reedster

Many of you have seen the tiny island of Sri Lanka reappear in the international news.

In what seems like a troubling pattern of events, Sri Lanka continues its vicious cycle of ethnic violence which has begun to target innocent lives. BBC formally reports on the most recent attacks involving an attack on a civilian bus and the counterstrikes by the military near a refugee camp. For those unable to follow the links a brief description of the events follow:

Near Vavuniya (a city in the north), a civilian bus loaded with people going to the market was struck by a claymore mine early Thursday morning. The results were 64 passengers, including 15 children dead, and 94 injured. This is the worst attack on a civilian target since the signing of the ceasefire in 2002. The military was quick to respond. Ariel attacks along with artillery and rocket attacks were carried out on rebel positions in Kilinochchi (northeast) and Batticaloa (east), including strikes very near a tsunami refugee resettlement camp. Damages and injuries are considered low but are some what unknown considering communication with hospitals in the area has not been fluid

In light of all the troubles work must continue and we must press forward. The Singhalese in city where I am working, Trincomalee, have called a two day hartal (a public protest similar to a curfew that can often turn violent) for Saturday and Sunday in mourning for those who have lost their lives. This will delay my return to Trincomalee at least until Monday of next week at which point I shall assess the situation and see if it is safe for travel for the ADT staff and me.

This past week the entire ADT staff nationwide was involved in a staff retreat that took place down south at a beach resort. We worked on team building and the vision of NCEASL/ADT, which is unifying the church to transform the nation. It was a privilege to be apart of this planning and spend time with the staff from all regions as I was able to build new relationships and strengthen old ones. There are many faithful and dedicated brothers and sisters serving the Lord in Sri Lanka and it is great to be apart of it.

Some prayer requests:

-the war in Sri Lanka (although many claim there is no war and that the ceasefire remains, I see no evidence that this is being followed out therefore I will refer to the conflict in Sri Lanka not as the ‘situation’ but as the war)

-unity of the church throughout Sri Lanka
-staffing/personnel issues in the ADT Trincomalee office
-upcoming pastor conferences which my parents will facilitate (July 1-15)
-personal health (I’ve been sick this last week)
-progress in ongoing projects because we have faced many setbacks and disappointments in our activities

Thank you for your support and assistance in what the Lord is doing in this country and in my life. He is definitely using this time to teach me of His faithfulness and goodness to me through the joys and trials of my work in Sri Lanka. My blessings and prayers to you all. May you have a wonderful weekend

Enduring in Christ,

Ben