Christian workers retrenching after aid worker slain

FAITH UNDER FIRE
Christian workers retrenching after aid worker slain
Funeral services held for Leggett as Mauritania danger pegged at high

Posted: July 03, 2009
12:15 am Eastern

© 2009 WorldNetDaily

Christian groups working in Mauritania are retrenching following the slaying of an aid worker by an organization reportedly linked to al-Qaida.

According to a report from Compass Direct News, a man who had been working in the capital city of Nouakchott reported he and his team were being relocated to an undisclosed European city because of the turmoil.

"After the crime various believers were arrested, and the community of workers is going through very tense moments because of another threat by al-Qaida and the lack of security," the aid worker who had sought anonymity told the report. "Our leaders have asked us to leave the country for awhile, as the government had sent a security force of 10 policemen to guard our home 24 hours a day.

(Story continues below)

"Our mobility was limited, and we left the country under police escort to the airport," the aid worker said.

The sudden moves were taking place just as a funeral was being held in Cleveland for Chris Leggett, 39, who was shot and killed last week. An al-Qaida-linked group claimed responsibility and explained the attack by accusing Leggett of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.

However, there was no verification of the claim.

At the funeral in Cleveland, Noura, the organization for which Leggett worked, called him a "modern-day hero' who gave his life for people in Mauritania, according to the Associated Press.

Leggett operated a nonprofit foundation in Nouakchott and was involved in teaching computers skills to people and reaching out to prison inmates, supporters said.

His parents issued a statement before the funeral. Jay Leggett Sr. and Linda Leggett said they had forgiven "the individuals who committed this terrible act" and said they hoped justice will be accomplished.

According to Compass Direct, Leggett was attacked in a crowded market in front of his school. The report said at least two gunmen approached Leggett in broad daylight, stunning locals who don't often see such violence.

The unidentified aid worker told Compass Direct, "It's a very crowded area, and it was in the morning in the midst of many people. Apparently they wanted to kidnap him, and as they were not able, they then shot him three times in the head and he died. Chris was sharing the gospel with a lot of fervor, and also the fact that the country is going through a political and social crisis could have contributed to this crime."

Leggett leaves behind his wife, Jackie, and four children, ages 8, 12, 13 and 15. The family had been in Mauritania for about six years.

Commentator Doug Clark wrote that al-Qaida has confirmed its campaign to turn Mauritania into an Islamic republic.

"Mauritania seems like it would be a fascinating place to visit, especially with recent signs that it's sorting out its political problems," he wrote. "Obviously, it must overcome this al-Qaida threat."

WND had reported only a day earlier on word from Somalia that al-Qaida jihadists had abducted and beheaded two children when their Christian church leader father was not at home.

Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin earlier reported when al-Shabaab, the al-Qaida affiliate in the Somalia attack, was linked to the stoning execution of a 13-year-old girl.

"Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law" (Book)

"Obsession" (DVD)

Definitive work on Mideast – available only here!

"Everlasting Hatred: The Roots of Jihad"

FREE! "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)"

"Israel in Crisis"

"Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict"

Perfect gift! Compass that points to Jerusalem

Previous stories:

Al-Qaida-linked thugs now executing children

Iran blames U.S. for mass protests

'Jews' favorite cocktail': Muslim blood and soda

Kids' vid: 'Death is honor a nd victory'

Palestinian TV unveils teddy bear terrorist

Children's bunny 'martyred' on Arab TV

Children TV viewers: 'Chop off his hand'

Children's TV says Tel Aviv doesn't exist

'Bush killed' in Palestinian kids TV show

Islamic child: 'We all can be sacrificed'

New Hamas kids' character praises 'jihad'

Hamas' Mickey Mouse lookalike 'martyred'

'Mickey Mouse' promotes jihad

Toddler terrorist touted by jihadis

Cartoon: Palestinian child urinates on Lady Liberty

Hamas kids taught about 'evil Zionists'

Hamas: Kids 'fight in the resistance'

Suicide bomber videos: Footage of hate

Mother sad daughter didn't carry out bombing

Palestinian candidate mother of 'martyrs'

Terrorist moms 'yearn for martyrdom'

Mom of martyr: Sacrifice more of my children

Kids get martyr message in music video

Palestinians glorify child 'martyrs'

Hillary decries brainwash of child 'martyrs'

TV glorified 'martyrs' before attack

Saudis fabricate report of Jews teaching hatred

Poison pens: Kids spew toxic venom

Palestinian children 'dream of martyrdom'

Hamas launches webzine for kids

Palestinian TV urging children to kill

Jerusalem cleric praises child 'sacrifices'

Palestinian kids raised for war