Government helicopters fired on crowds in the Rift Valley on Tuesday-the latest flare-up of the ethnic fighting that has gripped Kenya since its disputed presidential vote. Earlier in day, gunmen killed an opposition lawmaker in Nairobi.
Under increasing pressure to share power, President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga formally opened negotiations, but the two remained far apart on the vote outcome-an issue each has indicated in not negotiable.
Odinga insisted what needed "the most urgent attention" was the resolution of the flawed election results. Kibaki deplored the fact that some Kenyans "have been incited to hate one another...as enemies."
Former U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan is helping mediate the dispute and Tuesday's meeting. "The people need you," he told them. "They want you to take charge of the situation and do whatever possible to prevent the downward slide into chaos that is threatening this country."
Mugabe Were, who was shot to death as he drove home Tuesday, was among a slew of opposition members who won seats in the legislative vote held at the same time as the presidential election on Dec. 27th. The opposition, which won the most seats in parliament, accuses Kibaki of stealing the presidential vote.
In western Kenya's Rift Valley, about 5,000 people set fire to homes an smashed shop windows in Naivaska, dragging away goods. Five police officers fired into the air but were unable to control the turmoil. Naivasha's police chief tried to calm the crowd but was pelted with stones and fled in his car.
Associated Press
This is a very sad commentary on how tribal relations have gotten worse as a result of the post-election acrimony. Today was the day we were planning to return. As I reflect back on the last two weeks, I realize it was a wise decision to postpone our trip until January 2009. Hopefully this nasty period of Kenya's history will be a distant memory by then.
ed fischer
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
January 28th Update from BBC World News
Fighting spreads in western Kenya
The fighting in Naivasha has forced more people to flee their homesAt least 17 people are reported to have been killed in another day of violence in western Kenya, apparently linked to last month's disputed elections.
The victims are said to have been beaten, hacked or burned to death by mobs as fighting spread to Naivasha. The town is about 60km (37 miles) south of Nakuru, also the scene of recent inter-ethnic fighting.
Former UN chief Kofi Annan has been holding talks to try to end the month-long political deadlock in Kenya. He met opposition leader Raila Odinga in the capital, Nairobi, on Sunday, and called on the two rival parties to nominate officials for further talks. Mr Annan visited the violence-racked Rift Valley on Saturday, and later said he had seen tragic, heart-wrenching scenes, and "gross and systematic abuse of human rights".
Mr Odinga accuses his rival, President Mwai Kibaki, of stealing December's presidential election.
Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in Rift Valley region in the past few days. In all at least 750 people have died since the disputed election, and about a quarter of a million have been made homeless.
Hacked to death
The fighting in Naivasha is thought to have broken out late on Saturday, descending quickly into sickening brutality, says the BBC's Adam Mynott in Nairobi. Reports are unclear but at least nine people are said to have been hacked or clubbed to death as they tried to flee mobs with machetes.
Press despair at crisis
In pictures: Violence spreads
In other cases people were locked inside their homes, which the mobs then ignited with petrol. At least eight charred bodies were said to have been recovered. Police tried to disperse youths blocking the main road by firing over their heads. By Sunday afternoon the town was reported to be much calmer.
The mobs appeared to from the Kikuyu tribe of President Kibaki, which bore the brunt of the violence that erupted after the election. "We have moved out to revenge the deaths of our brothers and sisters who have been killed, and nothing will stop us," said Anthony Mwangi, hefting a club in Naivasha. "For every one Kikuyu killed, we shall avenge their killing with three," he told the Associated Press news agency. Some of those fleeing the violence have taken shelter in some of the horticultural farms around Naivasha, on the main road between Nakuru and Nairobi, our correspondent says.
Residents of Naivasha are joining the growing number of refugees
The area's huge horticulture and flower-growing industry employs more than 20,000 people, and supplies a third of Europe's cut flowers. Further north, Kenya's fourth biggest city Nakuru has also been the scene of deadly violence between rival Luo and Kikuyu communities.
Clashes erupted on Thursday between fighters armed with machetes, spears and bows and arrows. There were no reports of further fighting from Nakuru on Sunday. But the ruins of torched buildings smouldered, and a reporter for news agency AFP said bodies lay in the city's deserted slums.
Annan call
Meanwhile, further south in Nairobi, Mr Annan has embarked on a sixth day of talks aimed at mediating a solution to the crisis. He met Mr Odinga, after meeting Mr Kibaki on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The best way to defuse the ethnic tension in the country is for politicians from the two divides to preach peace
Philip Langat, Kenya
Send us your commentsOn Saturday, he visited Eldoret in the Rift Valley, scene of some of the worst post-election violence took place and spoke to refugees living in camps.
"We saw gross and systematic abuse of human rights, of fellow citizens and it is essential that the facts be established and those responsible held to account," he said. Fundamental changes, he added, were needed in Kenya to prevent a repetition of inter-ethnic violence. "We cannot accept that periodically, every five years or so, this sort of incident takes place and no-one is held to account," he said. African Union chief Alpha Oumar Konare also urged Kenya to seek a political solution to its problems.
The fighting in Naivasha has forced more people to flee their homesAt least 17 people are reported to have been killed in another day of violence in western Kenya, apparently linked to last month's disputed elections.
The victims are said to have been beaten, hacked or burned to death by mobs as fighting spread to Naivasha. The town is about 60km (37 miles) south of Nakuru, also the scene of recent inter-ethnic fighting.
Former UN chief Kofi Annan has been holding talks to try to end the month-long political deadlock in Kenya. He met opposition leader Raila Odinga in the capital, Nairobi, on Sunday, and called on the two rival parties to nominate officials for further talks. Mr Annan visited the violence-racked Rift Valley on Saturday, and later said he had seen tragic, heart-wrenching scenes, and "gross and systematic abuse of human rights".
Mr Odinga accuses his rival, President Mwai Kibaki, of stealing December's presidential election.
Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in Rift Valley region in the past few days. In all at least 750 people have died since the disputed election, and about a quarter of a million have been made homeless.
Hacked to death
The fighting in Naivasha is thought to have broken out late on Saturday, descending quickly into sickening brutality, says the BBC's Adam Mynott in Nairobi. Reports are unclear but at least nine people are said to have been hacked or clubbed to death as they tried to flee mobs with machetes.
Press despair at crisis
In pictures: Violence spreads
In other cases people were locked inside their homes, which the mobs then ignited with petrol. At least eight charred bodies were said to have been recovered. Police tried to disperse youths blocking the main road by firing over their heads. By Sunday afternoon the town was reported to be much calmer.
The mobs appeared to from the Kikuyu tribe of President Kibaki, which bore the brunt of the violence that erupted after the election. "We have moved out to revenge the deaths of our brothers and sisters who have been killed, and nothing will stop us," said Anthony Mwangi, hefting a club in Naivasha. "For every one Kikuyu killed, we shall avenge their killing with three," he told the Associated Press news agency. Some of those fleeing the violence have taken shelter in some of the horticultural farms around Naivasha, on the main road between Nakuru and Nairobi, our correspondent says.
Residents of Naivasha are joining the growing number of refugees
The area's huge horticulture and flower-growing industry employs more than 20,000 people, and supplies a third of Europe's cut flowers. Further north, Kenya's fourth biggest city Nakuru has also been the scene of deadly violence between rival Luo and Kikuyu communities.
Clashes erupted on Thursday between fighters armed with machetes, spears and bows and arrows. There were no reports of further fighting from Nakuru on Sunday. But the ruins of torched buildings smouldered, and a reporter for news agency AFP said bodies lay in the city's deserted slums.
Annan call
Meanwhile, further south in Nairobi, Mr Annan has embarked on a sixth day of talks aimed at mediating a solution to the crisis. He met Mr Odinga, after meeting Mr Kibaki on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY
The best way to defuse the ethnic tension in the country is for politicians from the two divides to preach peace
Philip Langat, Kenya
Send us your commentsOn Saturday, he visited Eldoret in the Rift Valley, scene of some of the worst post-election violence took place and spoke to refugees living in camps.
"We saw gross and systematic abuse of human rights, of fellow citizens and it is essential that the facts be established and those responsible held to account," he said. Fundamental changes, he added, were needed in Kenya to prevent a repetition of inter-ethnic violence. "We cannot accept that periodically, every five years or so, this sort of incident takes place and no-one is held to account," he said. African Union chief Alpha Oumar Konare also urged Kenya to seek a political solution to its problems.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
January 23 Update from US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya
Embassy of the United States of America
Nairobi, Kenya
January 23, 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: SUBJECT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION
1. This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.
American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 9, 2007.
2. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
3. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London.
4. Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Recent examples include multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
Nairobi, Kenya
January 23, 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: SUBJECT: WORLDWIDE CAUTION
1. This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.
American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 9, 2007.
2. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
3. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London.
4. Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Recent examples include multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
News from Isaac and Emily in Kenya
Dear Anne
Thanks a lot for your concern over the situation here. We thank God for the far he has brought us despite the few ups and downs all over here and there. God is faithful still and good to us and we praise his name for his love endures forever. We also appreciate for your prayers and support that you’ve always demonstrated for the love of the brothers in Kenya . your support and may the lord bless you for your giving. I shared with them and discovered many were affected. It’s painful to them and they’re still crying for what happened to them. The government and the Red Cross society dint help some parts explaining they voted the opposition.
We have 8 small children who came in our house today, they have no Idea where their parents went, we don’t know these children, we reported to the police and the police asked us to keep them while they investigate, these kids need special attention as they are malnutrition, hungry, unhealthy and all you can say. With dozens of other refugees in our hands as you know we live with pastor Nixon, pastor George and other 11 families from Soy. We also received some 7 families from mt elgon on Friday, 3 families were from the kikuyu tribe. The situation like I said is not good at all. Please do pray for us and even our whole lives at large because our lives are in danger and we also can’t send them (kikuyus) off since they’re our friends. We’re just living with them secretly. Once again we need your prayers and by so doing I know the lord will see us through in these difficult times otherwise we thank God for you and we also thank God for Kenya . We also pray for you as you pray for us. May the lord really bless you and do you good in everything that you will be doing.
Yours in the lord,
Isaac & Emily
Thanks a lot for your concern over the situation here. We thank God for the far he has brought us despite the few ups and downs all over here and there. God is faithful still and good to us and we praise his name for his love endures forever. We also appreciate for your prayers and support that you’ve always demonstrated for the love of the brothers in Kenya . your support and may the lord bless you for your giving. I shared with them and discovered many were affected. It’s painful to them and they’re still crying for what happened to them. The government and the Red Cross society dint help some parts explaining they voted the opposition.
We have 8 small children who came in our house today, they have no Idea where their parents went, we don’t know these children, we reported to the police and the police asked us to keep them while they investigate, these kids need special attention as they are malnutrition, hungry, unhealthy and all you can say. With dozens of other refugees in our hands as you know we live with pastor Nixon, pastor George and other 11 families from Soy. We also received some 7 families from mt elgon on Friday, 3 families were from the kikuyu tribe. The situation like I said is not good at all. Please do pray for us and even our whole lives at large because our lives are in danger and we also can’t send them (kikuyus) off since they’re our friends. We’re just living with them secretly. Once again we need your prayers and by so doing I know the lord will see us through in these difficult times otherwise we thank God for you and we also thank God for Kenya . We also pray for you as you pray for us. May the lord really bless you and do you good in everything that you will be doing.
Yours in the lord,
Isaac & Emily
Monday, January 21, 2008
Dwight Jessup's notes from US Embassy briefing January 18, 2008
US Ambassador’s briefing on the Kenyan situation (18 January 2008)
An estimated 400-500 Americans attended the standing room only briefing at the US Embassy in Nairobi. Here are my notes:
Should Americans evacuate? No need right now. There will still be tension points over the next few weeks, but until or unless something more happens – more widespread killings, the arrest of the opposition, the establishment of authoritarian government, a major civil breakdown occurs, there probably is no need. “The US Embassy is certainly not preparing for this. . . . We are in a crisis situation. There are still some road blocks, some rock-throwing incidents, so don’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take necessary precautions. Watch out for false rumors and misinformation.”
Should US visitors come to Kenya now? “The US Embassy is not encouraging non-essential persons to visit Kenya at the present time. We do not want to worry about them, we already have enough to worry about. . . But the airlines and the airports are open. No Americans or other expats have been targeted”
The election itself? The US had its own 200 observers. The voting itself went very well… It was a model election. But there was cheating in the vote counting and reporting in at least 45 of the 210 constituencies. It was a “seriously flawed” vote tally that lacked accountability and transparency. Both sides were at fault. Impossible to know who really won the Presidential election, but it had to have been by a narrow margin either way. Impossible to do a recount, and a re-vote won’t work. The Electoral Commission was negligent. “The chief officer could not control it. Too much responsibility was placed on him.”
The present conditions? “Both candidates have limited credibility…Neither can claim the moral high ground…each is a mirror image of the other…the people are fed up with both…the violence has been sometimes well-organized, sometimes spontaneous, and sometimes hooliganism….It reminds me of the US in 1968…The seriously flawed vote tally has shocked Kenyans and galvanized the people …the police are doing their job, but do not really want to be involved…they are less of a solid, and disciplined force…The military is more professional and does not want to get involved in a political conflict and so far has not been called out.
US position? “We won’t take sides unless it becomes evident that one side is more credible than the other…But the US is engaged…it is on the people’s side, putting diplomatic pressure for a settlement…The EU has gone too far in its demands and threats to apply sanctions, reduce aid, etc…but peaceful demonstrations should be allowed…the media should be given complete access.
The road ahead? “It must be a Kenyan solution, not one imposed from the outside…some sort of power sharing. The extreme hard-line persons behind each of the competitors are the real antagonists…each candidate professes to want a solution. Election of the speaker in Parliament and swearing in of MP’s shows that a democratic process can still work…but neither side has a good plan for a solution.
Ambassador’s optimism: If candidates can get together by themselves with a neutral negotiator, they can get a process started towards peaceful settlement, and then it will go from there. His optimism is based on (1) the Kenyans who want to continue their regular lives have a big stake in this (2) US influence (3) private conversations that will go on behind the scenes, in addition to the statements being given to the public by both sides in the conflict.
An estimated 400-500 Americans attended the standing room only briefing at the US Embassy in Nairobi. Here are my notes:
Should Americans evacuate? No need right now. There will still be tension points over the next few weeks, but until or unless something more happens – more widespread killings, the arrest of the opposition, the establishment of authoritarian government, a major civil breakdown occurs, there probably is no need. “The US Embassy is certainly not preparing for this. . . . We are in a crisis situation. There are still some road blocks, some rock-throwing incidents, so don’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take necessary precautions. Watch out for false rumors and misinformation.”
Should US visitors come to Kenya now? “The US Embassy is not encouraging non-essential persons to visit Kenya at the present time. We do not want to worry about them, we already have enough to worry about. . . But the airlines and the airports are open. No Americans or other expats have been targeted”
The election itself? The US had its own 200 observers. The voting itself went very well… It was a model election. But there was cheating in the vote counting and reporting in at least 45 of the 210 constituencies. It was a “seriously flawed” vote tally that lacked accountability and transparency. Both sides were at fault. Impossible to know who really won the Presidential election, but it had to have been by a narrow margin either way. Impossible to do a recount, and a re-vote won’t work. The Electoral Commission was negligent. “The chief officer could not control it. Too much responsibility was placed on him.”
The present conditions? “Both candidates have limited credibility…Neither can claim the moral high ground…each is a mirror image of the other…the people are fed up with both…the violence has been sometimes well-organized, sometimes spontaneous, and sometimes hooliganism….It reminds me of the US in 1968…The seriously flawed vote tally has shocked Kenyans and galvanized the people …the police are doing their job, but do not really want to be involved…they are less of a solid, and disciplined force…The military is more professional and does not want to get involved in a political conflict and so far has not been called out.
US position? “We won’t take sides unless it becomes evident that one side is more credible than the other…But the US is engaged…it is on the people’s side, putting diplomatic pressure for a settlement…The EU has gone too far in its demands and threats to apply sanctions, reduce aid, etc…but peaceful demonstrations should be allowed…the media should be given complete access.
The road ahead? “It must be a Kenyan solution, not one imposed from the outside…some sort of power sharing. The extreme hard-line persons behind each of the competitors are the real antagonists…each candidate professes to want a solution. Election of the speaker in Parliament and swearing in of MP’s shows that a democratic process can still work…but neither side has a good plan for a solution.
Ambassador’s optimism: If candidates can get together by themselves with a neutral negotiator, they can get a process started towards peaceful settlement, and then it will go from there. His optimism is based on (1) the Kenyans who want to continue their regular lives have a big stake in this (2) US influence (3) private conversations that will go on behind the scenes, in addition to the statements being given to the public by both sides in the conflict.
The lastest perspective by NEGST Vice Chancellor, Douglas Carew
NEGST Brief on National Crisis
In 2002 the world cheered as Kenya underwent a peaceful transition through the ballot box in what was viewed as an exemplary democratic process. However, while tangible progress has been made on some fronts in the last five years, the nation has far to go in establishing a true and stable democracy, and a united Kenya, even as the current crisis demonstrates.
On December 27th 2007, Kenyans went to the polls in unprecedented numbers. They voted
peacefully, they made their choices, they did their job and they did it well. Indeed there was a quasifestive mood in the air as they anticipated the results. Things took a turn for the worse when the Electoral Commission declared the incumbent the winner of the Presidential elections, in view of alleged glaring discrepancies in the process of vote tallying. The challenger felt defrauded and denied justice. A case of one “declared winner” and one “presumed winner” arose. Open and shocking admissions by electoral officials have raised serious doubts over the integrity of the process and the validity of the final results.
