirants, volunteers and staff members) are up to the task and they put their heart and soul into the effort to deal with this disaster.
On Monday evening there was another blow to our efforts to alleviate the situation with some heavy explosions just behind the mission. The entire village of Gumbo and the population of the surrounding villages rushed to our mission. It was an exodus: people simply brought their families together and gathered all they could before fleeing their homes. Before long the mission was filled with more than 15,000 people.
The gunfire ceased around 11.00 p.m. The truce had been accepted by both warring parties around 6.00 p.m.
Yesterday morning a few thousand people left the mission but between 5,000 and 8,000 remained. Many also returned to be safe during the night.
Thanks for your support at this time. Continue to support us in prayer until law and order, peace and stability, are restored to the country.
