Bible Society asks Christians to pray for peace in Georgia

Christians have been called to pray for peace and calm for war stricken Georgia by Avtandil Guruli, the Executive Director of the United Bible Society Representation in Georgia.

At the height of bomb attacks in many parts of Georgia, Mr Guruli described how he and his family had been woken up at 4.30am on Monday by the sound of explosions, caused by the bombing of the power station that serves Tbilisi's main airport.

"We are trying to keep optimistic but it is difficult to stay calm," he said. "Not only military targets are being destroyed but public roads and buildings. And civilians are being killed."

Mr Guruli also said that a long-planned Bible Society project to take Scriptures to people in South Ossetia had been brought to a halt by the conflict.

"Over the past few weeks and months we have been working hard to prepare a project to distribute Scripture booklets to people living in South Ossetia," he said. "All the agreements and arrangements were finally in place to make God's Word available there.

"We ask for prayers that a willingness to find peace will take root in all people's hearts. Please pray opposing sides are reconciled and that mutual forgiveness and acceptance is exercised."

Anatoly Rudenko, who leads the Bible Society in Russia (BSR), expressed his compassion for all the people affected by the conflict to Mr Guruli the moment the news broke last Friday. The BSR is now considering a Scripture distribution programme to South Ossetian refugees who have fled to North Ossetia.

With an estimated 100,000 people displaced by the conflict, Bible Society and the head of the Baptist Church in Georgia, Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili, are trying to organise humanitarian aid that will bring them both practical and spiritual help.

"We mourn the death of soldiers, children, men, women, and elderly people from both sides," added Mr Guruli.

Ian McKay, International Director of the Swindon-based Bible Society, said, "Please pray for peace between both nations. Bible Society staff in Georgia and Russia are eager to share God's Word, not only physically but also in their actions."