I don't want to scare any of you, but you may have heard about the political unrest in Ecuador today. I wanted to write a quick note and let you all know that despite everything going on, I am safe and doing well. Don't worry, I'm not joining in the riots. We are staying behind locked doors. :) Prayers for the country of Ecuador would be greatly appreciated. Police began rioting today and are trying to remove our current president from office. He was attacked earlier today and has declared a national state of emergency. Who knows, we may have a new president soon. This nation is greatly in need of peace, and we know that our God is the only true source of peace! So please, beseech Him to reach out His hand to this hurting nation.
The following is a letter sent out to many people by the head of Alliance Academy International (the missionary school here in Quito). It contains a lot of great info about what is going on. I love you all, and please don't worry!! God is always in control! :)
Date: Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Subject: EMERGENCY - Ecuador destabilized!
To:
Supporters and friends:
URGENT NEED FOR PRAYER: Details are not completely clear, but this morning Ecuador's national police went on strike, and apparently even attacked the president when he went to talk with the strikers. This has seriously destablized the nation for the first time in several years, and has added to the danger we face on the streets.
WHAT WE KNOW: According to various news reports, the national police decided to strike (leave their posts, protest at their stations, burn tires in the streets) to protest an impending reduction in their performance bonuses and promotion schedules. Dissatisfaction with Ecuador's president has been building in recent months, and this latest move apparently was too much for the police.
The total absence of the police force means that there is little or no "law presence" on the streets; in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil, particularly, this can mean that criminals roam freely.
Quito's airport is closed until further notice, stranding about 700 outbound passengers this morning at the airport, and preventing travel for an indefinite period of time. Some of our students' parents are in other parts of the world, trying to get home.
All schools are closed until further notice; we implemented our strike plan and methodically evacuated the campus beginning at noon; all but a handful of students (whose parents are stranded in various places) are now gone.
WHAT WE HEAR (which may or may not be accurate): Several banks have been robbed, and markets and malls looted--some near the campus. Roads leading in/out of major cities have been blocked, though I have not--yet--heard of any of our families who live in the suburbs being unable to get home.
After being tear-gassed by the police, the president fled to a major hospital (not the one next door to us) to find safety from police who threatened his life.
The commander of the military claims that the military supports the president; however, we also hear from inside sources that such support is not necessarily the case. I have not yet read any news as to action by the National Assembly (congress) or the Supreme Court in this situation.
PRAY FOR: God's plan to be realized...sanity to prevail...safety for our entire community...stability for the nation...an orderly resolution of the power struggle...wisdom for the Alliance Academy leadership as we consider when to re-open...and more.
A number of us have been through this several times...in twenty years here I think it's been five times for me. Personally, I am not anxious...just wanting more and better information (the TRUTH, not just rumors), and for stability to return so we can do what we're here to do.
Thanx! Feel free to write...so long as we have internet I will try to keep in touch.
Cheers!
Greg Collord
Alliance Academy International
Quito Ecuador
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