[Today’s Prayer] International Organization for Migration: “Last year, 974 people died crossing the Mediterranean… 1.8 times the previous year.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on the 8th (local time) that 974 people attempting to migrate died in the Central Mediterranean last year.

Last year, the IOM in Libya reported that 974 migrants had died and 1,372 had gone missing while attempting to cross the central Mediterranean from North Africa in search of a safer and better life in Europe.

The number of dead and missing people in 2022 was 529 and 848, respectively. Compared to the previous year, the number of deaths increased 1.84 times and the number of missing people increased 1.62 times.

In addition, IOM reported that last year, 17,025 people, including those attempting to migrate, were arrested by the Libyan Coast Guard and sent back. Of these, 1,234 people attempted to cross the sea the end of last year, between December 24th and 30th, but were caught by the Coast Guard and turned back.

(Omitted)

Migrants who are sent back to Libya are reportedly taken to detention centers where they face violence, torture, and human rights abuses.

Source: Newsis

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:5-8)

God who is sovereign over life, we hear the sad news that from last year, 974 migrants who attempted to immigrate died in the Central Mediterranean, and that those who were sent back to Libya are transported to detention facilities to suffer violence, torture, and human rights violations.

Despite the news of numerous deaths, migrants continued the attempt to cross, and the number of deaths or disappearances in the Mediterranean has increased compared to the previous year.

Lord, how are we to understand the feelings, pain, and suffering of those who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea to live a better life?

No other god, but You know their pain, hear their agony, and can give them new life.

Please send those who will share the gospel of life to the lost sheep who have no hope.

May they find new hope and salvation through the name of Jesus Christ, who can heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons.

Let the news of great joy of life, not the news of death, resound in Libya, North Africa, and the Maghreb!