Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo shared the following letter last week, calling for a time of prayer and fasting.

The Africa Regional Office will be closed for work on Wednesday, October 22, and instead we will come together for a day of prayer and fasting to intercede for those who are suffering because of the tragedies surrounding the Ebola virus. Our hearts are broken as we hear the reports of fellow Nazarenes, fellow Christians, and fellow human beings suffering in several countries but especially in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. The Ebola virus has been deadly to most who contract it which has produced a wake of fear and suffering.

The dynamics of society have been changed in countries dealing with Ebola and the extent of its ramifications are still to be seen. The fear surrounding the virus has caused uncertainty and panic. In order to minimize the risk of being infected and because of the overwhelmed state of medical services, many who are in need of normal health care are neglected.

Yet in the midst of the fear, there are those who are responding in spite of the possibly deadly consequences. They respond out of compassion and heart that exemplifies Christ. One of these couples, Rev. Joe and Hannah Sonkpah, cared for a pregnant lady to whom the medical system was not available. Their acts of compassion resulted in being infected with Ebola. They have paid with their lives in order to respond to what God put on their hearts. They are our heroes.

While we at the regional office and you may be thousands of kilometers away from those who are suffering, we want to intercede to the Lord on their behalf. Although the distance is far, we know the same God that hears our prayers is walking among those suffering with infection or the loss of family and friends. It is He who can ultimately comfort and save. May the Lord let the sacrifices being made on behalf of those who are suffering bring Him glory and turn hopeless eyes to Him.

This time of office prayer is a precursor to a request by NCM Africa for prayer, fasting, and support to be given by every African Nazarene church between October 26 and November 23, 2014.

Please join with the Africa Regional Office in prayer and fasting on Wednesday, October 22. Then join, as you are able, with the local churches across Africa, between October 26 and November 23, to pray, fast, and give.

In His grace,
Filimao Chambo