Winnipeggers asked to pray for Ebola-stricken Africa

Winnipeg's African community says watching family dealing with the Ebola crisis back home has left them few options but to fall on their knees in prayer.

On Monday, alarge shipment of supplies left Manitoba to countries in Africa dealing with the illness, which hasclaimed more than 3,000 lives, according to the most recent figures from the World Health Organization.

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"These days you can't even shake hands [in Africa]. And my Dad is telling me the shortage [of basicsupplies], it's beyond imagination," said WinnipeggerZita Somokoko, whose father lives inGuinea.

"They don't have soap. The simplest thing as soap."

Everything from medical glovesto bleach is also running out, she said.

Somokoko is calling on all Winnipeggers to help raise their voices in prayer.

"The whole community at large in Winnipegto hold our hands in prayer, because we need you, we need your prayers," she said.

"You can help in any capacity possible."

Somokoko asks Winnipeggers to gather at Knox United Church on Friday at7 p.m.