In a week, Kenya experienced its darkest days in its 44 years as an independent state. Hundreds have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands are displaced with no shelter, food, water, medicine or hope. Billions of shillings worth of property, business and means of earning a living have been destroyed. The nation reached its lowest ebb with the torching of a church full of destitute Kenyans, mainly women and children; 35 people died. Kenyans are hurting, afraid, ashamed, and disillusioned.
While the genesis of the violence witnessed in the country reportedly goes back to colonial Kenya, the real or perceived failure over the years to address social, political, and economic inequities has taken a toll on the nation. In the midst of the violence the voices of a wounded people began to filter through. Stop the violence! Making every effort to avoid being partisan, being members of a troubled and fractured society, the church and civil society led the call for peace and dialogue. The Churches formed the National Alliance of Churches and initiated a fourfold response:
1. Political mediation – meeting with the key players on Government and the opposition to broker a political resolution of the crisis.
2. Humanitarian - facilitating and providing relief for the affected.
3. Spiritual– mobilizing Christians to pray and fast.
4. Communication – working with the media houses to educate and communicate on the above three. In a united voice, the local media issued a rousing and moving call to “Save our nation.”
South African Nobel Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of the first to arrive in the
country to seek mediation. NEGST alumni Peter Karanja and Oliver Simiyu, General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectively of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Bishop Boniface Adoyo of Nairobi Pentecostal Church, and Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi chapel are all at the fore-front of the church’s initiative in bringing the two parties to the negotiating table and mediating a political resolution of the crisis. These and other NEGST alumni are providing leadership in reconciliation based on four Christian pillars (Psalm 85:10) truth, mercy, justice and peace.
In the midst of the misery we thank God that his work at NEGST has stood the test of
building leaders of integrity. Relative calm has returned to Kenya over the past week. NEGST and its environs were safe throughout the protests, but many staff and students were caught behind violence zones. We hope the worst is over and a negotiated settlement will pave the way for healing, reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace. At NEGST, we have dedicated the Chapel services to personal healing - coming to terms with our ethnicity as Christians, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as a community of believers - and to national healing. As our neighbors’ keeper, we are contributing food and basic essentials to distribute to those who have been affected both within our community and in areas around us that are really in need. We welcome any assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the destitute.
Please remember Kenya in your prayers. As you pray, please pray for:
1. A resolution of the political crisis as a matter of priority. In this respect the President and the
opposition leader need to meet and dialogue, aided by mediators. Pray for our leaders not to
let the sin of pride prevent them from doing that which is for the greater good of this nation.
Pray for wisdom for the group of eminent Africans mediators, led by Koffi Annan, the former
UN Secretary General.
2. A complete cessation of the violence. Thankfully the levels have gone down considerably in
the affected areas. Pray especially that we will not have reprisals, for reconciliation among
our peoples, and that we may live in justice, peace, and harmony.
3. Humanitarian crisis and assistance: pray for the displaced for the provision of shelter, food,
medicine and the return to their homes; for the needed donations to come in, and for those
involved in providing relief.
4. Bereaved families; for grace and comfort, and for the process of grieving and healing.
5. Post-crisis solutions. That the complex longer term issues will be faced with honesty, truth,
justice, and mercy so that lasting solutions, including building systems and institutions of
integrity, will be arrived at.
M. Douglas Carew
Vice-Chancellor
14th January, 2008
P.O. Box 24686-00502
Karen, NAIROBI, KENYA
Tel: 254-020-882104/5, 882038 Fax: 254-020-882906
Email: info@negst.edu Website: www.negst.edu
In 2002 the world cheered as Kenya underwent a peaceful transition through the ballot box in what was viewed as an exemplary democratic process. However, while tangible progress has been made on some fronts in the last five years, the nation has far to go in establishing a true and stable democracy, and a united Kenya, even as the current crisis demonstrates.
On December 27th 2007, Kenyans went to the polls in unprecedented numbers. They voted
peacefully, they made their choices, they did their job and they did it well. Indeed there was a quasifestive mood in the air as they anticipated the results. Things took a turn for the worse when the Electoral Commission declared the incumbent the winner of the Presidential elections, in view of alleged glaring discrepancies in the process of vote tallying. The challenger felt defrauded and denied justice. A case of one “declared winner” and one “presumed winner” arose. Open and shocking admissions by electoral officials have raised serious doubts over the integrity of the process and the validity of the final results.
In a week, Kenya experienced its darkest days in its 44 years as an independent state. Hundreds have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands are displaced with no shelter, food, water, medicine or hope. Billions of shillings worth of property, business and means of earning a living have been destroyed. The nation reached its lowest ebb with the torching of a church full of destitute Kenyans, mainly women and children; 35 people died. Kenyans are hurting, afraid, ashamed, and disillusioned.
While the genesis of the violence witnessed in the country reportedly goes back to colonial Kenya, the real or perceived failure over the years to address social, political, and economic inequities has taken a toll on the nation. In the midst of the violence the voices of a wounded people began to filter through. Stop the violence! Making every effort to avoid being partisan, being members of a troubled and fractured society, the church and civil society led the call for peace and dialogue. The Churches formed the National Alliance of Churches and initiated a fourfold response:
1. Political mediation – meeting with the key players on Government and the opposition to broker a political resolution of the crisis.
2. Humanitarian - facilitating and providing relief for the affected.
3. Spiritual– mobilizing Christians to pray and fast.
4. Communication – working with the media houses to educate and communicate on the above three. In a united voice, the local media issued a rousing and moving call to “Save our nation.”
South African Nobel Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of the first to arrive in the
country to seek mediation. NEGST alumni Peter Karanja and Oliver Simiyu, General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectively of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Bishop Boniface Adoyo of Nairobi Pentecostal Church, and Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi chapel are all at the fore-front of the church’s initiative in bringing the two parties to the negotiating table and mediating a political resolution of the crisis. These and other NEGST alumni are providing leadership in reconciliation based on four Christian pillars (Psalm 85:10) truth, mercy, justice and peace.
In the midst of the misery we thank God that his work at NEGST has stood the test of
building leaders of integrity. Relative calm has returned to Kenya over the past week. NEGST and its environs were safe throughout the protests, but many staff and students were caught behind violence zones. We hope the worst is over and a negotiated settlement will pave the way for healing, reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace. At NEGST, we have dedicated the Chapel services to personal healing - coming to terms with our ethnicity as Christians, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as a community of believers - and to national healing. As our neighbors’ keeper, we are contributing food and basic essentials to distribute to those who have been affected both within our community and in areas around us that are really in need. We welcome any assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the destitute.
Please remember Kenya in your prayers. As you pray, please pray for:
1. A resolution of the political crisis as a matter of priority. In this respect the President and the
opposition leader need to meet and dialogue, aided by mediators. Pray for our leaders not to
let the sin of pride prevent them from doing that which is for the greater good of this nation.
Pray for wisdom for the group of eminent Africans mediators, led by Koffi Annan, the former
UN Secretary General.
2. A complete cessation of the violence. Thankfully the levels have gone down considerably in
the affected areas. Pray especially that we will not have reprisals, for reconciliation among
our peoples, and that we may live in justice, peace, and harmony.
3. Humanitarian crisis and assistance: pray for the displaced for the provision of shelter, food,
medicine and the return to their homes; for the needed donations to come in, and for those
involved in providing relief.
4. Bereaved families; for grace and comfort, and for the process of grieving and healing.
5. Post-crisis solutions. That the complex longer term issues will be faced with honesty, truth,
justice, and mercy so that lasting solutions, including building systems and institutions of
integrity, will be arrived at.
M. Douglas Carew
Vice-Chancellor
14th January, 2008
P.O. Box 24686-00502
Karen, NAIROBI, KENYA
Tel: 254-020-882104/5, 882038 Fax: 254-020-882906
Email: info@negst.edu Website: www.negst.edu
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Paul Heidebrecht and Christian Leaders for Africa
Ed,
Great to hear from you. My website is being updated but I'll add you to the list. Thanks.
I have not cancelled yet but will make a final decision this week. NEGST has urged me not to cancel but after this week, it's probably going to be too risky. I'm looking at delaying until May. NEGST faculty from here are going there without problems but they are staying on campus, not traveling around. So sorry yours didn't work out. But our problems are nothing compared to what folks in Kenya are facing. What a huge disappointment and setback for the nation.
Blessings,
Paul
Great to hear from you. My website is being updated but I'll add you to the list. Thanks.
I have not cancelled yet but will make a final decision this week. NEGST has urged me not to cancel but after this week, it's probably going to be too risky. I'm looking at delaying until May. NEGST faculty from here are going there without problems but they are staying on campus, not traveling around. So sorry yours didn't work out. But our problems are nothing compared to what folks in Kenya are facing. What a huge disappointment and setback for the nation.
Blessings,
Paul
1-17-08 Update from the US Embassy in Nairobi
Embassy of the United States of America
Nairobi, Kenya
January 17, 2008
Warden Message: Kenya Travel Route Advisory
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi would like to alert American citizens in Kenya to the "Kenya Travel Route Advisory" which the Embassy has posted to its Internet website at: http://nairobi.usembassy.gov. The "Kenya Travel Route Advisory" provides details on the current security situation of the roads to most major game park destinations as presently known. Please refer to this document which we intend to update periodically.
Destination
Post Election Location & Route Security Status
Police or Illegal Road Blocks
Gas Stations and Medical Facilities
Travel with Domestic Employees
Local Police Contacts
Masai Mara
Narok and Transmara district affected, but situation calm at the moment
Police roadblocks at Mahimahiu & Narok. Sporadic roadblocks reported in adjacent Bomet district.
Gas stations at Narok town and at times at Suswa.
Narok District Hospital
Non-local communities may have problems in particular Kisii and Kikuyu
OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854; OCPD Narok Mr. Wambani – 0722/734988 & OCPD Transmara, Mr. omukata – 0721/523376
Lake Nakuru National Park
Nakuru town and Nairobi-Nakuru highway not affected.
Some IDPs camped at Nakuru showground.
Regular police road blocks/highway patrols in place. Unconfirmed rumors of attempted illegal roadblocks around the Kinungi and Kimende areas.
Nakuru, Naivasha and Gilgil have serviceable gas stations and private hospitals.
Non-kikuyu communities may be targeted along the highway.
OCPD Kiambu, Mr. Munyambu – 0722/582227, OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854 and OCPD Nakuru Mr. Munguti – 0720/861418
Naivasha & Hells Gate
Naivasha town partially affected, but calm at the moment.
As above – same road
Naivasha town have serviceable gas station, a district hospitals, and a few private clinics.
Non-kikuyu communities may be targeted along the highway and at town.
OCPD Kiambu, Mr. Munyambu – 0722/582227, OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854
Lake Baringo
Situated in Baringo district. Not affected. Calm at the moment. Route via Nakuru and Koibatek district partially affected, but calm at the moment.
As Naivasha and Nakuru – same road.
Nakuru and Marigat town with serviceable gas stations. District hospital in Marigat and Kabarnet town.
Nakuru-Marigat road clear with no threats to non-locals.
OCPD’s along Nairobi-Nakuru highway and OCPD Baringo, Mr. Peter Njenga – 053/2227; 0722/392591
Amboseli
Located in Kajiado district and along the Kenyan Tanzanian border town of Namanga. Slightly affected in the past, but area now calm. Only normal police road blocks at regular intervals along the Nairobi/Kajiado/Namanga roads. Athi River, Kitengela, Kajiado and Namanga towns with gas stations and district hospitals. Nairobi/Athi River/Kajiado/Namanga road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Kajiado, Mr. Kirimi 0721/701053
Nanyuki & Mt. Kenya
Located in Laikipia and Nyeri districts. Areas not affected and remain calm.
Only normal police road blocks at regular intervals along the Nairobi/Thika/Nyeri/Nanyuki roads.
Gas stations at Thika, Nyeri, Karatina and Naro Moru. District and private hospitals in Thika, Nyeri and Nanyuki
Nairobi/Thika/Nyeri/
Nanyuki roads clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Nyeri, Mr. Limbitu – 0721/815927 and OCPD Laikipia Mr. Peter Maelo – 0733/757412; 062/31511
Samburu
Located in Samburu district that borders Isiolo to the East and Laikipia to the south. Not affected and remains calm except for isolated cases of traditional cattle rustling.
Only regular police road blocks along the Nairobi/Nanyuki/Nyahururu or Isiolo/ Maralal roads.
As above for Nairobi-Nanyuki road. Nanyuki/Nyahururu or Isiolo all have gas stations and district & private hospitals.
Nairobi/Nanyuki/Maralal road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Nyeri/Laikipia and OCPD Samburu, Mr. Charles Wasike – 0722/858163; 065/62043; OCS Maralal, Samuel Okoyo – 0722/424090
Tsavo East/West National Park
Located in Makueni, Kitui and Taita Taveta districts. Area not affected and calm at the moment.
Only regular police road blocks along the Nairobi/Athi River/ Mtito Andei and Voi highway with traffic patrols
Gas stations along the highway.
District & private hospitals.
Nairobi/Athi River/Voi/Mtito Andei road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Machakos, Mr. Waruare – 0722/831850; OCPD Makueni, Mr. Garama – 0722/572044 and OCPD Voi, Mr. Kumut – 0722/898562
American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi Tel: ( 254) 20 375 3704 Fax:( 254) 20 363 6410
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov Emergency Telephone Number (254) 20 363 6170
Nairobi, Kenya
January 17, 2008
Warden Message: Kenya Travel Route Advisory
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi would like to alert American citizens in Kenya to the "Kenya Travel Route Advisory" which the Embassy has posted to its Internet website at: http://nairobi.usembassy.gov. The "Kenya Travel Route Advisory" provides details on the current security situation of the roads to most major game park destinations as presently known. Please refer to this document which we intend to update periodically.
Destination
Post Election Location & Route Security Status
Police or Illegal Road Blocks
Gas Stations and Medical Facilities
Travel with Domestic Employees
Local Police Contacts
Masai Mara
Narok and Transmara district affected, but situation calm at the moment
Police roadblocks at Mahimahiu & Narok. Sporadic roadblocks reported in adjacent Bomet district.
Gas stations at Narok town and at times at Suswa.
Narok District Hospital
Non-local communities may have problems in particular Kisii and Kikuyu
OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854; OCPD Narok Mr. Wambani – 0722/734988 & OCPD Transmara, Mr. omukata – 0721/523376
Lake Nakuru National Park
Nakuru town and Nairobi-Nakuru highway not affected.
Some IDPs camped at Nakuru showground.
Regular police road blocks/highway patrols in place. Unconfirmed rumors of attempted illegal roadblocks around the Kinungi and Kimende areas.
Nakuru, Naivasha and Gilgil have serviceable gas stations and private hospitals.
Non-kikuyu communities may be targeted along the highway.
OCPD Kiambu, Mr. Munyambu – 0722/582227, OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854 and OCPD Nakuru Mr. Munguti – 0720/861418
Naivasha & Hells Gate
Naivasha town partially affected, but calm at the moment.
As above – same road
Naivasha town have serviceable gas station, a district hospitals, and a few private clinics.
Non-kikuyu communities may be targeted along the highway and at town.
OCPD Kiambu, Mr. Munyambu – 0722/582227, OCPD Naivasha, Mr. Luguza – 0720/702854
Lake Baringo
Situated in Baringo district. Not affected. Calm at the moment. Route via Nakuru and Koibatek district partially affected, but calm at the moment.
As Naivasha and Nakuru – same road.
Nakuru and Marigat town with serviceable gas stations. District hospital in Marigat and Kabarnet town.
Nakuru-Marigat road clear with no threats to non-locals.
OCPD’s along Nairobi-Nakuru highway and OCPD Baringo, Mr. Peter Njenga – 053/2227; 0722/392591
Amboseli
Located in Kajiado district and along the Kenyan Tanzanian border town of Namanga. Slightly affected in the past, but area now calm. Only normal police road blocks at regular intervals along the Nairobi/Kajiado/Namanga roads. Athi River, Kitengela, Kajiado and Namanga towns with gas stations and district hospitals. Nairobi/Athi River/Kajiado/Namanga road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Kajiado, Mr. Kirimi 0721/701053
Nanyuki & Mt. Kenya
Located in Laikipia and Nyeri districts. Areas not affected and remain calm.
Only normal police road blocks at regular intervals along the Nairobi/Thika/Nyeri/Nanyuki roads.
Gas stations at Thika, Nyeri, Karatina and Naro Moru. District and private hospitals in Thika, Nyeri and Nanyuki
Nairobi/Thika/Nyeri/
Nanyuki roads clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Nyeri, Mr. Limbitu – 0721/815927 and OCPD Laikipia Mr. Peter Maelo – 0733/757412; 062/31511
Samburu
Located in Samburu district that borders Isiolo to the East and Laikipia to the south. Not affected and remains calm except for isolated cases of traditional cattle rustling.
Only regular police road blocks along the Nairobi/Nanyuki/Nyahururu or Isiolo/ Maralal roads.
As above for Nairobi-Nanyuki road. Nanyuki/Nyahururu or Isiolo all have gas stations and district & private hospitals.
