We propose a toast to IVORY COAST!

On August 7, 1960, Côte d'Ivoire became an independent nation in West Africa. The late 50's and early 1960's saw a majority of African countries leaving their colonial past behind to declare their sovereignty. The ''architect'' of Ivory Coast's independence was a man of short stature and tremendous influence--Felix Houphey-Boigny. They called him the Lion of Africa. History books show him standing next to Charles de Gualle and countless other dignitaries as he labored to lead Ivory Coast into the modern era.

Boigny enjoyed an unprecedented peaceful ''reign'' of 33 years. He died in 1993. The huge Catholic basilica in the center of Ivory Coast has been filled to capacity only twice--during the dedication by the Pope in 1980-something, and for the funeral of Houghey-Boigny. His picture still hangs in many a business and people talk about the good ole days when he was president. His successor, Bédie, was elected in 1995. Our family came onto the scene in 1998 as missionaries. One year later Bédie was run out of the country in their first ever coup d'état. The phrase means ''to strike at the government,'' and it was, unfortunately, a damaging blow both to Ivory Coast's enviable reputation, and to the meaning of liberty for her people.

I can't get too political here, but suffice it to say that Ivorians need your prayers. Today they celebrate a fragile future. As missionaries we aren't here to encourage them one way or another politically, but spiritually to point them to an eternal hope that can only be found in Christ. Official ceremonies began at 7 am this morning in Abengourou. From the screened in back porch where I was sipping my coffee I could hear a band playing a solemn tune uptown. I took it to be the Ivorian national anthem and the whole thing struck me as kind of sad. Then I read this:

''When anyone is united to Christ, there is a new world;

the old order has gone, and a new order has already begun'' (2 Cor 5:17, NEB).

Thank you for praying for this place, these people, and this work. Together we serve the only One who is truly Sovereign! --Damon, for the Joneses