Turmoil in Kenya

Many of you have expressed concern for the safety of our churches, pastors and friends in Kenya due to the political turmoil in the country. It was just one month ago that the disputed presidential election caused the country to explode into violence. Although reports of isolated violence continue to make headlines  recent reports assure us that our people are all safe. Life appears to be beginning to return to normal in most of the affected areas - the Nairobi and Mombasa slums and in Western Kenya.

On the east coast, near Steadfast Baptist Church and St. Patrick’s Mission School, hundreds were displaced by the chaos and violence caused by tribalism. According to Pastor Patrick Marisia in Mombasa, “Many of our church families have left the Mtongwe area and have gone to places where it is safe. Our family did not see the light of the sun for four days but we are beginning to move around now. Food is hard to find but we are okay”. The church and school were closed due to the clashes but reopened last week.

"Frightened Kenyans flee the violance."

Here are a few excepts from an email just received from a dear pastor friend in the Bangladesh slum, near Mombasa.

“Thanks very much for your prayers and concern. I and my family are fine. However the church was grossly affected by the post-election violence that rocked our country. We have been forced to move and relocate for security reasons. This is because I happen to be coming from the larger dominant tribe the Kikuyu which is where the presidential winner comes from. The lesser Luo tribe has the opposition and Bangladesh is largely and by far Luo zone and they were in the opposition until the disputed presidential elections. The members [of my church] warned me not to go to Bangladesh for at least two Sundays. They made it clear that I was going to be in danger for they felt robbed of victory in the disputed just concluded elections and they were venting their anger and reactions to the tribe of the announced president who won narrowly. This also led to the owner warning me also to get another place for he received threats for at least three times that the premises would be burnt. Now we were left with no other option apart from finding another meeting place. We have secured a classroom in a primary school near where I live where we have been accommodated temporarily. Calm is slowly returning but tension remains high in some parts. We have high hopes of purchasing land in this part of town where people are resettling and have been offered land that can fit a church and an orphanage for at least $1800. We have negotiated to pay in three equal installments of $600 respectively. The first front will be this month of January and the next in April while the remainder will be completed sometimes in August. This will pave way for us to construct a church building immediately. We honestly believe this s God leading us towards that direction and we do covet your prayers very much. To us our being affected during the violence that hit our country was a blessing in disguise. Keep praying for us but we are happy to be able to pay the first amount and we believe in God's provision to come in the near future. Thanks once again for your concern for us. God bless you.
SERVANTS LIKE YOU,
JOHN & FAMILY”

Pastor John Ndebe has served God for many years in Bangladesh where thousands of children, orphaned by the AIDS pandemic, roam the streets.

According to our sources little of the violence reached the Kenya/Tanzania border where several of our churches are located. Pastor Reuben ole Tiges, of the Lake Jipe Orkungu’ Church reported that things are stable there.

The violence that occurred in Kenya was not directed toward Americans, nor is anti-American sentiment prevalent. The violence was racial (tribal) and between two of the largest tribes – the Luo and Kikuyu. Once thought to be one of the most peaceful nations on the African continent Kenya has spiraled into political unrest caused by tribalism. It is a tragic reminder of the need for God's grace. Our prayer for the people of Kenya is that they recognize that their true identity can be found in Jesus Christ, not in their tribal ancestry. Now, more than ever, we must reach out to the people of Kenya with the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

"Women weep over what has happened in their country."

For more on the situation in Kenya view the IMB slide show entitled, Kenya's' Hatred: taming the 'demon set loose'.
http://www.imb.org/main/news/packageviewer.asp?xml=http://media1.imbresources.org/files/43/4365/4365-23925.xml

Kenya Medical & Evangelism Team: July 11-22, 2008. This team of 12 will visit and encourage our Karantini, Mailiatatu, Esukuta and Enderkesi church plants near the eastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. We hope to offer medical clinics and women's, men's and children's programs. The trip will end with an incredible two-day safari at Amboseli National Park. Approximate Cost: $3400. For information contact East Africa Missionaries Mark and Renee Maynard at mark@mysugarhillchurch.com.