The International Crisis Group recently reported that the stability of the West African country of Guinea was "as fragile as ever".
It is now almost a year ago since violent street protests shook the long regime of President Lansana Conte and helped to install an independent prime minister, Lansana Kouyate.
Yet, despite hope and optimism then, little has changed, leading the Crisis Group to claim that Guinea's crisis is "likely to return".
Earlier this month, Arthur and Nicky Magahy, BMS World Mission personnel in Guinea, wrote an update on the tensions in the country. The President had removed a government minister from his post. He had allegedly been relieved of his duties because he had spoken in a way that had displeased the President.
"We heard talk of people burning tyres on the streets in some areas of Conakry," said Arthur. The Prime Minister was meeting with unions this week trying to avert a general strike.
"Please pray that things stay calm, and that everything will be resolved without the hassles of last year", Arthur added.
Away from politics, being a church leader in Guinea is tough. It is one of the least Christian countries in sub-Saharan Africa; over 85 per cent of the population are Muslim.
Many Baptist ministers live where people are hostile to the gospel message.
Pastor Moussa is a man who, despite a chequered history, is now standing firm in his faith in difficult circumstances. Moussa used to be a mercenary, and accepted Christ while in prison.
Today, his family are the only Christians for miles. They have to move house continually because their landlords discover they are Christians and evict them.
His family suffers abuse for their faith and Moussa has been attacked in taxis. Please pray for him and other pastors who face similar situations.
There are, however, good news stories from Guinea. BMS supported partner worker Dr Eric Bafende explained the impact that the Jesus film had on a young man he knows.
'S' is an 18 year-old from a family with traditional African beliefs.
For two years, Eric and 'S' had been talking together, discussing all sorts of things - life, school and football!
Then, watching the Jesus film, 'S' tearfully realised what Jesus had done for him and gave his life to him.
"Now," says Eric, "our times together have a different direction. I have the wonder of mentoring him as he takes his first steps as a new creation in Jesus.
"My prayer is that not only will knowing Jesus bring him deep peace but that his family will be drawn by the love of Jesus to accept him in their lives too".