Steve Schmidt, SIM Niger Director, reports that all missionaries are safe. Sahel Academy is on lockdown and the children are safe. He writes:

"At about 1:15 pm (GMT+1) on Thursday gunfire was heard coming from the direction of the presidential palace. Since this time, it has been confirmed that a coup attempt is underway in Niamey Niger. We have no word as to whether the coup was successful. All reports so far indicate that the conflict is contained in the capital of Niamey."

Pray

• That there will soon be an end to the gunfire and there will be a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• That SIM Leadership and other mission leaders will have wisdom to respond appropriately.
• For wisdom for the administrators and teachers at Sahel Academy. School was in session when the coup started. Parents are picking up their children at this time.
• That communication will stay open to facilitate the management of this situation.

Thank you for joining us in prayer. Keep up to date at: http://www.topix.com/wire/world/niger