Nairobi/Nanyuki/Maralal road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Nyeri/Laikipia and OCPD Samburu, Mr. Charles Wasike – 0722/858163; 065/62043; OCS Maralal, Samuel Okoyo – 0722/424090
Tsavo East/West National Park
Located in Makueni, Kitui and Taita Taveta districts. Area not affected and calm at the moment.
Only regular police road blocks along the Nairobi/Athi River/ Mtito Andei and Voi highway with traffic patrols
Gas stations along the highway.
District & private hospitals.
Nairobi/Athi River/Voi/Mtito Andei road clear with no threats to non-local communities.
OCPD Machakos, Mr. Waruare – 0722/831850; OCPD Makueni, Mr. Garama – 0722/572044 and OCPD Voi, Mr. Kumut – 0722/898562
American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi Tel: ( 254) 20 375 3704 Fax:( 254) 20 363 6410
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov Emergency Telephone Number (254) 20 363 6170
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Update From Paul Heidebrecht, Christian Leaders for Africa
Christian Leaders for Africa Update
January, 2008
www.clafrica.com
NEGST Brief on National Crisis in Kenya
In 2002 the world cheered as Kenya underwent a peaceful transition through the ballot box in what was viewed as an exemplary democratic process. However, while tangible progress has been made on some fronts in the last five years, the nation has far to go in establishing a true and stable democracy, and a united Kenya, even as the current crisis demonstrates.
On December 27th 2007, Kenyans went to the polls in unprecedented numbers. They voted peacefully, they made their choices, they did their job and they did it well. Indeed there was a quasifestive mood in the air as they anticipated the results. Things took a turn for the worse when the Electoral Commission declared the incumbent the winner of the Presidential elections, in view of alleged glaring discrepancies in the process of vote tallying. The challenger felt defrauded and denied justice. A case of one "declared winner" and one "presumed winner" arose. Open and shocking admissions by electoral officials have raised serious doubts over the integrity of the process and the validity of the final results.
In a week, Kenya experienced its darkest days in its 44 years as an independent state. Hundreds have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands are displaced with no shelter, food, water, medicine or hope. Billions of shillings worth of property, business and means of earning a living have been destroyed. The nation reached its lowest ebb with the torching of a church full of destitute Kenyans, mainly women and children; 35 people died. Kenyans are hurting, afraid, ashamed, and disillusioned.
While the genesis of the violence witnessed in the country reportedly goes back to colonial Kenya, the real or perceived failure over the years to address social, political, and economic inequities has taken a toll on the nation. In the midst of the violence the voices of a wounded people began to filter through. Stop the violence! Making every effort to avoid being partisan, being members of a troubled and fractured society, the church and civil society led the call for peace and dialogue. The Churches formed the National Alliance of Churches and initiated a fourfold response:
1. Political mediation: meeting with the key players on Government and the opposition to broker a political resolution of the crisis.
2. Humanitarian: facilitating and providing relief for the affected.
3. Spiritual: mobilizing Christians to pray and fast.
4. Communication: working with the media houses to educate and communicate on the above three.
In a united voice, the local media issued a rousing and moving call to "Save our nation."
South African Nobel Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of the first to arrive in the country to seek mediation. NEGST alumni Peter Karanja and Oliver Simiyu, General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectively of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Bishop Boniface Adoyo of Nairobi Pentecostal Church, and Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi chapel are all at the fore-front of the church's initiative in bringing the two parties to the negotiating table and mediating a political resolution of the crisis. These and other NEGST alumni are providing leadership in reconciliation based on four Christian pillars (Psalm 85:10) truth, mercy, justice and peace. In the midst of the misery we thank God that his work at NEGST has stood the test of building leaders of integrity.
Relative calm has returned to Kenya over the past week. NEGST and its environs were safe throughout the protests, but many staff and students were caught behind violence zones. We hope the worst is over and a negotiated settlement will pave the way for healing, reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.
At NEGST, we have dedicated the Chapel services to personal healing—coming to terms with our ethnicity as Christians, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as a community of believers—and to national healing. As our neighbors' keeper, we are contributing food and basic essentials to distribute to those who have been affected both within our community and in areas around us that are really in need. We welcome any assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the destitute.
Please remember Kenya in your prayers. As you pray, please pray for:
1. A resolution of the political crisis as a matter of priority. In this respect the President and the opposition leader need to meet and dialogue, aided by mediators. Pray for our leaders not to let the sin of pride prevent them from doing that which is for the greater good of this nation. Pray for wisdom for the group of eminent Africans mediators, led by Koffi Annan, the former UN Secretary General.
2. A complete cessation of the violence. Thankfully the levels have gone down considerably in the affected areas. Pray especially that we will not have reprisals, for reconciliation among our peoples, and that we may live in justice, peace, and harmony.
3. Humanitarian crisis and assistance: pray for the displaced for the provision of shelter, food, medicine and the return to their homes; for the needed donations to come in, and for those involved in providing relief.
4. Bereaved families; for grace and comfort, and for the process of grieving and healing.
5. Post-crisis solutions. That the complex longer term issues will be faced with honesty, truth, justice, and mercy so that lasting solutions, including building systems and institutions of integrity, will be arrived at.
M. Douglas CarewVice-Chancellor14th January, 2008
Founding CLA Board Member Passes to Glory
The day after Christmas we lost our friend and colleague, Christopher Schmid, to the ravages of cancer. Chris, a senior research scientist at Lilly in Indianapolis, died at the age of 48. He was single all his life and an only child who cared for his widowed mother, Neida, now the only remaining member of the family. Chris was an active member of Faith Missionary Church in Indianapolis where he came into contact with Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology and developed a passion for theological education in Africa.
In 2001, Chris joined a group of lay leaders from around the U.S. who were invited by NEGST to form an American nonprofit to represent them to U.S. donors. He played a key role in creating and even naming Christian Leaders for Africa and defining its relationship to NEGST. Of special interest to him was a scholarship program that matched NEGST students with U.S. donors which he launched and oversaw for several years. He also served as CLA's treasurer from 2004 until 2006 when his declining health forced him to relinquish all volunteer duties. Chris was known among the CLA board members for the generosity with which he gave of his time and financial resources.
CLA is not a typical Christian nonprofit. It did not begin with a visionary leader who had a dream. It began as a board of lay people who genuinely wanted to help and be connected to an African seminary. They did not have an agenda for NEGST. They wanted to come behind NEGST's agenda and support the vision of African church leaders. The board decided one of the members should work full-time for CLA. I was the one chosen.
Chris, like the rest of us, was looking for a genuine partnership between Americans and Africans. He wanted openness and integrity in the handling of funds. He wanted the freedom to ask questions and challenge the leadership of NEGST but without interfering with or disrespecting that leadership. Whether he realized it or not, we were breaking new ground for American church leaders involved in Africa. We were contributing to "Africans training Africans in Africa" as Chris' mentor, Chester Wood, liked to say.
I think Chris' contributions to CLA and to NEGST grew out of his professional identity as a researcher and scientist. His world was facts, results, proof. He had little patience for wishful thinking. Chris always looked at the bottom line. He was a hard-nosed realist whose reactions I always found bracing but necessary. Every nonprofit board needs someone like this. Not that he couldn't be emotional about the mission and the students and faculty at NEGST. He made several trips there on his own just to meet them personally and see what he had committed himself to support.
Chris represented a rising generation of lay people in U.S. churches who have global interests and who want to be part of the worldwide mission of the church. These lay people won't be career missionaries but they will travel the world, meet church, seminary and mission leaders and offer their skills and resources. CLA reflects this new type of mission engagement. We want to engage with the global church in mutual relationships.
We will honor Chris' contribution with a memorial fund to be used at NEGST. We will remember Chris as an example of what ordinary church members can do for the Gospel and the church around the world.
If you wish to contribute a gift to the memorial fund for Chris Schmid, send it to Christian Leaders for Africa, P.O. Box 1642, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Paul Heidebrecht, Christian Leaders for Africa, P.O. Box 1642, Indianapolis, IN 46206 clafrica@sbcglobal.net
January, 2008
www.clafrica.com
NEGST Brief on National Crisis in Kenya
In 2002 the world cheered as Kenya underwent a peaceful transition through the ballot box in what was viewed as an exemplary democratic process. However, while tangible progress has been made on some fronts in the last five years, the nation has far to go in establishing a true and stable democracy, and a united Kenya, even as the current crisis demonstrates.
On December 27th 2007, Kenyans went to the polls in unprecedented numbers. They voted peacefully, they made their choices, they did their job and they did it well. Indeed there was a quasifestive mood in the air as they anticipated the results. Things took a turn for the worse when the Electoral Commission declared the incumbent the winner of the Presidential elections, in view of alleged glaring discrepancies in the process of vote tallying. The challenger felt defrauded and denied justice. A case of one "declared winner" and one "presumed winner" arose. Open and shocking admissions by electoral officials have raised serious doubts over the integrity of the process and the validity of the final results.
In a week, Kenya experienced its darkest days in its 44 years as an independent state. Hundreds have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands are displaced with no shelter, food, water, medicine or hope. Billions of shillings worth of property, business and means of earning a living have been destroyed. The nation reached its lowest ebb with the torching of a church full of destitute Kenyans, mainly women and children; 35 people died. Kenyans are hurting, afraid, ashamed, and disillusioned.
While the genesis of the violence witnessed in the country reportedly goes back to colonial Kenya, the real or perceived failure over the years to address social, political, and economic inequities has taken a toll on the nation. In the midst of the violence the voices of a wounded people began to filter through. Stop the violence! Making every effort to avoid being partisan, being members of a troubled and fractured society, the church and civil society led the call for peace and dialogue. The Churches formed the National Alliance of Churches and initiated a fourfold response:
1. Political mediation: meeting with the key players on Government and the opposition to broker a political resolution of the crisis.
2. Humanitarian: facilitating and providing relief for the affected.
3. Spiritual: mobilizing Christians to pray and fast.
4. Communication: working with the media houses to educate and communicate on the above three.
In a united voice, the local media issued a rousing and moving call to "Save our nation."
South African Nobel Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of the first to arrive in the country to seek mediation. NEGST alumni Peter Karanja and Oliver Simiyu, General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectively of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Bishop Boniface Adoyo of Nairobi Pentecostal Church, and Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi chapel are all at the fore-front of the church's initiative in bringing the two parties to the negotiating table and mediating a political resolution of the crisis. These and other NEGST alumni are providing leadership in reconciliation based on four Christian pillars (Psalm 85:10) truth, mercy, justice and peace. In the midst of the misery we thank God that his work at NEGST has stood the test of building leaders of integrity.
Relative calm has returned to Kenya over the past week. NEGST and its environs were safe throughout the protests, but many staff and students were caught behind violence zones. We hope the worst is over and a negotiated settlement will pave the way for healing, reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.
At NEGST, we have dedicated the Chapel services to personal healing—coming to terms with our ethnicity as Christians, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as a community of believers—and to national healing. As our neighbors' keeper, we are contributing food and basic essentials to distribute to those who have been affected both within our community and in areas around us that are really in need. We welcome any assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the destitute.
Please remember Kenya in your prayers. As you pray, please pray for:
1. A resolution of the political crisis as a matter of priority. In this respect the President and the opposition leader need to meet and dialogue, aided by mediators. Pray for our leaders not to let the sin of pride prevent them from doing that which is for the greater good of this nation. Pray for wisdom for the group of eminent Africans mediators, led by Koffi Annan, the former UN Secretary General.
2. A complete cessation of the violence. Thankfully the levels have gone down considerably in the affected areas. Pray especially that we will not have reprisals, for reconciliation among our peoples, and that we may live in justice, peace, and harmony.
3. Humanitarian crisis and assistance: pray for the displaced for the provision of shelter, food, medicine and the return to their homes; for the needed donations to come in, and for those involved in providing relief.
4. Bereaved families; for grace and comfort, and for the process of grieving and healing.
5. Post-crisis solutions. That the complex longer term issues will be faced with honesty, truth, justice, and mercy so that lasting solutions, including building systems and institutions of integrity, will be arrived at.
M. Douglas CarewVice-Chancellor14th January, 2008
Founding CLA Board Member Passes to Glory
The day after Christmas we lost our friend and colleague, Christopher Schmid, to the ravages of cancer. Chris, a senior research scientist at Lilly in Indianapolis, died at the age of 48. He was single all his life and an only child who cared for his widowed mother, Neida, now the only remaining member of the family. Chris was an active member of Faith Missionary Church in Indianapolis where he came into contact with Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology and developed a passion for theological education in Africa.
In 2001, Chris joined a group of lay leaders from around the U.S. who were invited by NEGST to form an American nonprofit to represent them to U.S. donors. He played a key role in creating and even naming Christian Leaders for Africa and defining its relationship to NEGST. Of special interest to him was a scholarship program that matched NEGST students with U.S. donors which he launched and oversaw for several years. He also served as CLA's treasurer from 2004 until 2006 when his declining health forced him to relinquish all volunteer duties. Chris was known among the CLA board members for the generosity with which he gave of his time and financial resources.
CLA is not a typical Christian nonprofit. It did not begin with a visionary leader who had a dream. It began as a board of lay people who genuinely wanted to help and be connected to an African seminary. They did not have an agenda for NEGST. They wanted to come behind NEGST's agenda and support the vision of African church leaders. The board decided one of the members should work full-time for CLA. I was the one chosen.
Chris, like the rest of us, was looking for a genuine partnership between Americans and Africans. He wanted openness and integrity in the handling of funds. He wanted the freedom to ask questions and challenge the leadership of NEGST but without interfering with or disrespecting that leadership. Whether he realized it or not, we were breaking new ground for American church leaders involved in Africa. We were contributing to "Africans training Africans in Africa" as Chris' mentor, Chester Wood, liked to say.
I think Chris' contributions to CLA and to NEGST grew out of his professional identity as a researcher and scientist. His world was facts, results, proof. He had little patience for wishful thinking. Chris always looked at the bottom line. He was a hard-nosed realist whose reactions I always found bracing but necessary. Every nonprofit board needs someone like this. Not that he couldn't be emotional about the mission and the students and faculty at NEGST. He made several trips there on his own just to meet them personally and see what he had committed himself to support.
Chris represented a rising generation of lay people in U.S. churches who have global interests and who want to be part of the worldwide mission of the church. These lay people won't be career missionaries but they will travel the world, meet church, seminary and mission leaders and offer their skills and resources. CLA reflects this new type of mission engagement. We want to engage with the global church in mutual relationships.
We will honor Chris' contribution with a memorial fund to be used at NEGST. We will remember Chris as an example of what ordinary church members can do for the Gospel and the church around the world.
If you wish to contribute a gift to the memorial fund for Chris Schmid, send it to Christian Leaders for Africa, P.O. Box 1642, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Paul Heidebrecht, Christian Leaders for Africa, P.O. Box 1642, Indianapolis, IN 46206 clafrica@sbcglobal.net
Letter from Rev. Esau Oreso, Tuamaini Church, Kibera
KIBERA NEWS JANUARY 2008
POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [ John 14:27].
Kenya has always been one of the most relatively stable countries in Africa until 29th December 2007 when presidential election results were announced. The election process had been very peaceful and even received high commendations from the international observers. But the tallying process became the source of the violence witnessed in our country today. The effects have been grave. Shops have been broken into, looted and burnt down, individual, commercial and industrial cars and properties have not been spared either, lives have been lost, ethnic tensions and divisions such as never experienced before has taken root, astonishingly even among Christians. The Church leaders also seem to have taken political sides and their moral authority is questionable. The number of displaced people is increasing each day leading to a humanitarian crisis. Apart from the displaced people, there are those whose businesses, their only source of livelihood, have been destroyed, hence also adding to the list of humanitarian target. Criminals have with no doubt taken advantage of the situation and have caused more pain to the already hurting people.
Kenyans from all walks of life have continues to appeal to the government and opposition to dialogue and come out with a lasting and peaceful solution. While the government insists on peace, the opposition insists on justice. Most Kenyans, if not all, agree that there is need for peace before negotiations can be done. There have been a number of high profile international leaders who have given attempt to mediation between the government and the opposition but with the slow pace of the mediations many are slowly getting impatient. This only depicts the complexity of the matters both legal and political. Arch bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, African Union chairman John Kufour, former African presidents, Kenya’s bishops and U.S.A deputy secretary of African Affairs Jendayi Frazer and several high commissioners are just some of the people who have and still work hard to help with the mediation process. As Kenyans wait for the coming of the former United Nations Koffi Annan led team, we all pray that God will speak to the hearts of our leaders to maintain peace and justice-that “…justice be our shield and defender…” and that we “…may dwell in unity, peace and liberty…” [Taken from our national anthem].
THE EFFECT
Every Kenyan is affected by the post-election violence in one way or the other. The news of the violence and the experience itself is psychologically traumatic, the inter-ethnic tension and divisions, the family social break down, sadly even among the families from the cross-cultural marriages, the economic challenges and the state of apathy and seemingly anarchy and impunity in some parts of the country, the state of spiritual decay-all these calls for a lasting peaceful solution. But as much as every Kenyan is affected-directly or indirectly, the displaced and the poor in Kibera and other slums are the most affected people.
