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Eye on the World: war in Mali
Early last year several insurgent groups seized large areas of northern Mali, ultimately ceding it to Islamist fighters — thought to have ties to terrorism — who occupied the large cities of Gao, Kidal, and Timbuktu. In January 2013 the Malian government asked for foreign aid, and French and Malian troops began a campaign to reclaim the northern part of the country. This week French-led troops retook Gao, and surrounded Timbuktu without resistance.
No matter where we live, our prayers can make a difference in assuring safety, security, and good government in Mali and around the world.
“Stability and freedom for Africa” is a good article to start with. Written in March 2011, at a time when many African and Middle Eastern countries were grappling with questions concerning liberty and the use of force, the article reminds us that God’s government is constant and dependable, even in fractious tribal or political conflicts.
It’s also worth praying about terrorism, a mindset that tries to corrupt groups and individuals and perverts motives. “Praying about terrorism in Jesus’ way” explains how a spiritual concept of love overrules and replaces a fear-based outlook, providing a strong foundation for peaceful and stable societies. The author notes, “The moment we begin to celebrate the love of God, fear evaporates. Then, right there within our own thinking, terrorism—including the hateful motives behind it—is disarmed and defeated.”