Whilst attention and prayer is rightly focussed at present on countries and churches involved in an unexpected war, it is salutory to remember those parts of the JMECA constituency that continue to maintain ministry in very challenging cricumstances.
The Anglican Church in Tripoli, Libya must surely be one of the most challenging in which to serve. The Church is clearly anxious to accept and work within the restrictions imposed by the Government, but these provide what may seem narrow margins for ministry. A former church secretary has just completed three years in prison and is awaiting an appeal to a higher court. Prison visiting has now been allowed and a church member reports that he is “very strong in the Lord.”
An important ministry is the food distribution programme for Sudanese refugees. Last week more than forty people received this precious help. The food is distributed from the premises of the Catholic church. The Anglican church of Christ the King was formerly used but the police did not like the distribution taking place from there.
Children’s work and a Bible study continue alongside regular worship. This year, the Good Friday service was particularly well attended. These may seem small achievements but in context they are well worth reporting.
Rev Crimson Jebakumar is greatly sustained by the prayers of those throughout the Province and in the wider world.
All pictures: Crimson Jebakumar
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