KIBERA
In Kibera where I serve, people live in fear and tension for fear that they can be attacked any time. Some have lost hope of ever getting justice-not just political but also socio-economic justice. During my post-election pastoral visits in Kibera, people have boldly faced me with comments and questions that have left me wondering what the solution to these complex problems are. Indeed the problems need a multifaceted approach. While walking in the Kibera slums with my wife Jane, one woman, called mama samaki [not her real name but a business name-she sells fish] told me in my face that had I not been a Luo [my ethnic community], they would not have spared the Tumaini Church Kibera and the clinic. They would have burnt it down. While she said this with a light laughter, I knew she meant it because 3 churches in Kibera that I know of had been burnt. The burning of the Churches has been fuelled by the assumption that Church leaders have taken sides in the political situation in the country.
Another young man by the name of Ken followed me from the slums as I approached the bus stop and asked me, “where is God, he has let us down. If he is a just God why can’t he do something to change our situation. Will he see injustice and keep watching? And still another one told me that it was better for him to die while demonstrating in the streets instead of dying from hunger and frustrations. He also told me he had 2 little children whom he was willing to die for-if his death would bring justice and food for his family.
While these are not members of my congregation, they with no doubt represent the frustrations and disappointments that my members too share- the unjust conditions of life in Kibera. However they must be helped to understand that violence is not and should not be the way out of their problems. For violence cannot bring justice and peace.
ETHNIC TENSION
A considerable number of people in the Tumaini Church Kibera are a people from the Kikuyu ethnic community. As a pastor I was very concerned with their whereabouts because I knew things were difficult for them. I called them just to hear from them, where they were and how they were doing. They responded well but could not disclose to me exactly where they were. This made it difficult to offer them any physical assistance. Although I later managed to get into contact with them, the reason for lack of disclosure of their whereabouts, I assume, was that because I am a Luo it was difficult for them to trust me at such a time. I can’t blame them for that. The experience was terrible and perhaps under the same conditions I would do the same.
Where I live all men were forced out of their houses at night to keep watch over the night for fear of being attacked. With such realities, I could fully understand these brothers and sisters from our Church.
HOPE
Even though there are heart rending stories, there are stories of hope that are not always told and heard. Grace Nyakio, one of the members of the Tumaini Church Kibera narrated before the Church last Sunday how through her Luo neighbors, she managed to escape unhurt from people who had come to attack her because she belongs to Kikuyu community. These neighbors made sure that all her household belongings were also safe. With normalcy returning to most parts of the country and with international mediation attempts to settle the political dispute, there is hope for peace. However calmness should not be mistaken as peace even though peace is about calmness.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Every human being is created in the image of God. There is therefore no ordinary and extra-ordinary human being before God. All people from every ethnic community are bearers of God’s image and violence against human life is against God himself. God abhors violence [Gen 1:27, 5:1]. For this reason sanctity of human life must be a priority for all. God expects us to be our brother and sister’s keeper and not be like Cain who murdered his brother because he was different from him [Gen 4:9-11].
Even though the multiplicity of human languages as a result of confusion of language took place in an environment of rebellion at the tower of Babel[Gen11:1-9], during Pentecost, God celebrated the different ethnic languages and his people from different ethnic groups will finally sing in his praise[Act 2:1-12, Psa 34:1, Rev 5:9]. God redeems his people and sanctifies their lips and languages for his praise.
Because human beings are fallen and sinful [Gen 3, Rom 3:23] they are bound to, without Christ and his spirit engage in violence, hence the need for just systems that can deal with lawlessness, admitting that human problems emanates from the sinful condition of the heart.
The peace that we so urgently need must not be in a vacuum. Peace is always founded on truth, justice and reconciliation. The redemptive plan of God for humanity is based on the same principles-truth+ justice + reconciliation= peace. Rom 5:1-2.9-10 gives us the Biblical foundation for understanding peace. The truth is that human beings have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and are headed for eternal destruction [Rom 3:23, 6:23]. Death is the just punishment that human beings need, but this punishment which is God’s justice for sin has been put on Christ on our behalf. Because justice has been done we have peace with God.
Rom 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified [justice has been meted on Christ for our sake] through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
TRUTH- we are sinners and corrupt, our punishment has been taken by the Lord Jesus Christ.
JUSTICE- our destiny is death- the death was put on Christ for our sake.
PEACE- since we have been punished in Christ, we are reconciled to God, we have peace with him.
Like the young man Ken who questioned the justice of God, prophet Habakkuk too complained to God. And God gave him an answer. May he give Ken and many of us answers to our questions that will satisfy our hearts and not just curiosity.
Habakkuk 1:2-5
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry to you, “violence!” but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
“Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed…”
PRAYER POINTS
Pray for peace- truth, justice and reconciliation.
Pray for provision of basic needs for the displaced and those in the slums.
Pray for comfort for those who have lost their family members and properties in the violence.
Pray for those who offer humanitarian services for God’s strength, patience and encouragement.
Pray that the rich Christians will be generous towards the displaced and the poor at this time.
Pray that Christians, will, like Nehemiah think and act creatively on reconstruction and rebuilding of the nation of Kenya in their different levels of influence.
Rev. Esau Oreso
Tumaini Church Kibera.
POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [ John 14:27].
Kenya has always been one of the most relatively stable countries in Africa until 29th December 2007 when presidential election results were announced. The election process had been very peaceful and even received high commendations from the international observers. But the tallying process became the source of the violence witnessed in our country today. The effects have been grave. Shops have been broken into, looted and burnt down, individual, commercial and industrial cars and properties have not been spared either, lives have been lost, ethnic tensions and divisions such as never experienced before has taken root, astonishingly even among Christians. The Church leaders also seem to have taken political sides and their moral authority is questionable. The number of displaced people is increasing each day leading to a humanitarian crisis. Apart from the displaced people, there are those whose businesses, their only source of livelihood, have been destroyed, hence also adding to the list of humanitarian target. Criminals have with no doubt taken advantage of the situation and have caused more pain to the already hurting people.
Kenyans from all walks of life have continues to appeal to the government and opposition to dialogue and come out with a lasting and peaceful solution. While the government insists on peace, the opposition insists on justice. Most Kenyans, if not all, agree that there is need for peace before negotiations can be done. There have been a number of high profile international leaders who have given attempt to mediation between the government and the opposition but with the slow pace of the mediations many are slowly getting impatient. This only depicts the complexity of the matters both legal and political. Arch bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, African Union chairman John Kufour, former African presidents, Kenya’s bishops and U.S.A deputy secretary of African Affairs Jendayi Frazer and several high commissioners are just some of the people who have and still work hard to help with the mediation process. As Kenyans wait for the coming of the former United Nations Koffi Annan led team, we all pray that God will speak to the hearts of our leaders to maintain peace and justice-that “…justice be our shield and defender…” and that we “…may dwell in unity, peace and liberty…” [Taken from our national anthem].
THE EFFECT
Every Kenyan is affected by the post-election violence in one way or the other. The news of the violence and the experience itself is psychologically traumatic, the inter-ethnic tension and divisions, the family social break down, sadly even among the families from the cross-cultural marriages, the economic challenges and the state of apathy and seemingly anarchy and impunity in some parts of the country, the state of spiritual decay-all these calls for a lasting peaceful solution. But as much as every Kenyan is affected-directly or indirectly, the displaced and the poor in Kibera and other slums are the most affected people.
KIBERA
In Kibera where I serve, people live in fear and tension for fear that they can be attacked any time. Some have lost hope of ever getting justice-not just political but also socio-economic justice. During my post-election pastoral visits in Kibera, people have boldly faced me with comments and questions that have left me wondering what the solution to these complex problems are. Indeed the problems need a multifaceted approach. While walking in the Kibera slums with my wife Jane, one woman, called mama samaki [not her real name but a business name-she sells fish] told me in my face that had I not been a Luo [my ethnic community], they would not have spared the Tumaini Church Kibera and the clinic. They would have burnt it down. While she said this with a light laughter, I knew she meant it because 3 churches in Kibera that I know of had been burnt. The burning of the Churches has been fuelled by the assumption that Church leaders have taken sides in the political situation in the country.
Another young man by the name of Ken followed me from the slums as I approached the bus stop and asked me, “where is God, he has let us down. If he is a just God why can’t he do something to change our situation. Will he see injustice and keep watching? And still another one told me that it was better for him to die while demonstrating in the streets instead of dying from hunger and frustrations. He also told me he had 2 little children whom he was willing to die for-if his death would bring justice and food for his family.
While these are not members of my congregation, they with no doubt represent the frustrations and disappointments that my members too share- the unjust conditions of life in Kibera. However they must be helped to understand that violence is not and should not be the way out of their problems. For violence cannot bring justice and peace.
ETHNIC TENSION
A considerable number of people in the Tumaini Church Kibera are a people from the Kikuyu ethnic community. As a pastor I was very concerned with their whereabouts because I knew things were difficult for them. I called them just to hear from them, where they were and how they were doing. They responded well but could not disclose to me exactly where they were. This made it difficult to offer them any physical assistance. Although I later managed to get into contact with them, the reason for lack of disclosure of their whereabouts, I assume, was that because I am a Luo it was difficult for them to trust me at such a time. I can’t blame them for that. The experience was terrible and perhaps under the same conditions I would do the same.
Where I live all men were forced out of their houses at night to keep watch over the night for fear of being attacked. With such realities, I could fully understand these brothers and sisters from our Church.
HOPE
Even though there are heart rending stories, there are stories of hope that are not always told and heard. Grace Nyakio, one of the members of the Tumaini Church Kibera narrated before the Church last Sunday how through her Luo neighbors, she managed to escape unhurt from people who had come to attack her because she belongs to Kikuyu community. These neighbors made sure that all her household belongings were also safe. With normalcy returning to most parts of the country and with international mediation attempts to settle the political dispute, there is hope for peace. However calmness should not be mistaken as peace even though peace is about calmness.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Every human being is created in the image of God. There is therefore no ordinary and extra-ordinary human being before God. All people from every ethnic community are bearers of God’s image and violence against human life is against God himself. God abhors violence [Gen 1:27, 5:1]. For this reason sanctity of human life must be a priority for all. God expects us to be our brother and sister’s keeper and not be like Cain who murdered his brother because he was different from him [Gen 4:9-11].
Even though the multiplicity of human languages as a result of confusion of language took place in an environment of rebellion at the tower of Babel[Gen11:1-9], during Pentecost, God celebrated the different ethnic languages and his people from different ethnic groups will finally sing in his praise[Act 2:1-12, Psa 34:1, Rev 5:9]. God redeems his people and sanctifies their lips and languages for his praise.
Because human beings are fallen and sinful [Gen 3, Rom 3:23] they are bound to, without Christ and his spirit engage in violence, hence the need for just systems that can deal with lawlessness, admitting that human problems emanates from the sinful condition of the heart.
The peace that we so urgently need must not be in a vacuum. Peace is always founded on truth, justice and reconciliation. The redemptive plan of God for humanity is based on the same principles-truth+ justice + reconciliation= peace. Rom 5:1-2.9-10 gives us the Biblical foundation for understanding peace. The truth is that human beings have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and are headed for eternal destruction [Rom 3:23, 6:23]. Death is the just punishment that human beings need, but this punishment which is God’s justice for sin has been put on Christ on our behalf. Because justice has been done we have peace with God.
Rom 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified [justice has been meted on Christ for our sake] through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
TRUTH- we are sinners and corrupt, our punishment has been taken by the Lord Jesus Christ.
JUSTICE- our destiny is death- the death was put on Christ for our sake.
PEACE- since we have been punished in Christ, we are reconciled to God, we have peace with him.
Like the young man Ken who questioned the justice of God, prophet Habakkuk too complained to God. And God gave him an answer. May he give Ken and many of us answers to our questions that will satisfy our hearts and not just curiosity.
Habakkuk 1:2-5
“How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry to you, “violence!” but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
“Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed…”
PRAYER POINTS
Pray for peace- truth, justice and reconciliation.
Pray for provision of basic needs for the displaced and those in the slums.
Pray for comfort for those who have lost their family members and properties in the violence.
Pray for those who offer humanitarian services for God’s strength, patience and encouragement.
Pray that the rich Christians will be generous towards the displaced and the poor at this time.
Pray that Christians, will, like Nehemiah think and act creatively on reconstruction and rebuilding of the nation of Kenya in their different levels of influence.
Rev. Esau Oreso
Tumaini Church Kibera.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Margaret Muhia says farewell to NEGST
Dear All,
Greetings to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
I write to tell you kwaheri ya kuonana (bye for now) as my season at NEGST as the director for communication and Development has now ended. I am currently on leave from 1st September til the 18th and then move on. I have appreciated working with you in this great and most treasured (by the master and his disciples) institution. Whatever your role, contribution or in put has been, NEGST has continued to serve the church because you chose to obey the master’s call to serve him the way you have served him at NEGST.
I also wish to inform you that Communication and Development department affairs will be conducted through the Vice Chancellor’s office until a new director has been sourced. However, specific responsibilities will be carried our as follows: local fund raising and marketing will be done by Jacob, all donor and partnership matters will be handled by the VC’s office, Matthias will do publications and update the website while sandy Morad will provide services to the alumni desk. For any inquiries, please contact Miss Mbesa Kimanthi in the VC’s office.
kind regards,
Margaret Muhia
Greetings to you all in the matchless name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
I write to tell you kwaheri ya kuonana (bye for now) as my season at NEGST as the director for communication and Development has now ended. I am currently on leave from 1st September til the 18th and then move on. I have appreciated working with you in this great and most treasured (by the master and his disciples) institution. Whatever your role, contribution or in put has been, NEGST has continued to serve the church because you chose to obey the master’s call to serve him the way you have served him at NEGST.
I also wish to inform you that Communication and Development department affairs will be conducted through the Vice Chancellor’s office until a new director has been sourced. However, specific responsibilities will be carried our as follows: local fund raising and marketing will be done by Jacob, all donor and partnership matters will be handled by the VC’s office, Matthias will do publications and update the website while sandy Morad will provide services to the alumni desk. For any inquiries, please contact Miss Mbesa Kimanthi in the VC’s office.
kind regards,
Margaret Muhia
Sunday, January 13, 2008
NEGST Steps 1-13-2008
Dear NEGST Team,
It was great spending time with you on Friday evening. I was encouraged that you are all so excited about returning to Kenya and NEGST in January 2009. Here are some important dates to put on your calendar.
Jan 15-29, 2009 Planned dates for our NEGST trip
March 10, 2008 at Judy Parker's, NEGST team meeting (we're celebrating Polly's birthday and Carol is bringing the chocolate cake.) Judy will send directions and coordinate the food as we get closer to that date.
June 20-22, 2008- Retreat at Ed & Carol Fischer's B&B in WV, lodging and breakfast are on us.
We will need volunteers to host in August, October, and December. The host can pick the dates.
For those of you in the drama, please come to the March event prepared to perform your lines for the first skit. It will be our first chance to perform without a rehearsal. Check with Anita, she has the DVD(in MaryBeth Kirschman's mailbox at Grace) that you could perhaps borrow to see the VBS series of skits associated with Son Treasure Island. It will be our first opportunity for peer review. We will perform each of the remaining 4 skits at the next meetings.
I am so encouraged to have each of you on this team. If you know of others, just as talented and as special as you, we are open to growing our team. So, if they may be interested, please let me know. If we have a larger team is is easier to distribute the workload, and free up team members so they have more flex time.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 13
God Is Faithful
Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23b
While driving to church one Sunday morning, I was feeling rather discouraged. As I crested the hill, I noticed the gospel sign on a brother’s mailbox post. It read: “God Is Faithful.” Only three words, but, oh, what a message they contained! This message, reminding me that God is faithful and true, lifted my spirits and gave me fresh courage. He will keep and fulfill His promises to us.
We can look to faithful brethren for help and for an example. But they are only human. With time they may disappoint us. We remember those who once were faithful pillars in the church, brethren who cried out against sin and were seemingly infallible, yet they proved unfaithful
But not so with our God. He is not made of flesh and blood as man is. He is not vulnerable to the temptations and snares of the devil. It is impossible for Him to let us down and disappoint us.
We can depend on Him. What He said thousands of years ago is still true today and will be throughout eternity. How would it be if we did not know whether God was going to be in the mood to help us or be with us tomorrow? Might he take a day off, and His grace be insufficient for our needs?
Praise God! Our Lord is not so! He is faithful, unchangeable, and dependable. Therefore, we can face tomorrow and whatever the future holds with a calm
trust. We need not be of those whose hearts fail them for fear (Luke 21:26).
Mark Coblentz, Flemingsburg, KY
God never sends a burden to weigh us down without offering his arm to lift us up.
Bible Reading: Hebrews 6:9-20; 1 Corinthians 1:8, 9
One Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 10:24–42
Genesis 31, 32
It was great spending time with you on Friday evening. I was encouraged that you are all so excited about returning to Kenya and NEGST in January 2009. Here are some important dates to put on your calendar.
Jan 15-29, 2009 Planned dates for our NEGST trip
March 10, 2008 at Judy Parker's, NEGST team meeting (we're celebrating Polly's birthday and Carol is bringing the chocolate cake.) Judy will send directions and coordinate the food as we get closer to that date.
June 20-22, 2008- Retreat at Ed & Carol Fischer's B&B in WV, lodging and breakfast are on us.
We will need volunteers to host in August, October, and December. The host can pick the dates.
For those of you in the drama, please come to the March event prepared to perform your lines for the first skit. It will be our first chance to perform without a rehearsal. Check with Anita, she has the DVD(in MaryBeth Kirschman's mailbox at Grace) that you could perhaps borrow to see the VBS series of skits associated with Son Treasure Island. It will be our first opportunity for peer review. We will perform each of the remaining 4 skits at the next meetings.
