Prayer Request

Dear friends,
I am writing this blog post to share with you a great prayer need that Arequipa has right now. Last night as I was thinking about how to word what is happening here and what to pray for, I saw this post on facebook made by one of our friends here. She explains perfectly, so I want to share with you what she said -  "Please keep Arequipa in your prayers. There is a ¨civil war¨ going on in the southern part of our city due to the conflicts between the farmers and the minning indudstry. A Peruvian school teacher told me last night how sad it is to see Peruvian fighting (killing and destroying) Peruvian. The video clip below in English provides some additional information. Within the city limits we are experiencing some of the consequences of the 3-day strike."  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0V4SOxKf9w

Please don't worry about us. We are safe. The protests are mainly happening in certain parts of the city, parts we are staying away from, and are mostly not happening in neighborhoods near houses. And they are happening in town in the afternoon after we are already home from school. We haven't seen any of the protesting or rioting, just heard of it and have seen increased police presence. That being said, please pray for protection of Arequipan civilians, foreigners, and police.

Please join us in praying for Arequipa and the town of Islay in the coastal region. Please pray for the people in those areas for peace and that the protestors will stop being so violent and figure out a better way to let their voices be heard.  Many people are discouraged because they don't see any hope of resolution between the two parties in conflict and the violent protests in the town where the mine will be. So please pray for resolution to come quickly. And pray for Arequipans emotionally as these times are bringing them sadness and fear.

Thank you for your prayers.

Update from our friend about today's protesting:Again, we ask for your prayers for the situation here in Arequipa! Tomorrow is the third day of the strike and each day is more intense.

http://www.peruviantimes.com/06/tia-maria-copper-project-at-the-negotiation-table-again/24184/