Our family
has had heavy hearts as we have followed the events in Kenya.
Kenya has descended into violence following a
presidential election on December 27th. What started off
as a campaign of "establishment" vs. "reform" has become a conflict
of tribes. Both leaders are half-heartedly calling for peace but at the
same time refusing to negotiate or talk to each other through an
intermediary. Over 300 people have
been killed, mostly those minorities living in areas dominated by the
other
tribe. Tens of thousands have fled their homes, many seeking shelter in
churches or police stations. Many have lost all that they own.
The
missionaries can
avoid most of the violence, however they are affected in the same ways
as many
Kenyans. Stores have mostly been closed. When they are open, shelves
have been emptying and gas stations running out of
fuel. Banks have been closed, preventing people from
obtaining money. ATMs ran out of cash days ago. Streets that are
normally busy are deserted as people stay home in fear of violence. Things have calmed down some in
the
past couple days, allowing some deliveries to resume and people to move
about, however there is much uncertainty and tension. Rift Valley
Academy has delayed
opening from January 2nd to January 19th. Homework has been
sent to students via email to ease the shortened term. The
school administration has had to make a lot of difficult decisions and
need to continuously evaluate the situation.
Staff from RVA has been involved with a church at Maai Mahiu, a
community 5km from Kijabe. Over 1000 people have
taken shelter at a church, leaving behind most of their possessions.
RVA, along with the Red Cross, has been able to help with
food, water, and blankets. Some people have have needed small amounts
of cash to travel to relatives.
It takes strength to promote peace when there is violence
all around. Many churches are taking leading roles in sheltering
refugees,
calling for peace and reconciliation. Please pray for the churches in
Kenya.
Prayer is required for
many things: peace, wisdom, and Christian leadership.
Pray that
Christ will be glorified by the actions of his people in this time of
crisis.
Blessings,
Michael, Bernadine, Julianne and Evan
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18
