Update on My City

Tension continues to be high in the province where I normally live.  A new leader has been appointed to the area, and he is firmly holding to the slogan “strike hard” .  Most of the public parks have been closed, the streets are now lined with crash gates, barbed wire and other security measures.  Convoys of military trucks with sirens parade around town.  For a few weeks curfew was enforced. Every small store merchant is required to have his wooden cudgel, riot shield, and spear at the ready. He must wear his flak jacket and helmet at all times and occasionally camouflage fatigues too or risk closure. Larger retail spaces require security screening as at an airport with pat downs and scanning of the national identity card. Registration or scanning of the card is similarly necessary to enter housing complexes.  Continue to pray for peace in the area as this kind of regime and daily stress can feel very oppressive.