Political unrest in Moldova – please pray
Wednesday 08 April 2009
In the news today we have been hearing of the unrest in Moldova. We ask the Baptist churches in the Baptist Union to pray for Valeriu Ghiletchi and the Christians in Moldova at this time.
Valeriu stood down as Bishop of the Moldovan Baptist Union in order to run for Parliament, though he continues as a pastor of the Union. He was elected an MP last Sunday (he had a previous period as an MP some years ago) and immediately the protests against the ruling Communist Party began. Valeriu has been trying to help calm the situation and yesterday the Baptist churches in Chisinau spent the day in prayer for their country. (We think the government may now have cut the internet, but are not sure.)
Valeriu is also the Vice-President of the EBF, due to become President in July at our Amsterdam 400 event. We would ask for our prayers for him and for Moldova at this critical time that a peaceful way forward may be found.
The Baptists in Moldova form around 1% of the population.
Today we have heard from Valerie he says:
"Street protests erupted today in Chsinau, the capital city of Moldova. The demonstrations are a result of the huge disappointment that many people felt after the announcement of the final election results. The President and Parliament buildings have been vandalized. At this moment the Parliament building is under fire. The situation is out of control. Police withdrew from these buildings. Political leaders of the opposition met with the power, but so far the conflict has not been resolved.
I addressed the protesters a public message in which I invited them to pray, have peace and faith in Christ. Our churches are engaged in prayer today. Toma Magda, the European Baptist Federation President, who is in Moldova these days, and myself urge you to pray for peace and stopping of violence. Pray also for me, so I can play a peace making role and be a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these crucial days for our nation".
