Abidjan (Fides Service) - "The situation is calm because many of the rebels have gone to help the rebellion in the west" Fides Service was told by a local missionary source in Korhogo the main city in northern Ivory Coast occupied in mid-September by rebels of the Peoples Movement MPCI. "Since Korhogo fell into rebel hands the city has been emptied, but the churches have been filled! Although we could leave it we wished, we missionaries want to stay to help the people. In our parish we provide schooling and a meal for 2,000 children as well as recreation and sports. It is heartening to see them kicking a football or running a race while war continues. The innocence of children puts the evil adult world to shame. We continue to organise prayers for peace, the rosary every Saturday morning, and in front of Blessed Sacrament during daily Exposition. Many non Christians, most here are animists, come to join the prayers. I think the local Animists are edified to see the way Christians pray for peace, unlike Muslims who even pray for war. Recently one Imam in the main mosque prayed publicly for the death of the President. We ask you people in Europe and the rest of the world to remember the Ivory Coast in your prayers this Christmas, that these long suffering people may have a new year of peace". (Fides Service 21/12/2002)