Post by rebecca on May 8, 2008 17:15:46 GMT -7
Video:
www.worldchallenge.org/missions/kenya_a_once_tranquil_nation
It seemed, at least for a time, that Kenya might escape the violent and disastrous fate that has plagued its neighboring countries. But frighteningly, this once tranquil African nation is now on the brink of utter disaster.
Recently, news reports have flooded in about wicked, rage-filled men, wielding poison-dipped machetes, roaming the streets of Kenyan cities, slums and remote villages. Engulfed in the flames of their widespread violence are innocent men, women, children and infants, whose lives are randomly and brutally taken. Some who have taken refuge in churches have been mercilessly locked in and burned to death. Sparked by accusations of an illegitimate presidential election, most of the violence has deeper roots stemming from longstanding tribal prejudices.
After days of negotiations, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annon managed to get the warring parties to shake hands, but by day’s end the tribes were on the streets again and the killing continued. In the midst of this diabolical, violent upheaval, even the brightest minds, the most capable agencies, and the combined powers of governments around the globe are grasping at straws. As Christians, we know that God’s word tells us that he will use the foolish things to confound the wise.
Members of the Masi tribe in KenyaAs you may recall, my father and I held a pastors’ conference in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. in March 2007. Even amidst age-old conflict and with national trouble brewing, almost every tribe of Kenya was represented. The unity of pastors was a testimony to God’s unifying power: Kikuyus sang with new friends from the Luo tribe; Abagusis knelt in prayer, embracing the Giriamas; members of the historically fierce Masi warrior tribe even led the evening in thrilling worship. It was a sight to behold!
What enabled these dozens of tribes to sing, dance and pray together, not only in peace but in true love for each other? It was the healing power of God — the forgiving example of Jesus — the power of reconciliation that flows from the Lord.
Last year’s conference was a picture of Jesus’ desire that his church would be one. The love, reconciliation and unity we saw was a demonstration of hope to a troubled land. Today this precious unity is under attack. But even as the devil fans the flames of chaos, God is raising up a standard. What seems hopeless to men is more than possible with the Lord.
Throughout the past year World Challenge has been sponsoring reconciliation prayer meetings in Kenya. In every section of the nation, leaders from each tribe and tongue gather to set their heart toward God and one another. We are now calling on our friends to pray and intercede for these gatherings so that together, as we call on God’s name, he will come and heal this land.
It is estimated that, as a result of the violence, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless after fleeing for their lives. Many now look to the church for life-saving food, shelter and medical care.
World Challenge has committed financial and humanitarian resources to meet the pressing needs of Kenya in a timely way. Through your generous support, God has enabled us to supply emergency food, water, medical supplies, clothing and shelter to those displaced and left homeless. These much-needed gifts are going to areas where some of the heaviest fighting has taken place. We distribute aid daily in Kibera and Mathere Valley (Kenya’s largest slum areas) and continue to develop key ministries that touch the lives of the poorest of the poor.
Kids in Kawangware slum huff glue and thinner to numb their hunger pains.In the Kawangware slum just outside Nairobi, plans are underway to open an activity center for the masses of street children. With little protection and no place to hide, these precious children are an easy target. Many are homeless and at risk, with HIV/AIDS prevalent among them even at their tender age. They often are without food or shelter, and many now stand in the dangerous path of this new wave of killing. The activity center will provide a place of love and protection for them as well as a medical clinic to minister to their physical needs.
In the midst of these troubles in Kenya, God has a faithful people who risk their lives daily to help those in the worst of conditions. World Challenge works to come alongside these unknown heroes, standing with them in prayer and supporting projects that make a difference in the lives of the neediest and most desperate.
We thank you for your prayers and support, which make these vital ministries a reality. As we work together in the Lord, we believe all things are possible and that nothing is too difficult for him.
www.worldchallenge.org/missions/kenya_a_once_tranquil_nation
It seemed, at least for a time, that Kenya might escape the violent and disastrous fate that has plagued its neighboring countries. But frighteningly, this once tranquil African nation is now on the brink of utter disaster.
Recently, news reports have flooded in about wicked, rage-filled men, wielding poison-dipped machetes, roaming the streets of Kenyan cities, slums and remote villages. Engulfed in the flames of their widespread violence are innocent men, women, children and infants, whose lives are randomly and brutally taken. Some who have taken refuge in churches have been mercilessly locked in and burned to death. Sparked by accusations of an illegitimate presidential election, most of the violence has deeper roots stemming from longstanding tribal prejudices.
After days of negotiations, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annon managed to get the warring parties to shake hands, but by day’s end the tribes were on the streets again and the killing continued. In the midst of this diabolical, violent upheaval, even the brightest minds, the most capable agencies, and the combined powers of governments around the globe are grasping at straws. As Christians, we know that God’s word tells us that he will use the foolish things to confound the wise.
Members of the Masi tribe in KenyaAs you may recall, my father and I held a pastors’ conference in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. in March 2007. Even amidst age-old conflict and with national trouble brewing, almost every tribe of Kenya was represented. The unity of pastors was a testimony to God’s unifying power: Kikuyus sang with new friends from the Luo tribe; Abagusis knelt in prayer, embracing the Giriamas; members of the historically fierce Masi warrior tribe even led the evening in thrilling worship. It was a sight to behold!
What enabled these dozens of tribes to sing, dance and pray together, not only in peace but in true love for each other? It was the healing power of God — the forgiving example of Jesus — the power of reconciliation that flows from the Lord.
Last year’s conference was a picture of Jesus’ desire that his church would be one. The love, reconciliation and unity we saw was a demonstration of hope to a troubled land. Today this precious unity is under attack. But even as the devil fans the flames of chaos, God is raising up a standard. What seems hopeless to men is more than possible with the Lord.
Throughout the past year World Challenge has been sponsoring reconciliation prayer meetings in Kenya. In every section of the nation, leaders from each tribe and tongue gather to set their heart toward God and one another. We are now calling on our friends to pray and intercede for these gatherings so that together, as we call on God’s name, he will come and heal this land.
It is estimated that, as a result of the violence, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless after fleeing for their lives. Many now look to the church for life-saving food, shelter and medical care.
World Challenge has committed financial and humanitarian resources to meet the pressing needs of Kenya in a timely way. Through your generous support, God has enabled us to supply emergency food, water, medical supplies, clothing and shelter to those displaced and left homeless. These much-needed gifts are going to areas where some of the heaviest fighting has taken place. We distribute aid daily in Kibera and Mathere Valley (Kenya’s largest slum areas) and continue to develop key ministries that touch the lives of the poorest of the poor.
Kids in Kawangware slum huff glue and thinner to numb their hunger pains.In the Kawangware slum just outside Nairobi, plans are underway to open an activity center for the masses of street children. With little protection and no place to hide, these precious children are an easy target. Many are homeless and at risk, with HIV/AIDS prevalent among them even at their tender age. They often are without food or shelter, and many now stand in the dangerous path of this new wave of killing. The activity center will provide a place of love and protection for them as well as a medical clinic to minister to their physical needs.
In the midst of these troubles in Kenya, God has a faithful people who risk their lives daily to help those in the worst of conditions. World Challenge works to come alongside these unknown heroes, standing with them in prayer and supporting projects that make a difference in the lives of the neediest and most desperate.
We thank you for your prayers and support, which make these vital ministries a reality. As we work together in the Lord, we believe all things are possible and that nothing is too difficult for him.