Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Sandman posted an email he received from a pastor in Beslan.

The Baptist Church in Beslan is located near the school where the great tragedy occurred. The pastor’s name is Michael. Eleven children from the church families were held hostage and terrorized by the attackers. Of the 11 children who were held hostage, 3 are now at home and 1 boy is in the hospital. One woman from the church, Irina, was able to escape from the school with one of her children but saw her 9-year old son shot to death in front of her eyes. Another member of the Baptist church is also named Irina and she has not been able to find her child.

Sergei, a church planter in the area, and his wife had three children among the hostages. Their 9-year old daughter, Anna, is believed dead, but it is still unconfirmed. Their 12-year old son, Azamat, is in the hospital with a severe eye injury. Their younger child is still missing.

Sergei has a brother named Temuraz. He and his wife have 5 children. One daughter, Magina, was hospitalized for a short time but is now home. They are trying to find their other 4 children.

From these two families, the following children are still missing: Dzerassa age 15, Anna 9, Larisa 14, Luba 12, Albina 11, and Boris 8.

The situation in Beslan is difficult. They are grateful for your greetings and concern, but they are in shock. There are more than 400 children in the hospitals. Many are badly injured and burned. Identifying the injured is extremely difficult. Many are so traumatized that they are unable to say their names or the names of their parents. Identifying the bodies of those who have died is equally difficult as many of them were killed by explosions and the ensuing fires. It is felt that the number who have perished will reach five hundred.

Please pray often for all the families that have been affected. Pray for the pastors and the churches who are seeking to minister to all who have lost precious little loved ones. Pray that the Lord will grant them great wisdom and enduring strength in handling the situation and make them channels of Christ’s great love for all the victims and their families. Again, your prayers and concern are deeply appreciated.