I am so encouraged to have each of you on this team. If you know of others, just as talented and as special as you, we are open to growing our team. So, if they may be interested, please let me know. If we have a larger team is is easier to distribute the workload, and free up team members so they have more flex time.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 13
God Is Faithful
Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23b
While driving to church one Sunday morning, I was feeling rather discouraged. As I crested the hill, I noticed the gospel sign on a brother’s mailbox post. It read: “God Is Faithful.” Only three words, but, oh, what a message they contained! This message, reminding me that God is faithful and true, lifted my spirits and gave me fresh courage. He will keep and fulfill His promises to us.
We can look to faithful brethren for help and for an example. But they are only human. With time they may disappoint us. We remember those who once were faithful pillars in the church, brethren who cried out against sin and were seemingly infallible, yet they proved unfaithful
But not so with our God. He is not made of flesh and blood as man is. He is not vulnerable to the temptations and snares of the devil. It is impossible for Him to let us down and disappoint us.
We can depend on Him. What He said thousands of years ago is still true today and will be throughout eternity. How would it be if we did not know whether God was going to be in the mood to help us or be with us tomorrow? Might he take a day off, and His grace be insufficient for our needs?
Praise God! Our Lord is not so! He is faithful, unchangeable, and dependable. Therefore, we can face tomorrow and whatever the future holds with a calm
trust. We need not be of those whose hearts fail them for fear (Luke 21:26).
Mark Coblentz, Flemingsburg, KY
God never sends a burden to weigh us down without offering his arm to lift us up.
Bible Reading: Hebrews 6:9-20; 1 Corinthians 1:8, 9
One Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 10:24–42
Genesis 31, 32
Friday, January 11, 2008
Mary Omollo
Dear Mr. Fischer,
Indeed we were looking forward to your visit. But we do understand that the current situation has made it difficult for your coming. We do appreciate your prayers for our beloved country Kenya. Some of our students have not reported yet due to transport problems. Some of them have families that are displaced and have lost everything. Pray that there will be peace and reconciliation in Kenya.
Mary Omollo
Financial Aid Officer
Indeed we were looking forward to your visit. But we do understand that the current situation has made it difficult for your coming. We do appreciate your prayers for our beloved country Kenya. Some of our students have not reported yet due to transport problems. Some of them have families that are displaced and have lost everything. Pray that there will be peace and reconciliation in Kenya.
Mary Omollo
Financial Aid Officer
Carole Kariuki
ED,
I hear you and I think you have made a better decision. even though we do not expect any more flare ups, the air is tense and not condusive for travel even for most of us around. I do pray things will change soon adn yu can come in the fall than wait for a whole year which might desyke many of the team members.
Keep in touch and and pray with us in this interesting times in Kenya's history
Carole
I hear you and I think you have made a better decision. even though we do not expect any more flare ups, the air is tense and not condusive for travel even for most of us around. I do pray things will change soon adn yu can come in the fall than wait for a whole year which might desyke many of the team members.
Keep in touch and and pray with us in this interesting times in Kenya's history
Carole
Feedback from Tina Miles
Ed,
Thank you for the update. While we're sad, we're also relieved to know for sure one way or the other... The emotional roller coaster we felt we were going on was making it difficult to stay excited about the trip--and I want to go excited! Anyway, I sent out a note to our supporters and one wrote back this reply:
"I must admit it has caused me to pray for the people involved in this conflict directly. Thank you. We will all pray for peace and resolution without more violence."
I know it has done the same for us as well...I find it interesting how God used the team members to raise up a small umbrella of prayer in an area where many probably wouldn't have given the situation must thought. Thank you for your leadership, I know this has been a hard time for you!
Tina Miles
Thank you for the update. While we're sad, we're also relieved to know for sure one way or the other... The emotional roller coaster we felt we were going on was making it difficult to stay excited about the trip--and I want to go excited! Anyway, I sent out a note to our supporters and one wrote back this reply:
"I must admit it has caused me to pray for the people involved in this conflict directly. Thank you. We will all pray for peace and resolution without more violence."
I know it has done the same for us as well...I find it interesting how God used the team members to raise up a small umbrella of prayer in an area where many probably wouldn't have given the situation must thought. Thank you for your leadership, I know this has been a hard time for you!
Tina Miles
Notes from Judy Parker 10/10/2008
Ed – yes, indeed, this has been a very emotional week! It grew to be much more than I could have imagined or prepared myself for. But, I didn’t know I would need to be prepared! That’s where the Love of God has become so real to me! I have such peace about postponing that that has helped my healing process – to God be all the glory for that. He understands my every thought and emotion. These emotions have been hard to verbally express to others, but as I have told several people about the postponement, they breathe a sigh of relief! “I’m SO glad you are not going.” was the most common response. They, too, are very cognizant of the difficulty of making this decision and have been praying for us. Some weren’t aware of the situation, but most were; and when I explained the situation, they were relieved that we were being prudent in not going just now. Everyone thought it was THE right choice to wait until September.
I’ve only talked to Colleen since the decision, so I will be anxious to hear the hearts of the other Team members. I, too, feel that this last meeting (even with a “downer” topic), I could feel that the Team was becoming a real TEAM. It just takes time to create a team spirit which doesn’t happen overnight. I’m thankful for each one!
I would like to know when will be the next time you are in Indy. I think we need to meet periodically to keep as much momentum as is possible, given the fact that we do not have an immediate deadline. What are your thoughts? My home isn’t as large as some in our group, but we could do it – maybe with food!!???!!
Thanks, Ed, for all you do. These devotionals have been great, too.
Judy
Dear NEGST team,
Thanks to all of you that sent messages about the postponement of the trip. I appreciate your kind words. Attending Friday's meeting will be helpful as we process or debrief what we have been through. In addition to making decisions about next steps, we need to take a moment to heal, as we have all been emotionally challenged by this experience. But as we began this adventure together, we can now consider our response as we look to the future. This is a great example of how our life is in "His Hands". These past few weeks shows how we have to learn how to trust, and not lean on our own understanding.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
I’ve only talked to Colleen since the decision, so I will be anxious to hear the hearts of the other Team members. I, too, feel that this last meeting (even with a “downer” topic), I could feel that the Team was becoming a real TEAM. It just takes time to create a team spirit which doesn’t happen overnight. I’m thankful for each one!
I would like to know when will be the next time you are in Indy. I think we need to meet periodically to keep as much momentum as is possible, given the fact that we do not have an immediate deadline. What are your thoughts? My home isn’t as large as some in our group, but we could do it – maybe with food!!???!!
Thanks, Ed, for all you do. These devotionals have been great, too.
Judy
Dear NEGST team,
Thanks to all of you that sent messages about the postponement of the trip. I appreciate your kind words. Attending Friday's meeting will be helpful as we process or debrief what we have been through. In addition to making decisions about next steps, we need to take a moment to heal, as we have all been emotionally challenged by this experience. But as we began this adventure together, we can now consider our response as we look to the future. This is a great example of how our life is in "His Hands". These past few weeks shows how we have to learn how to trust, and not lean on our own understanding.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Kenya Protests Reignite As New Government Forms
Published on: 01/08/08
KISUMU, Kenya — In a severe setback for U.S.-backed peace efforts in Kenya, President Mwai Kibaki filled key positions Tuesday in a new government that excluded members of the powerful opposition party, which claims that he stole last month's election.
Ignoring the explicit request of the Bush administration, Kibaki handed 17 influential Cabinet positions to allies, who finished behind his party in an election last month that foreign observers say was deeply flawed.
The surprise announcement immediately reignited protests in the western city of Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"No Raila, no peace!" chanted dozens of young Odinga supporters, who took to Kisumu's streets after nightfall, erecting roadblocks and hurling stones at passing cars, witnesses said. In one run-down neighborhood, youths burned piles of tires and said they were looking for members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe so they could set their houses ablaze.
Hundreds already have died in the election aftermath as opposition supporters targeted Kikuyus and other ethnic groups seen to be loyal to Kibaki. U.S. and European diplomats have been applying pressure on the two rivals to reach a political settlement that would end the fighting, which has shattered Kenya's reputation as a model African democracy.
There was no immediate U.S. reaction Tuesday. But diplomats said that Kibaki's announcement — including his choice for vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka, who finished a distant third in the presidential race — was a slap in the face to Odinga and to the internationally backed mediation efforts.
"Of course we are frustrated," a senior Western diplomat in Kenya said. "It's really a disappointment for the country. It's very, very irresponsible."
The announcement came as John Kufuor, the president of Ghana and the chairman of the African Union, arrived in Kenya for two days of meetings with both sides that could serve as a prelude to negotiations. Hours earlier, Odinga rejected an invitation from Kibaki for a meeting Friday because an international mediator wasn't going to be present.
By naming the heads of key ministries such as justice, roads and internal security, experts and diplomats said, Kibaki was trying to pre-empt Odinga's demands ahead of negotiations. Another 17 Cabinet seats are still up for grabs, but they're for lesser positions such as sports, science and technology, and the environment.
Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer and other envoys had been pressing Kibaki not to conduct "business as usual" before negotiating with Odinga. But the Western official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing diplomatic protocol, said the Bush administration hadn't put enough pressure on Kibaki, who's a key ally in the war on terrorism in East Africa and whose government received more than $300 million in U.S. assistance in 2006.
More on ajc.com
Kenyan rivals move to end vote dispute
Kenya President Appoints Cabinet Members
Obama Contacts Kenyan Leaders
Kenyan voters cheated, says U.S. envoy
Kenyan Police Accused of Killings, Arson
KISUMU, Kenya — In a severe setback for U.S.-backed peace efforts in Kenya, President Mwai Kibaki filled key positions Tuesday in a new government that excluded members of the powerful opposition party, which claims that he stole last month's election.
Ignoring the explicit request of the Bush administration, Kibaki handed 17 influential Cabinet positions to allies, who finished behind his party in an election last month that foreign observers say was deeply flawed.
The surprise announcement immediately reignited protests in the western city of Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"No Raila, no peace!" chanted dozens of young Odinga supporters, who took to Kisumu's streets after nightfall, erecting roadblocks and hurling stones at passing cars, witnesses said. In one run-down neighborhood, youths burned piles of tires and said they were looking for members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe so they could set their houses ablaze.
Hundreds already have died in the election aftermath as opposition supporters targeted Kikuyus and other ethnic groups seen to be loyal to Kibaki. U.S. and European diplomats have been applying pressure on the two rivals to reach a political settlement that would end the fighting, which has shattered Kenya's reputation as a model African democracy.
There was no immediate U.S. reaction Tuesday. But diplomats said that Kibaki's announcement — including his choice for vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka, who finished a distant third in the presidential race — was a slap in the face to Odinga and to the internationally backed mediation efforts.
"Of course we are frustrated," a senior Western diplomat in Kenya said. "It's really a disappointment for the country. It's very, very irresponsible."
The announcement came as John Kufuor, the president of Ghana and the chairman of the African Union, arrived in Kenya for two days of meetings with both sides that could serve as a prelude to negotiations. Hours earlier, Odinga rejected an invitation from Kibaki for a meeting Friday because an international mediator wasn't going to be present.
By naming the heads of key ministries such as justice, roads and internal security, experts and diplomats said, Kibaki was trying to pre-empt Odinga's demands ahead of negotiations. Another 17 Cabinet seats are still up for grabs, but they're for lesser positions such as sports, science and technology, and the environment.
Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer and other envoys had been pressing Kibaki not to conduct "business as usual" before negotiating with Odinga. But the Western official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing diplomatic protocol, said the Bush administration hadn't put enough pressure on Kibaki, who's a key ally in the war on terrorism in East Africa and whose government received more than $300 million in U.S. assistance in 2006.
More on ajc.com
Kenyan rivals move to end vote dispute
Kenya President Appoints Cabinet Members
Obama Contacts Kenyan Leaders
Kenyan voters cheated, says U.S. envoy
Kenyan Police Accused of Killings, Arson
Disappointing News
Dear NEGST team,
As you know we have been monitoring the situation in Kenya. We had hoped to wait until Friday to make a decision based on feedback as agreed from our Brothers and Sisters in Kenya, the NEGST and Nairobi Chapel leadership teams. However, Grace Community Senior Leadership made the decision that they are not comfortable with the risk associated with sending a team at this time. (see e-mail below that was received this afternoon from Keith Carlson). They are looking for a period of sustained peace which could not be realized by waiting three more days. We, as I am sure you are, were looking forward to this trip and are disappointed about not being able to go at this time.
We are planning a meeting this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church to discuss our options for re-scheduling for later this year in September and/or early January 2009. Because of new information and conflicts with September, we are considering another alternative of January. Grace has agreed to cover the ticket change charge of $ 300.00 per person and any increase in airfares. We encourage all to attend in person so we can discuss these latest developments as a team. If you cannot join us in person, please dial into the conference bridge at 1-888-725-8686 and conference ID 4587320# at 7:35 p.m.
Please continue to pray for the people and leaders of Kenya that they can reach a peaceful solution. We realize these last two weeks of uncertainty have been an inconvenience for you, but it is small compared to the suffering our Brothers and Sisters in Kenya are experiencing and we want to keep them foremost in our prayers.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
From: Carlson, Keith [mailto:keithc@gracecc.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:34 PMTo: Fischer, Ed; Phil ArnoldCc: Elliott, Aaron; Bloxsome, Kathleen; Rodriguez, Dave; Shore, ChrisSubject: Nairobi Trip
Dear Nairobi Team,
Let me first of all say how grateful I am to each of you for giving of your time, energy, and resources to be part of the Nairobi short term trip. I was encouraged meeting most of you at the weekend retreat, and am always so hopeful of what God is going to do on and through a team when they travel overseas together.
Obviously the last couple weeks have been an extraordinary time in Kenya’s history, and none of us could have predicted or envisioned the events as they have unfolded. We have been burdened as a church for our dear family of Nairobi Chapel and Mavuno Church, and all the other relationships we have throughout Nairobi. We have been praying, and are grateful that things have not deteriorated any further, and seem to be moving toward reconciliation, albeit slowly.
We don’t have any protocol for political insurrections in our short-term trip preparations, and have never faced a situation quite like this before. We have tried to walk through this prayerfully and with understanding towards our friends in Nairobi and the commitments you have made as a team.
Our original plan was to wait until Friday to make a final decision. Ed and Phil communicated that with you on Saturday. We wanted to get as much information as possible, and allow some more time to play out in regards to the volatility of the situation. And there were not any penalties from the airlines for waiting another week. Ed and Phil were doing a very good job caring for you, and seeking the best information possible to make the wisest decision in consultation with me and other leaders at Grace.
But after further consultations, I have decided that no other information will change the decision at this point and we need to postpone the trip until the fall or next January. The situation in Kenya will not be stabilized enough for us to be comfortable with the risk we would be taking for your safety. I know that this is difficult for everyone involved – the people receiving the team, each of you, your families, your workplace. We want to trust God, follow Him, and take risks for God’s kingdom. But this risk seems to great, especially since we can reschedule the trip for a time when the situation has settle down, and you can accomplish the purpose of the trip then. If you have any questions or would like to talk further with me, I would be very happy to talk with you.
Again, thank you for trusting God and we’re trusting God that you will be able to go to Kenya in the near future.
Serving with you,
Keith
Keith Carlson
Pastor of Outreach and Leadership Development
Grace Community Church
As you know we have been monitoring the situation in Kenya. We had hoped to wait until Friday to make a decision based on feedback as agreed from our Brothers and Sisters in Kenya, the NEGST and Nairobi Chapel leadership teams. However, Grace Community Senior Leadership made the decision that they are not comfortable with the risk associated with sending a team at this time. (see e-mail below that was received this afternoon from Keith Carlson). They are looking for a period of sustained peace which could not be realized by waiting three more days. We, as I am sure you are, were looking forward to this trip and are disappointed about not being able to go at this time.
We are planning a meeting this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church to discuss our options for re-scheduling for later this year in September and/or early January 2009. Because of new information and conflicts with September, we are considering another alternative of January. Grace has agreed to cover the ticket change charge of $ 300.00 per person and any increase in airfares. We encourage all to attend in person so we can discuss these latest developments as a team. If you cannot join us in person, please dial into the conference bridge at 1-888-725-8686 and conference ID 4587320# at 7:35 p.m.
Please continue to pray for the people and leaders of Kenya that they can reach a peaceful solution. We realize these last two weeks of uncertainty have been an inconvenience for you, but it is small compared to the suffering our Brothers and Sisters in Kenya are experiencing and we want to keep them foremost in our prayers.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
From: Carlson, Keith [mailto:keithc@gracecc.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:34 PMTo: Fischer, Ed; Phil ArnoldCc: Elliott, Aaron; Bloxsome, Kathleen; Rodriguez, Dave; Shore, ChrisSubject: Nairobi Trip
Dear Nairobi Team,
Let me first of all say how grateful I am to each of you for giving of your time, energy, and resources to be part of the Nairobi short term trip. I was encouraged meeting most of you at the weekend retreat, and am always so hopeful of what God is going to do on and through a team when they travel overseas together.
Obviously the last couple weeks have been an extraordinary time in Kenya’s history, and none of us could have predicted or envisioned the events as they have unfolded. We have been burdened as a church for our dear family of Nairobi Chapel and Mavuno Church, and all the other relationships we have throughout Nairobi. We have been praying, and are grateful that things have not deteriorated any further, and seem to be moving toward reconciliation, albeit slowly.
