LONDON — International
Mission Board (IMB) missionaries are looking for ways to serve Londoners in the
midst of widespread rioting and looting in London
and across England.
“London is usually an incredibly
safe city, but these riots bring to light the nature of sin in all humanity,”
said Chris*, an IMB missionary in London.
“Please pray that out of these shocking circumstances people will hear and
understand the gospel.”
Missionaries Stephen* and Barbara* helped lead a prayer vigil in north London
Aug. 7 during the initial protests. Stephen, Barbara and other IMB missionaries
said they hope to bless and encourage the people of their communities in the
midst of shock, disbelief and fear. They are actively seeking open doors to
share the gospel. And they invite believers to join them in prayer.
Riots, arson and looting have spread from the capital to other parts of England
in the days following the death of a police-shooting victim, Mark Duggan.
Peaceful protests of the shooting turned violent after Duggan’s death.
Homes and businesses have been ransacked and burned in parts of London,
Birmingham, Nottingham,
Liverpool and Bristol.
British authorities are taking measures to stop the unrest and are beginning to
clean up streets strewn with debris from looting.
*Last names withheld for security reasons.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Parker is a writer for the
International Mission Board in Europe.)