Obed was a classmate of mine at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana --Helen Hopson ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Obed Dashan <obeddashan@xxxxxxxxx> Date: Sun, Dec 26, 2010 at 2:34 PM Subject: More violence needs more Prayers To: Hershel Linda <doylehersh@xxxxxxxxxxx> Our friends PRAY MORE 1. Jos:More violence erupted today. Several neighborhoods experienced conflict. We just discovered that our friend's daughter was affected in the bomb blast. her two legs are in POP right now.Total dead from the main hospitals are 31. Some ars saying 39. I got mine from the Medical doctor in charge of the Hospital.Over 90 casualty. Worship services were cancel led in the Jos metropolis for the security reason. We had worship in our church for 90 minutes. For the first time since I was a pastor we hard armed soldiers and police guarding our church during worship. You can imagine the fear and anxiety yet the courage. I did not expect anyone would come to Church this morning. We had well over 800 in attendance. They sang their hearts out like it was their last! I preached a short message.Christmas was not conflict free. The Life of the Savior was sought after as soon as he was born.Those who follow the Savior can expect persecution. Our love for Christ and the enemy is being tested. Our understanding of God's word is being tested as well. Lord, heal our world of its waring madness. We know many of you are praying. We find peace coming our way. We find courage to keep trusting. Also pray for Phena's two nices in Abuja. They have been hospitalized for typhoid in two different hospitals. They are running bad temperature. Her brother needs help but we cannot leave Jos right now. I have to be around to encourage our restless youth to stay calm.We have engaged them in a YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE. They are making mud blocks and mixing sand to help with a youth centre. Keep us prayed for. 2. Maiduguri, Borno State: Churches were burnt in that most northerly state also. 3. Bauchi. News of the presence of Boko Haram People is causing great anxiety there also. Pray for our brothers and sisters there too. Pray for the Muslims too that their eyes be opened to God's love. Jesus would probably say, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." WE ARE CONTINUING TO STAY AWAKE AND ALERT TRUSTING IN THE GREAT INVISIBLE SHIELD. Thank you. Obed -- Helen Hopson