We don’t have any protocol for political insurrections in our short-term trip preparations, and have never faced a situation quite like this before. We have tried to walk through this prayerfully and with understanding towards our friends in Nairobi and the commitments you have made as a team.
Our original plan was to wait until Friday to make a final decision. Ed and Phil communicated that with you on Saturday. We wanted to get as much information as possible, and allow some more time to play out in regards to the volatility of the situation. And there were not any penalties from the airlines for waiting another week. Ed and Phil were doing a very good job caring for you, and seeking the best information possible to make the wisest decision in consultation with me and other leaders at Grace.
But after further consultations, I have decided that no other information will change the decision at this point and we need to postpone the trip until the fall or next January. The situation in Kenya will not be stabilized enough for us to be comfortable with the risk we would be taking for your safety. I know that this is difficult for everyone involved – the people receiving the team, each of you, your families, your workplace. We want to trust God, follow Him, and take risks for God’s kingdom. But this risk seems to great, especially since we can reschedule the trip for a time when the situation has settle down, and you can accomplish the purpose of the trip then. If you have any questions or would like to talk further with me, I would be very happy to talk with you.
Again, thank you for trusting God and we’re trusting God that you will be able to go to Kenya in the near future.
Serving with you,
Keith
Keith Carlson
Pastor of Outreach and Leadership Development
Grace Community Church
Phil Arnold's Update January 8, 2008
Everyone,
I found a Rueters article from yesterday, but I do not know if that article is what Ruth was refering to (see the fifth article below). To get current news, I googled Kenya for today's date and found the first three news reports from today 1-8-08. Then I googled Kenya for violence and found the fourth & fifth article.
The first article says that the US, UN and International Community is getting involved for peace. In my opinion, it looks like money is talking. The two Kenyan leaders do not want to lose the roughly $1 billioin a year in aid from the US, so they are calling off their rallies, softening their demands, discussing compromises, and meeting to talk with International mediators.
The second article shows that it is not all 100% peace, but that there are still some pockets of violence, but it is in Western Kenya, where some people are going to Uganda for safety. Our trip would be many miles away from Western Kenya.
The third article basically repeats the first article.
The fourth article was written yesterday (1-7-08) and is has some omissions of the latest events. It also expresses violence still.
The fifth article was also written yesterday (1-7-08) and is similar to the first article. The mediation process is starting.
Here is the link for each article and some quotes from them:
I have tried to be objective and accurate in this research from the press. Hopefully, this helps. It seems to me that because we are in the beginning of the mediation stage and the violence is winding down, it is still wise to wait until Friday to see how the mediation goes. There are strong incentives for it to work, as well as indications that compromises have already taken place (i.e. Odinga calling off the rallies, and Kibaki inviting Odinga to talks).
Prayerfully,
Phil
FIRST ARTICLE:
http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/world/story/2268748/
Rivals Make Concessions in Kenya
By ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Today at 7:18 a.m.
ELDORET, Kenya —
On Monday, Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga made key concessions under U.S. pressure.
Both sides softened their tones amid the U.S. intervention.
The U.S. also is a major donor to Kenya, long seen as a stable democracy in a region that includes war-ravaged Somalia and Sudan. Aid amounts to roughly $1 billion a year, said embassy spokesman T.J. Dowling.
On Monday, Kibaki invited Odinga to his official residence for a meeting Friday to discuss how to end the political and ethnic turmoil, according to a statement from the president's press service. Just hours earlier, Odinga called off nationwide rallies amid fears they would spark new bloodshed.
Odinga then said he was willing to drop demands that Kibaki resign and was willing to discuss sharing power, but only through a mediator empowered to negotiate an agreement that the international community would guarantee.
It would be nearly impossible for Kibaki to govern without opposition support. In parliamentary elections held the same day as the presidential vote, Odinga's party won 95 of 210 legislative seats, and half of Kibaki's Cabinet lost their seats. It was a sign of people's anger over pervasive corruption and nepotism that favored Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
SECOND ARTICLE:
http://news.morningstar.com/news/ViewNews.asp?article=/DJ/200801080809DOWJONESDJONLINE000282_univ.xml&Cat=ForMkts
Ugandan Officials Say Kenyans Still Crossing Border -AFP1-8-08 8:09 AM EST
KAMPALA (AFP)--Ugandan officials said Tuesday that Kenyans were still crossing the border amid reports that tribal violence was still raging in some areas following a disputed presidential election.
"We are getting more Kenyans crossing," said Jackson Hashaka, resident district commissioner for the Tororo, a region in eastern Uganda bordering western Kenya.
THIRD ARTICLE:
http://media.www.bgnews.com/media/storage/paper883/news/2008/01/08/World/Kenyan.President.Seeks.Peace.After.Violence.During.Elections-3147150.shtml
Kenyan president seeks peace after violence during elections
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Issue date: 1/8/08
NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya's president yesterday invited his chief rival to his official residence to discuss how to end the country's election standoff, just hours after the opposition called off nationwide rallies amid fears of new bloodshed.The signs of softening by both sides came after three days of talks with the top U.S. diplomat for Africa. The African Union president, whose trip to Kenya had been delayed repeatedly as the government rejected outside mediation in the disputed vote, was to begin talks in the capital as early as tomorrow.
FOURTH ARTICLE:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801080018.html
Kenya: UN Seeks to Mediate Crisis
7 January 2008 YESTERDAYPosted to the web 8 January 2008
Haider Rizvi
With no imminent end to the ongoing political violence in Kenya that has resulted in some 500 deaths in the past one week, U.N. officials are trying to bring the ruling party and opposition together to find a peaceful solution through dialogue.
"I have been in close contact with Kenyan leaders, including President Mwai Kibaki, opposition leader Raila Odinga, the African Union Chairman John Kufuor, and many other international leaders," U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters Monday.
But whether the international intervention is going to produce any positive results is far from clear at the moment.
Still, some observers seem hopeful about the possibility of some kind of compromise. On Monday, Kibaki reportedly invited Odinga for face-to-face talks, which Odinga has not yet responded to.
FIFTH ARTICLE:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL07118775
Kenya opposition calls off protests, deaths near 500
Mon Jan 7, 2008 5:58am EST YESTERDAY
By Andrew Cawthorne and George ObulutsaNAIROBI, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga said on Monday he had called off protests because a "mediation process" to resolve the political crisis that has killed nearly 500 people was about to begin."We are now assured that the mediation process is about to start," Odinga told reporters after meeting U.S. envoy Jendayi Frazer. "We are therefore informing our supporters countrywide that there will be no public rallies (on Tuesday).
While most of the country largely returned to calm, there was an unconfirmed report from Uganda that 30 Kenyans drowned after being pursued by attackers into a river on the border.
I found a Rueters article from yesterday, but I do not know if that article is what Ruth was refering to (see the fifth article below). To get current news, I googled Kenya for today's date and found the first three news reports from today 1-8-08. Then I googled Kenya for violence and found the fourth & fifth article.
The first article says that the US, UN and International Community is getting involved for peace. In my opinion, it looks like money is talking. The two Kenyan leaders do not want to lose the roughly $1 billioin a year in aid from the US, so they are calling off their rallies, softening their demands, discussing compromises, and meeting to talk with International mediators.
The second article shows that it is not all 100% peace, but that there are still some pockets of violence, but it is in Western Kenya, where some people are going to Uganda for safety. Our trip would be many miles away from Western Kenya.
The third article basically repeats the first article.
The fourth article was written yesterday (1-7-08) and is has some omissions of the latest events. It also expresses violence still.
The fifth article was also written yesterday (1-7-08) and is similar to the first article. The mediation process is starting.
Here is the link for each article and some quotes from them:
I have tried to be objective and accurate in this research from the press. Hopefully, this helps. It seems to me that because we are in the beginning of the mediation stage and the violence is winding down, it is still wise to wait until Friday to see how the mediation goes. There are strong incentives for it to work, as well as indications that compromises have already taken place (i.e. Odinga calling off the rallies, and Kibaki inviting Odinga to talks).
Prayerfully,
Phil
FIRST ARTICLE:
http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/world/story/2268748/
Rivals Make Concessions in Kenya
By ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Today at 7:18 a.m.
ELDORET, Kenya —
On Monday, Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga made key concessions under U.S. pressure.
Both sides softened their tones amid the U.S. intervention.
The U.S. also is a major donor to Kenya, long seen as a stable democracy in a region that includes war-ravaged Somalia and Sudan. Aid amounts to roughly $1 billion a year, said embassy spokesman T.J. Dowling.
On Monday, Kibaki invited Odinga to his official residence for a meeting Friday to discuss how to end the political and ethnic turmoil, according to a statement from the president's press service. Just hours earlier, Odinga called off nationwide rallies amid fears they would spark new bloodshed.
Odinga then said he was willing to drop demands that Kibaki resign and was willing to discuss sharing power, but only through a mediator empowered to negotiate an agreement that the international community would guarantee.
It would be nearly impossible for Kibaki to govern without opposition support. In parliamentary elections held the same day as the presidential vote, Odinga's party won 95 of 210 legislative seats, and half of Kibaki's Cabinet lost their seats. It was a sign of people's anger over pervasive corruption and nepotism that favored Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
SECOND ARTICLE:
http://news.morningstar.com/news/ViewNews.asp?article=/DJ/200801080809DOWJONESDJONLINE000282_univ.xml&Cat=ForMkts
Ugandan Officials Say Kenyans Still Crossing Border -AFP1-8-08 8:09 AM EST
KAMPALA (AFP)--Ugandan officials said Tuesday that Kenyans were still crossing the border amid reports that tribal violence was still raging in some areas following a disputed presidential election.
"We are getting more Kenyans crossing," said Jackson Hashaka, resident district commissioner for the Tororo, a region in eastern Uganda bordering western Kenya.
THIRD ARTICLE:
http://media.www.bgnews.com/media/storage/paper883/news/2008/01/08/World/Kenyan.President.Seeks.Peace.After.Violence.During.Elections-3147150.shtml
Kenyan president seeks peace after violence during elections
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Issue date: 1/8/08
NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya's president yesterday invited his chief rival to his official residence to discuss how to end the country's election standoff, just hours after the opposition called off nationwide rallies amid fears of new bloodshed.The signs of softening by both sides came after three days of talks with the top U.S. diplomat for Africa. The African Union president, whose trip to Kenya had been delayed repeatedly as the government rejected outside mediation in the disputed vote, was to begin talks in the capital as early as tomorrow.
FOURTH ARTICLE:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801080018.html
Kenya: UN Seeks to Mediate Crisis
7 January 2008 YESTERDAYPosted to the web 8 January 2008
Haider Rizvi
With no imminent end to the ongoing political violence in Kenya that has resulted in some 500 deaths in the past one week, U.N. officials are trying to bring the ruling party and opposition together to find a peaceful solution through dialogue.
"I have been in close contact with Kenyan leaders, including President Mwai Kibaki, opposition leader Raila Odinga, the African Union Chairman John Kufuor, and many other international leaders," U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters Monday.
But whether the international intervention is going to produce any positive results is far from clear at the moment.
Still, some observers seem hopeful about the possibility of some kind of compromise. On Monday, Kibaki reportedly invited Odinga for face-to-face talks, which Odinga has not yet responded to.
FIFTH ARTICLE:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL07118775
Kenya opposition calls off protests, deaths near 500
Mon Jan 7, 2008 5:58am EST YESTERDAY
By Andrew Cawthorne and George ObulutsaNAIROBI, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga said on Monday he had called off protests because a "mediation process" to resolve the political crisis that has killed nearly 500 people was about to begin."We are now assured that the mediation process is about to start," Odinga told reporters after meeting U.S. envoy Jendayi Frazer. "We are therefore informing our supporters countrywide that there will be no public rallies (on Tuesday).
While most of the country largely returned to calm, there was an unconfirmed report from Uganda that 30 Kenyans drowned after being pursued by attackers into a river on the border.
Leona Grigsby shares her thoughts
Ed:
I would join with the other team members in advocating that we postpone our trip to NEGST until September. Uneasiness about the situation in Kenya/Nairobi is quite distressing to me, my family, and friends. All are advising me to not go at this time. That is hard to take because I was so "up" about going and could hardly wait. However, we also need to use wisdom and common sense about the timing of our trip.
I have train reservations for Mon. a.m. Jan. 14 from Kansas to Indy and for the return trip in February. These can be changed easily, we have learned today. The sooner we know, however, the better.
It seems to me we would be better able to minister to the peoples of NEGST if we are not worried/stressed about the political/tribal situation. I do want to be part of the September trip.
Thank you for your continued leadership as we all pray for God's wisdom and guidance.
Blessings,
Leona.
I would join with the other team members in advocating that we postpone our trip to NEGST until September. Uneasiness about the situation in Kenya/Nairobi is quite distressing to me, my family, and friends. All are advising me to not go at this time. That is hard to take because I was so "up" about going and could hardly wait. However, we also need to use wisdom and common sense about the timing of our trip.
I have train reservations for Mon. a.m. Jan. 14 from Kansas to Indy and for the return trip in February. These can be changed easily, we have learned today. The sooner we know, however, the better.
It seems to me we would be better able to minister to the peoples of NEGST if we are not worried/stressed about the political/tribal situation. I do want to be part of the September trip.
Thank you for your continued leadership as we all pray for God's wisdom and guidance.
Blessings,
Leona.
Feedback from David Waweru 1-8-2008
The road from the Airport Mombasa road is safe to my knowledge I pass close to that road and Ngong road and I can attest to that.
The Hosts family we identified are the best place to say whether they have a problem hosting you guys or not and I will find that out for you. Patience and I are one of the hosts are we are still ok to host,Manaseh and Twity our best couple and nearby Neibours who hosted last time are good to go. Chris and Elizabeth our tour operator will also be hosting and they too are good to go. Pastor Faith has the rest of the Hosts from Chapel and I will call her to find out if the rest are good to go.
Food crisis was greatly caused by shops being closed for days due to the unrest at those 5 days or so and because suppliers had stopped supplying food stuff and other items at that time due to insecurity. Its not the same story now Supermarkets like Uchumi and Nakumatt are well stocked now,we have been shopping well since last week Wednesday.
My view is that there is no need to postpone your trip and my reasons are as follows:
1. Calm has returned to Kenya now as we speak,people are back to work,businesses are fully operational. What's going on now is healing,reconciliation and rebuilding for those whose lives were greatly affected.
2. We have international` mediators who have jetted in from the US and UN President expected soon to assist the two Presidential hopefuls work out a resolution and the two have accepted to work it out that way. Meanwhile the two candidates have been able to calm their supporters to await this process.
3. During the mayhem 2 tribes were being targeted,these were the Kikuyu`s (Kibaki`s tribe) and Luo`s ( Raila opposition,tribe). We have at least 42+ tribes that were not really at war with each other. This tells you that they were not at all targeting Tourists like the Terrorist kind of Insecurity.
4.Your team will be operating at NEGST that's where you guys will spend most of your time,and I believe if nothing else NEGST is a safe place to be.
5.We have Police presence all over the country keeping peace more than ever and this makes it feel safer now that life is back to normal.
6.If we avoid the slum areas and stick to Home stays,NEGST and Masai Mara,I do not foresee any problems.
For donations to victims there are camps for the displaced and we have one close to Nairobi Chapel manned by the International` Red Cross that you guys can visit.
In-road transport we will ensure its limited to only safe areas and we know areas to avoid even though calm has returned to Kenya.
That's my honest feeling on the situation on the ground but if your team still feels some fear, I do not blame them we could also work with September this year. September is not that far we could wait to see you then but for me that's not necessary.
On Saturday I was in town after attending our opening BSF meetings and I could see Tourists walking comfortably in the city center and there were very few people in town then.
I hope this helps you somewhat but the decision will ultimately be yours and your team and we will work with your decision.
Thx
The Hosts family we identified are the best place to say whether they have a problem hosting you guys or not and I will find that out for you. Patience and I are one of the hosts are we are still ok to host,Manaseh and Twity our best couple and nearby Neibours who hosted last time are good to go. Chris and Elizabeth our tour operator will also be hosting and they too are good to go. Pastor Faith has the rest of the Hosts from Chapel and I will call her to find out if the rest are good to go.
Food crisis was greatly caused by shops being closed for days due to the unrest at those 5 days or so and because suppliers had stopped supplying food stuff and other items at that time due to insecurity. Its not the same story now Supermarkets like Uchumi and Nakumatt are well stocked now,we have been shopping well since last week Wednesday.
My view is that there is no need to postpone your trip and my reasons are as follows:
1. Calm has returned to Kenya now as we speak,people are back to work,businesses are fully operational. What's going on now is healing,reconciliation and rebuilding for those whose lives were greatly affected.
2. We have international` mediators who have jetted in from the US and UN President expected soon to assist the two Presidential hopefuls work out a resolution and the two have accepted to work it out that way. Meanwhile the two candidates have been able to calm their supporters to await this process.
3. During the mayhem 2 tribes were being targeted,these were the Kikuyu`s (Kibaki`s tribe) and Luo`s ( Raila opposition,tribe). We have at least 42+ tribes that were not really at war with each other. This tells you that they were not at all targeting Tourists like the Terrorist kind of Insecurity.
4.Your team will be operating at NEGST that's where you guys will spend most of your time,and I believe if nothing else NEGST is a safe place to be.
5.We have Police presence all over the country keeping peace more than ever and this makes it feel safer now that life is back to normal.
6.If we avoid the slum areas and stick to Home stays,NEGST and Masai Mara,I do not foresee any problems.
For donations to victims there are camps for the displaced and we have one close to Nairobi Chapel manned by the International` Red Cross that you guys can visit.
In-road transport we will ensure its limited to only safe areas and we know areas to avoid even though calm has returned to Kenya.
That's my honest feeling on the situation on the ground but if your team still feels some fear, I do not blame them we could also work with September this year. September is not that far we could wait to see you then but for me that's not necessary.
On Saturday I was in town after attending our opening BSF meetings and I could see Tourists walking comfortably in the city center and there were very few people in town then.
I hope this helps you somewhat but the decision will ultimately be yours and your team and we will work with your decision.
Thx
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Latest from the Associated Press
Photo 1 of 4
Kenyan join in prayers at International Christian Church in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008. to pray for the country after bloody violence after the Dec. 27, 2007 elections. President Mwai Kibaki told the top U.S. diplomat for Africa that he was willing to share power and the opposition backed off demands for his resignation, offering hope for an end to Kenya's deadly electoral crisis. As Kibaki and Raila Odinga faced growing pressure to compromise, the violence that has killed more than 300 people across the country appeared to ease in the capital for the first time since the disputed vote that gave the president a second term and awakened dormant ethnic rivalries. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
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Kenya's Opposition Calls Off Rallies
By MICHELLE FAUL – 14 hours ago
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya's opposition leader on Monday canceled nationwide protests, saying he wanted to avoid new violence and give mediation a chance to resolve the election dispute that has killed nearly 500 people in political and ethnic bloodletting.
Raila Odinga made the announcement at a news conference after meeting with the top U.S. envoy to Africa. The government of President Mwai Kibaki, accused by Odinga of stealing an election last month, had said the proposed Tuesday demonstrations were illegal and could provoke violence.
Odinga noted Ghana's President John Kufuor, the current chairman of the African Union, was expected to arrive by Tuesday on a mediation mission. Kufuor's trip had been repeatedly delayed as the government rejected outside mediation.
"We are now sure that mediation will start. We have consulted and decided that the public rallies we called for are canceled," Odinga said. "We want the mediation to take place in a peaceful environment, that is why the rallies have been canceled."
Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki both say they are open to some form of power sharing. Kibaki was declared winner of Dec. 27 elections after a vote tally that Odinga and international observers charged was flawed. In some areas, protests have degenerated into rioting pitting other tribes against Kibaki's Kikuyu, long dominant in Kenya's politics and economy.
A statement Monday from the Ministry of Special Programs put the toll at 486 dead with some 255,000 people displaced. The toll was compiled by a committee of humanitarian services set up by the government that toured areas most affected by riots and protests.
Opposition rallies last week were blocked by police who fired tear gas, water cannons and live bullets over people's heads. Human rights groups accused police of excessive force and unjustified killings, but police Commissioner Hussein Ali insisted Sunday that "We have not shot anyone."
Tens of thousands of people are cut off from food and other supplies as shops and transport have shut down. What food is available has tripled in price.
On Monday, Jendayi Frazer, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, embarked on a final round of talks. In her three-day mission, she won an offer from Kibaki to form a coalition government and a concession from Odinga that he would negotiate without insisting that Kibaki first resign.
Odinga said Sunday he was willing to drop demands that Kibaki resign and was willing to discuss sharing power, but only through a mediator empowered to negotiate an agreement that the international community would guarantee.
The opposition also has proposed an interim government be set up to hold new presidential elections. But Kibaki has said only a court could order fresh elections — an unlikely event since he has packed the judiciary with his allies.
It would be nearly impossible for Kibaki to govern without opposition support. In parliamentary elections held the same day as the presidential vote, Odinga's party won 95 of 210 legislative seats, and half of Kibaki's Cabinet lost their seats, apparently because of anger over pervasive corruption and nepotism that favored Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
The United States, Britain and the European Union have appealed for Kibaki and Odinga to hold talks to end the deadlock over only the country's second free election since independence in 1963. The country is seen as an ally in the fight against terrorism, and the explosion of violence has damaged its image as a stable democracy and attraction for investors and tourists in a region rent by wars, uprisings and civil unrest.
Thousands of tourists have canceled vacations at the beginning of the high season.
"Hotels have been projecting an occupancy of 80-90 percent of capacity. But today, as we speak, that has dropped down to less than 40 percent. That's a huge loss for the economy," Mohammed Hersi, general manager of Whitesands Hotel in the coastal city of Mombasa, told The Associated Press.
The level of violence eased over the weekend, though ethnic attacks continued.
Nearly 1,000 members of Odinga's Luo tribe were chased from their homes Sunday in one small town, Limuru, 30 miles west of Nairobi, the capital. Some with furniture and bundles of clothing, others with nothing, huddled around a police station compound.
George Otieno, a 30-year-old who works in a car body shop, said about 100 men armed with machetes, hammers and sticks attacked his home and smashed his head with a hammer.
"They said, 'You have to go back to your place,'" meaning the Luo's native lands in western Kenya, said Otieno, whose head was bandaged and shirt marked with dried blood.
Francis Waweru said he had arrived in the Nairobi area three days ago with his wife and four children, fleeing a mob of hundreds who torched his shop and home in the west. He showed a leg wound where he said he was shot with an arrow. "They said, 'No Raila, no peace,'" Waweru said.
Associated Press writers Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Katharine Houreld, Tom Odula and Malkhadir M. Muhumed in Nairobi, Todd Pitman in Eldoret and Tom Maliti in Mombasa contributed to this report.
Kenyan join in prayers at International Christian Church in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008. to pray for the country after bloody violence after the Dec. 27, 2007 elections. President Mwai Kibaki told the top U.S. diplomat for Africa that he was willing to share power and the opposition backed off demands for his resignation, offering hope for an end to Kenya's deadly electoral crisis. As Kibaki and Raila Odinga faced growing pressure to compromise, the violence that has killed more than 300 people across the country appeared to ease in the capital for the first time since the disputed vote that gave the president a second term and awakened dormant ethnic rivalries. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)
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Kenyan Leader and Opponent to Meet go to URL http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/world/africa/08kenya.html?ref=africaNew York Times - 1 hour ago
Full coverage »
Kenya's Opposition Calls Off Rallies
By MICHELLE FAUL – 14 hours ago
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya's opposition leader on Monday canceled nationwide protests, saying he wanted to avoid new violence and give mediation a chance to resolve the election dispute that has killed nearly 500 people in political and ethnic bloodletting.
Raila Odinga made the announcement at a news conference after meeting with the top U.S. envoy to Africa. The government of President Mwai Kibaki, accused by Odinga of stealing an election last month, had said the proposed Tuesday demonstrations were illegal and could provoke violence.
Odinga noted Ghana's President John Kufuor, the current chairman of the African Union, was expected to arrive by Tuesday on a mediation mission. Kufuor's trip had been repeatedly delayed as the government rejected outside mediation.
"We are now sure that mediation will start. We have consulted and decided that the public rallies we called for are canceled," Odinga said. "We want the mediation to take place in a peaceful environment, that is why the rallies have been canceled."
Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki both say they are open to some form of power sharing. Kibaki was declared winner of Dec. 27 elections after a vote tally that Odinga and international observers charged was flawed. In some areas, protests have degenerated into rioting pitting other tribes against Kibaki's Kikuyu, long dominant in Kenya's politics and economy.
A statement Monday from the Ministry of Special Programs put the toll at 486 dead with some 255,000 people displaced. The toll was compiled by a committee of humanitarian services set up by the government that toured areas most affected by riots and protests.
Opposition rallies last week were blocked by police who fired tear gas, water cannons and live bullets over people's heads. Human rights groups accused police of excessive force and unjustified killings, but police Commissioner Hussein Ali insisted Sunday that "We have not shot anyone."
Tens of thousands of people are cut off from food and other supplies as shops and transport have shut down. What food is available has tripled in price.
On Monday, Jendayi Frazer, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, embarked on a final round of talks. In her three-day mission, she won an offer from Kibaki to form a coalition government and a concession from Odinga that he would negotiate without insisting that Kibaki first resign.
Odinga said Sunday he was willing to drop demands that Kibaki resign and was willing to discuss sharing power, but only through a mediator empowered to negotiate an agreement that the international community would guarantee.
The opposition also has proposed an interim government be set up to hold new presidential elections. But Kibaki has said only a court could order fresh elections — an unlikely event since he has packed the judiciary with his allies.
It would be nearly impossible for Kibaki to govern without opposition support. In parliamentary elections held the same day as the presidential vote, Odinga's party won 95 of 210 legislative seats, and half of Kibaki's Cabinet lost their seats, apparently because of anger over pervasive corruption and nepotism that favored Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
The United States, Britain and the European Union have appealed for Kibaki and Odinga to hold talks to end the deadlock over only the country's second free election since independence in 1963. The country is seen as an ally in the fight against terrorism, and the explosion of violence has damaged its image as a stable democracy and attraction for investors and tourists in a region rent by wars, uprisings and civil unrest.
Thousands of tourists have canceled vacations at the beginning of the high season.
"Hotels have been projecting an occupancy of 80-90 percent of capacity. But today, as we speak, that has dropped down to less than 40 percent. That's a huge loss for the economy," Mohammed Hersi, general manager of Whitesands Hotel in the coastal city of Mombasa, told The Associated Press.
The level of violence eased over the weekend, though ethnic attacks continued.
Nearly 1,000 members of Odinga's Luo tribe were chased from their homes Sunday in one small town, Limuru, 30 miles west of Nairobi, the capital. Some with furniture and bundles of clothing, others with nothing, huddled around a police station compound.
George Otieno, a 30-year-old who works in a car body shop, said about 100 men armed with machetes, hammers and sticks attacked his home and smashed his head with a hammer.
"They said, 'You have to go back to your place,'" meaning the Luo's native lands in western Kenya, said Otieno, whose head was bandaged and shirt marked with dried blood.
Francis Waweru said he had arrived in the Nairobi area three days ago with his wife and four children, fleeing a mob of hundreds who torched his shop and home in the west. He showed a leg wound where he said he was shot with an arrow. "They said, 'No Raila, no peace,'" Waweru said.
Associated Press writers Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Katharine Houreld, Tom Odula and Malkhadir M. Muhumed in Nairobi, Todd Pitman in Eldoret and Tom Maliti in Mombasa contributed to this report.
Colleen Armstrong's E-mail and Ed's response
Colleen,
Thanks for your feedback. We have committed to making a decision on Friday and will wait until then. You do have a vote, as we indicated in the Saturday meeting that anyone that is afraid of going, they can opt out of this trip. If we can get enough interest, even if we decide to continue this trip as planned, and can find a suitable leader, we could also send a team then, too.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
CurrentSubject: Re: 1/7/08 Beside The Still Waters
Ed & Phil,
I'm not sure about the rest of the group, but my family and friends are asking me not to go at this time. Although I had a lot of hope on Saturday, I am feeling more uneasy about going at this time. I would have to agree with both Polly and Judy, I do not feel this is a good time for the mission trip and would prefer to wait until September. I feel God is telling me to wait and be patient.
Would it be possible to make a decision earlier (like Wednesday)? Will this team have a vote in the decision? I am impacting decision at work for both myself and my husband by being in limbo.
Sincerely,
Colleen
Subject: 1/7/08 Beside The Still Waters
Dear Team,
Right now I feel like we are doing the infamous mosquito dance. Pray this week brings clarity to the situation in Kenya.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 7
God’s Mercy
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15
Have you ever done the infamous mosquito dance? You jump up from whatever you are doing with a very determined look on your face and clap your hands repeatedly in several directions. You then look around and see someone staring at you like you are crazy. With a triumphant glow, you show the spectator the lifeless squashed blot on your palms by way of explanation. Perhaps you have caught yourself grinning from ear to ear when you are able to
smash two flies with one devastating blow of your fly swatter.
When I think of how easy it is for me to execute my judgment and wrath to destroy the things that cause me aggravation, I cannot help but think of our wonderfully merciful God. Time after time the Israelites murmured against God and committed wickedness and sin. God, for the sake of one, stayed His
judgment and did not destroy the people.
I am very thankful that One stands in the gap for me. Jesus Christ pleads for my soul and is my advocate and intercessor.
Friend, are you saved by the precious blood of the Lamb? We are all worthy of unmerciful judgment. However, God has proved Himself to be full of
compassion and mercy by providing a way of escape.
Willie Joe Oaks, Jr., Montezuma, GA
_________________________________________
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.
—Lamentations 3:22
Thanks for your feedback. We have committed to making a decision on Friday and will wait until then. You do have a vote, as we indicated in the Saturday meeting that anyone that is afraid of going, they can opt out of this trip. If we can get enough interest, even if we decide to continue this trip as planned, and can find a suitable leader, we could also send a team then, too.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
CurrentSubject: Re: 1/7/08 Beside The Still Waters
Ed & Phil,
I'm not sure about the rest of the group, but my family and friends are asking me not to go at this time. Although I had a lot of hope on Saturday, I am feeling more uneasy about going at this time. I would have to agree with both Polly and Judy, I do not feel this is a good time for the mission trip and would prefer to wait until September. I feel God is telling me to wait and be patient.
Would it be possible to make a decision earlier (like Wednesday)? Will this team have a vote in the decision? I am impacting decision at work for both myself and my husband by being in limbo.
Sincerely,
Colleen
Subject: 1/7/08 Beside The Still Waters
Dear Team,
Right now I feel like we are doing the infamous mosquito dance. Pray this week brings clarity to the situation in Kenya.
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 7
God’s Mercy
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15
Have you ever done the infamous mosquito dance? You jump up from whatever you are doing with a very determined look on your face and clap your hands repeatedly in several directions. You then look around and see someone staring at you like you are crazy. With a triumphant glow, you show the spectator the lifeless squashed blot on your palms by way of explanation. Perhaps you have caught yourself grinning from ear to ear when you are able to
smash two flies with one devastating blow of your fly swatter.
When I think of how easy it is for me to execute my judgment and wrath to destroy the things that cause me aggravation, I cannot help but think of our wonderfully merciful God. Time after time the Israelites murmured against God and committed wickedness and sin. God, for the sake of one, stayed His
judgment and did not destroy the people.
I am very thankful that One stands in the gap for me. Jesus Christ pleads for my soul and is my advocate and intercessor.
Friend, are you saved by the precious blood of the Lamb? We are all worthy of unmerciful judgment. However, God has proved Himself to be full of
compassion and mercy by providing a way of escape.
Willie Joe Oaks, Jr., Montezuma, GA
_________________________________________
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.
—Lamentations 3:22
Polly Harrington's e-mail from 1-6-08
1/6/08 Beside The Still Waters I accidently clicked on "send" instead of "save". How I wanted to end my email was to say that I still look forward to serving with you and this team. I believe we have come to know each other and bond as a team. Respectfully, Polly
On Jan 6, 2008 12:36 PM, Polly Harrington <polly.harrington@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Ed and Phil,
After much internal wrestling, prayer and listening to my team members thoughts yesterday, I have decided that the right decision for me is to not go to Kenya at this time. As I said yesterday, I have a heart and a passion for serving to equip the Christian leaders God has called to preach and teach the Gospel in their respective countries. I am saddened and concerned by the unrest in Kenya at this time. My heart goes out to those who have been injured, displaced or worse and whatever we can do from this country and from Grace to ease the burden for them, I am all for and will support. However, I strongly believe that it is not safe or prudent for Americans to travel to Kenya at this time. And I do not believe that even if a resolution were found today that life would "normalize" before January 17. I support the plan to postpone our trip until September and the start of the new semester at NEGST. I appreciate the consideration that has gone into your quest to see the truth of the situation from our contacts in Kenya, your caution, and your desire to hear our concerns yesterday. There are many factors that enter into my decision: ours is not a humanitarian mission that must happen now, unrest can settle and then flare up again, the State Department warning against travel in Kenya, transportation interruptions, food shortages, and not the least of which is what I sense God telling me to do. Please know that I trust you as leaders, and I trust God more. What I sense God firmly impressing on my heart is to wait. NEGST will be there in September, the students will be there in September, and the warring tribes and political leaders will have ample time (we can all pray and hope) to really find a new and peaceful way to co-exist. Should you decide to postpone the trip to September, count me in!!!
On Jan 6, 2008 12:01 PM, Fischer, Ed < edwin.fischer@qwest.com > wrote:
Dear Team,
Are you a sycamore tree for the people in your life? What are the things in your life that presses against you?
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 6
Crowds and Sycamore Trees
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Why couldn't Zacchaeus see Jesus? Besides being short, he had a crowd pressing against him. We all face obstacles when we try to see Jesus. What is the crowd that presses against you? For some, it is the radio, TV, drink, drugs, or immorality. Others are pressed by their jobs and other legitimate cares of life.
Another thing that presses against us is our own carnal nature. Our selfish nature may keep us from seeing Jesus, and we begin to feel like Zacchaeus; we can't see Jesus because the crowd gets in the way. Do we give up in despair, or do we look around to find a sycamore tree? If we have faith, we will soon find one. Important "sycamore trees" are God's Word, prayer, hymns, and faithful brethren. Think of more "trees" in your life that have helped you to see
Jesus.
Are you a "sycamore tree" for others who want to see Jesus? The only way many people in this world ever see the Gospel is in the lives of Christians. Are you willing to share a few words for the Lord? Can you point those lost in the crowd to the One who can save their souls? Give an encouraging word to the discouraged. Lend a helping hand to the burdened. We need to remember our first calling in life is to serve God—which means serving others.
Today the crowd will press you. Remember, God still has "sycamore trees." And don't forget to look for ways in which you can be a "sycamore tree" for others.
Daniel Kuhns, Farmington, NM
Am I a part of the crowd or a sycamore tree?
On Jan 6, 2008 12:36 PM, Polly Harrington <polly.harrington@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Ed and Phil,
After much internal wrestling, prayer and listening to my team members thoughts yesterday, I have decided that the right decision for me is to not go to Kenya at this time. As I said yesterday, I have a heart and a passion for serving to equip the Christian leaders God has called to preach and teach the Gospel in their respective countries. I am saddened and concerned by the unrest in Kenya at this time. My heart goes out to those who have been injured, displaced or worse and whatever we can do from this country and from Grace to ease the burden for them, I am all for and will support. However, I strongly believe that it is not safe or prudent for Americans to travel to Kenya at this time. And I do not believe that even if a resolution were found today that life would "normalize" before January 17. I support the plan to postpone our trip until September and the start of the new semester at NEGST. I appreciate the consideration that has gone into your quest to see the truth of the situation from our contacts in Kenya, your caution, and your desire to hear our concerns yesterday. There are many factors that enter into my decision: ours is not a humanitarian mission that must happen now, unrest can settle and then flare up again, the State Department warning against travel in Kenya, transportation interruptions, food shortages, and not the least of which is what I sense God telling me to do. Please know that I trust you as leaders, and I trust God more. What I sense God firmly impressing on my heart is to wait. NEGST will be there in September, the students will be there in September, and the warring tribes and political leaders will have ample time (we can all pray and hope) to really find a new and peaceful way to co-exist. Should you decide to postpone the trip to September, count me in!!!
On Jan 6, 2008 12:01 PM, Fischer, Ed < edwin.fischer@qwest.com > wrote:
Dear Team,
Are you a sycamore tree for the people in your life? What are the things in your life that presses against you?
Ed Fischer
Qwest Communications
Global Account Manager
Government and Education Solutions
410-694-4745 Office
410-299-1947 Cellular
edwin.fischer@qwest.com
January 6
Crowds and Sycamore Trees
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Why couldn't Zacchaeus see Jesus? Besides being short, he had a crowd pressing against him. We all face obstacles when we try to see Jesus. What is the crowd that presses against you? For some, it is the radio, TV, drink, drugs, or immorality. Others are pressed by their jobs and other legitimate cares of life.
Another thing that presses against us is our own carnal nature. Our selfish nature may keep us from seeing Jesus, and we begin to feel like Zacchaeus; we can't see Jesus because the crowd gets in the way. Do we give up in despair, or do we look around to find a sycamore tree? If we have faith, we will soon find one. Important "sycamore trees" are God's Word, prayer, hymns, and faithful brethren. Think of more "trees" in your life that have helped you to see
Jesus.
Are you a "sycamore tree" for others who want to see Jesus? The only way many people in this world ever see the Gospel is in the lives of Christians. Are you willing to share a few words for the Lord? Can you point those lost in the crowd to the One who can save their souls? Give an encouraging word to the discouraged. Lend a helping hand to the burdened. We need to remember our first calling in life is to serve God—which means serving others.
Today the crowd will press you. Remember, God still has "sycamore trees." And don't forget to look for ways in which you can be a "sycamore tree" for others.
Daniel Kuhns, Farmington, NM
Am I a part of the crowd or a sycamore tree?
Judy Parker shares her thoughts 1-7-2008
Dear Ed, Phil and Fellow Team Members:
I have delayed in replying to “sleep on it” and pray for Guidance.
When Jerry and I have been making major decisions, we pray for the Lord’s peace, a peace which only He can give. I have had a hard time knowing just how to pray because I want to return to NEGST. I have nothing but excitement about my next trip to NEGST. That hasn’t changed. However, my sense of inner turmoil has been that the Lord is not giving me peace about going to Nairobi on the 17th as planned. An extra $250 to change our tickets is nothing compared to my safety in returning to my family. I’m not afraid of dying, but do not have peace about subjecting myself (my sister and new friends) to the possibility of getting caught in an unsafe event. The news from Kenya has not gotten any better in the last couple of days. I have peace in saying that I am not ready to leave the US on the 17th because of the civil wars continuing in Kenya. God has prepared me for a ministry which has been such a blessing to me. The Lord has also given us the ability to make wise and discerning decisions. I have peace in postponing this trip until September. I believe the Lord calls us to a ministry and expects us to demonstrate wise decisions. To this end, I must agree with Polly that this is not the time that He wants us to place ourselves in such a predicament where our lives truly would be in danger.
I await the decision of the GCC Elders on Friday afternoon, but I believe my decision has been made. I do not have the Lord’s peace about going in January; I have His peace about waiting until September. I will have a hard time waiting!
Prayerfully and respectfully submitted,
Judy
I have delayed in replying to “sleep on it” and pray for Guidance.
When Jerry and I have been making major decisions, we pray for the Lord’s peace, a peace which only He can give. I have had a hard time knowing just how to pray because I want to return to NEGST. I have nothing but excitement about my next trip to NEGST. That hasn’t changed. However, my sense of inner turmoil has been that the Lord is not giving me peace about going to Nairobi on the 17th as planned. An extra $250 to change our tickets is nothing compared to my safety in returning to my family. I’m not afraid of dying, but do not have peace about subjecting myself (my sister and new friends) to the possibility of getting caught in an unsafe event. The news from Kenya has not gotten any better in the last couple of days. I have peace in saying that I am not ready to leave the US on the 17th because of the civil wars continuing in Kenya. God has prepared me for a ministry which has been such a blessing to me. The Lord has also given us the ability to make wise and discerning decisions. I have peace in postponing this trip until September. I believe the Lord calls us to a ministry and expects us to demonstrate wise decisions. To this end, I must agree with Polly that this is not the time that He wants us to place ourselves in such a predicament where our lives truly would be in danger.
I await the decision of the GCC Elders on Friday afternoon, but I believe my decision has been made. I do not have the Lord’s peace about going in January; I have His peace about waiting until September. I will have a hard time waiting!
Prayerfully and respectfully submitted,
Judy
A Week of Waiting
It is Monday morning. I find it very comforting to wake up, make breakfast, and then walk downstairs to turn on my computer and start working. It is now automatic to check and see what is going on in Kenya. We have tried to keep the blog updated with personal e-mails and news from there.
The team has decided to wait until Friday to make a decision about going as planned or postponing our trip. I really want to go, but as one of the leaders, I must consider the needs of the entire team. Please pray for peace and guidance as we seek God's will for this trip and our team.
For some on the team, this week of waiting will seem like an eternity. But, as we have been advised by leaders on the ground in Kenya, a week will give us more clarity so we can see if the situation improves. I can take comfort in the waiting, as I want to make sure we make the right decisions.
As my mind goes back to my work, I realize how fortunate I am to live in a relatively safe country, with plenty of food, a nice place to live, and a good job (actually 3 jobs). My heart goes out to those in Kenya that are less fortunate.
ed fischer
The team has decided to wait until Friday to make a decision about going as planned or postponing our trip. I really want to go, but as one of the leaders, I must consider the needs of the entire team. Please pray for peace and guidance as we seek God's will for this trip and our team.
For some on the team, this week of waiting will seem like an eternity. But, as we have been advised by leaders on the ground in Kenya, a week will give us more clarity so we can see if the situation improves. I can take comfort in the waiting, as I want to make sure we make the right decisions.
As my mind goes back to my work, I realize how fortunate I am to live in a relatively safe country, with plenty of food, a nice place to live, and a good job (actually 3 jobs). My heart goes out to those in Kenya that are less fortunate.
ed fischer
Message from our friend in Kenya Muhia Karianjahi
From: Muhia Karianjahi [mailto:muhia@tanari.org] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 7:46 AMTo: mkarianjahi@gmail.comSubject: please pray for our beloved Kenya
Dear friends,
You have most likely read of the crisis facing Kenya, especially over the past one week. After an election whose results were rejected by the opposition, many parts of the country encountered pockets of violence that has left over 300 dead and 150,000 displaced people. Both the government and the opposition have accused each other of rigging in the presidential poll, and with lots of intervention from local and international peacemakers, are seeking amicable solutions to the ensuing impasse.
Many of you have written to ask after our welfare. We thank you for your prayers and concern. We fortunately live in the city in a neighborhood that has not been directly affected by the violence. We have kept safe by keeping our heads down. However, that does not diminish the pain we feel for many who have not been as fortunate. Keeping our heads down is probably not even the most godly solution to our situation right now, and we are seeking ways of becoming engaged—not in the politics, but in being salt and light and responding to the humanitarian crisis that faces our country today. Our hearts are heavy and we grieve the things we have seen, heard and felt.
I especially grieve for the youth who have mostly been used in the frontlines to fight the battles of politicians who are safely in their well guarded homes and travel in their bullet proof limos. Never before in our history have Satan’s lies been more visible as they are played out in the Kenyan arena. I feel the call even stronger now to be a frontline agent of instilling a Biblical Worldview that says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Kenya will be saved because of the heart of God, working in and through his people. Africa will thrive in His Name!
Would you join us in prayer? I am here attaching items from the prayer bulletin of our church, Karura Community Church, for tomorrow’s worship services.
In Your Prayer Closet
Kenya is bleeding, the righteous must stand in the gap!
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive heir sin and will heal their land.”
(II Chronicles 7:14)
· Pray for an amicable solution to the Elections impasse. Pray that justice, truth and peace in Kenya will be served.
· Pray for Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki, the two men at the centre of Kenya’s pain.
· Pray for our fragile democracy, now threatened by an unsatisfactory election.
· Tribalism has shown itself to be a crisis in Kenya, one that is resulting in bloodshed. Sadly, even in the Church, even among its leaders, tribal allegiance seems to control our response to politics more than truth and righteousness does. Pray that we, the Church, a people whose nationality is one in the kingdom, will be a light to the rest of our countrymen. That love will not only be possible, but will predominate in our inter-ethnic relations.
· Pray concerning the ethnic violence, that it will stop; that the displaced will be able to return to their homes in peace. Pray that people throughout the country will be able to go about their business in peace.
· Pray for those who have lost loved ones through the violence of the last week. Pray also for those whose businesses and/or homes have been destroyed.
· Pray that fomenters of violence and murder will be stopped, and justice prevail.
Many blessings to you all,
Muhia Karianjahi
Mobile 254 720 376968
www.tanari.org Innovations for life giving, wholesome communities
Rites Of Passage Experiences (ROPES), Camp Malta, Creating Positive Relationships (CPR) and Team Building
Tanari Trust P.O. Box 2095, Nairobi, Post code 00200.Kenya, East africaTel. Office 254 20 2719083, 2730807
Fax 254 20 2713677
Tanari Trust is a Public Charitable Trust overseen by five non-denominational churches in Nairobi
Tanari International is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization registered in the State of Illinois
Dear friends,
You have most likely read of the crisis facing Kenya, especially over the past one week. After an election whose results were rejected by the opposition, many parts of the country encountered pockets of violence that has left over 300 dead and 150,000 displaced people. Both the government and the opposition have accused each other of rigging in the presidential poll, and with lots of intervention from local and international peacemakers, are seeking amicable solutions to the ensuing impasse.
Many of you have written to ask after our welfare. We thank you for your prayers and concern. We fortunately live in the city in a neighborhood that has not been directly affected by the violence. We have kept safe by keeping our heads down. However, that does not diminish the pain we feel for many who have not been as fortunate. Keeping our heads down is probably not even the most godly solution to our situation right now, and we are seeking ways of becoming engaged—not in the politics, but in being salt and light and responding to the humanitarian crisis that faces our country today. Our hearts are heavy and we grieve the things we have seen, heard and felt.
I especially grieve for the youth who have mostly been used in the frontlines to fight the battles of politicians who are safely in their well guarded homes and travel in their bullet proof limos. Never before in our history have Satan’s lies been more visible as they are played out in the Kenyan arena. I feel the call even stronger now to be a frontline agent of instilling a Biblical Worldview that says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Kenya will be saved because of the heart of God, working in and through his people. Africa will thrive in His Name!
Would you join us in prayer? I am here attaching items from the prayer bulletin of our church, Karura Community Church, for tomorrow’s worship services.
In Your Prayer Closet
Kenya is bleeding, the righteous must stand in the gap!
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive heir sin and will heal their land.”
(II Chronicles 7:14)
· Pray for an amicable solution to the Elections impasse. Pray that justice, truth and peace in Kenya will be served.
· Pray for Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki, the two men at the centre of Kenya’s pain.
· Pray for our fragile democracy, now threatened by an unsatisfactory election.
· Tribalism has shown itself to be a crisis in Kenya, one that is resulting in bloodshed. Sadly, even in the Church, even among its leaders, tribal allegiance seems to control our response to politics more than truth and righteousness does. Pray that we, the Church, a people whose nationality is one in the kingdom, will be a light to the rest of our countrymen. That love will not only be possible, but will predominate in our inter-ethnic relations.
· Pray concerning the ethnic violence, that it will stop; that the displaced will be able to return to their homes in peace. Pray that people throughout the country will be able to go about their business in peace.
· Pray for those who have lost loved ones through the violence of the last week. Pray also for those whose businesses and/or homes have been destroyed.
· Pray that fomenters of violence and murder will be stopped, and justice prevail.
Many blessings to you all,
Muhia Karianjahi
Mobile 254 720 376968
www.tanari.org Innovations for life giving, wholesome communities
Rites Of Passage Experiences (ROPES), Camp Malta, Creating Positive Relationships (CPR) and Team Building
Tanari Trust P.O. Box 2095, Nairobi, Post code 00200.Kenya, East africaTel. Office 254 20 2719083, 2730807
Fax 254 20 2713677
Tanari Trust is a Public Charitable Trust overseen by five non-denominational churches in Nairobi
Tanari International is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization registered in the State of Illinois
Saturday, January 5, 2008
E-mail from Nairobi Chapel Pastor Muriithi Wanjau
From: Muriithi Wanjau [mailto:muriithiw@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 11:46 PMTo: muriithiw@gmail.comSubject: RE: Prayer for Kenya
Hi all,
Thanks for your prayers for our nation. Praise the Lord with us… my family finally made it safely home! All are in good shape and I can only thank God for His mercy to us – I felt like I had received them back from the dead! One of our other pastors (Janet) had family members in an even worse situation in a town called Eldoret, and most of them were able to fly out to safety as well. It’s possible that God allowed us to go through this so that the crisis of many in our nation would not be theoretical but highly personal. We still don’t know how things will turn out and appreciate your continual prayer.
The reality on the ground is that things could get a lot worse. The political crisis conceals many undercurrents of ethnocentrism; and there is much evil afoot in our nation. Please pray that those planning evil will be confounded; that God will arise in Kenya and scatter the enemies of peace.
The political situation is still unresolved. Continue to pray for a softening by both sides. We need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to bring about a win-win solution here that allows justice to not only be done but to be seen to be done.
As the churches work together with non-governmental bodies to deal with the social crisis, we face a large scale humanitarian crisis. Widespread rioting in the informal settlements left those living there without food, water, medication etc. Many have been displaced from their homes in several parts of the country. Fears are that we will have increased lawlessness if things are not resolved soon. We have appealed to our congregations to donate food, cooking utensils, clothes, shoes, counseling and medical services to those in need. Many are chipping in. Pray that God will multiply what we give and make it enough
With all this said, there are many stories of greatness and heroism that are very encouraging. Ordinary people who are hosting others in their homes and giving time, sweat and possessions to help others in need. Within these challenging times are opportunities for greatness. Pray that many Christians will arise and be known for their compassionate response.
One of our friends, Jim Thomas, has begun a prayer blog for Kenya. Its http://praywithkenya.blogspot.com.
God bless,
Muriithi
Hi all,
Thanks for your prayers for our nation. Praise the Lord with us… my family finally made it safely home! All are in good shape and I can only thank God for His mercy to us – I felt like I had received them back from the dead! One of our other pastors (Janet) had family members in an even worse situation in a town called Eldoret, and most of them were able to fly out to safety as well. It’s possible that God allowed us to go through this so that the crisis of many in our nation would not be theoretical but highly personal. We still don’t know how things will turn out and appreciate your continual prayer.
The reality on the ground is that things could get a lot worse. The political crisis conceals many undercurrents of ethnocentrism; and there is much evil afoot in our nation. Please pray that those planning evil will be confounded; that God will arise in Kenya and scatter the enemies of peace.
The political situation is still unresolved. Continue to pray for a softening by both sides. We need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to bring about a win-win solution here that allows justice to not only be done but to be seen to be done.
As the churches work together with non-governmental bodies to deal with the social crisis, we face a large scale humanitarian crisis. Widespread rioting in the informal settlements left those living there without food, water, medication etc. Many have been displaced from their homes in several parts of the country. Fears are that we will have increased lawlessness if things are not resolved soon. We have appealed to our congregations to donate food, cooking utensils, clothes, shoes, counseling and medical services to those in need. Many are chipping in. Pray that God will multiply what we give and make it enough
With all this said, there are many stories of greatness and heroism that are very encouraging. Ordinary people who are hosting others in their homes and giving time, sweat and possessions to help others in need. Within these challenging times are opportunities for greatness. Pray that many Christians will arise and be known for their compassionate response.
One of our friends, Jim Thomas, has begun a prayer blog for Kenya. Its http://praywithkenya.blogspot.com.
God bless,
Muriithi
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