The above title was taken from an editorial in one of our local newspaper. It is a brilliant article and can be read at http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=24&newsid=114056.
Yesterday, we ventured out as a family. We went to Village Market, a mall about 20 minutes from where we lived. The streets were calm, there were no evidence of the riots that has taken place a day before along those very same streets. Traffic was not as busy as it normally would be. The mall was busy - the parking lot was almost full; the food court very busy, check out lines at the supermarket were busy but flowing....
We met several other families eating at the foodcourt. Everyone was glad to be able to get out of our homes for a little bit.
However, we continue to hear about the distress in different parts of the country. Tony talked to our General Superintendent of the Kenya Assemblies of God. He sounded weary and worned out. Thousands of people - homeless, tired, worried and hungry are taking refuge in churches that had now turned into evacuation centres. The supermarket we went to this afternoon are also collection centres for food and clothes for these displaced people, some quoted to be as high as 500,000. We will check with him again in a few days to see how we can send help to our pastors and congregations that has been affected. Righ t now, only Red Cross vehicles are allowed to go to these areas.
A Kenyan friend who lives overlooking the Kibera slums told us that she and her family were up till 2 in the morning as they watch fires breaking out in the slums.
Over the next few days, if the calm continue, we will work with Lucy to stock her up on food and supplies for the orphanage. We will also check on the students on campus to see if any have arrived. Some were stranded at the border, others are stranded within the country as public transportation is still very limited and petrol is very expensive. This means higher bus fare which may be prohibitive for most of our students. I read that over 5000 Kenyans fled to Uganda.
A professor and his wife arrived safely on campus yesterday...thank you for your prayers.
In the article I mentioned above, it claims that Kenya has lost 100 billion shillings in the last 8 days, equivalent to a full one fifth of the nation's annual budget. We know that over the next few months, prices of basic goods and gas will continue to go up as businesses and retailers try to recoup. The price increase will be difficult to bear for majority of the Kenyans, especially the poor. These would be the same people who may have their little shanty in the slums burnt to the ground and their little "dukas" (small shops - actually just a hole in the wall in most places) burnt or destroyed.
The repercussions of the violence last week will continue to be felt for a while.
Let us pray that during the next few months, the Body of Christ, will come forth strong and be a bright light in a nation darkened by violence and loss. We know that trajedies and pain can often soften hearts, let's pray that many will be receptive to the gospel in the days to come. I believe that the next few months will bring many opportunities to share the gospel and its power to many who are hurting, lost and confused.
Please continue your prayers for Kenya.
Yesterday, we ventured out as a family. We went to Village Market, a mall about 20 minutes from where we lived. The streets were calm, there were no evidence of the riots that has taken place a day before along those very same streets. Traffic was not as busy as it normally would be. The mall was busy - the parking lot was almost full; the food court very busy, check out lines at the supermarket were busy but flowing....
We met several other families eating at the foodcourt. Everyone was glad to be able to get out of our homes for a little bit.
However, we continue to hear about the distress in different parts of the country. Tony talked to our General Superintendent of the Kenya Assemblies of God. He sounded weary and worned out. Thousands of people - homeless, tired, worried and hungry are taking refuge in churches that had now turned into evacuation centres. The supermarket we went to this afternoon are also collection centres for food and clothes for these displaced people, some quoted to be as high as 500,000. We will check with him again in a few days to see how we can send help to our pastors and congregations that has been affected. Righ t now, only Red Cross vehicles are allowed to go to these areas.
A Kenyan friend who lives overlooking the Kibera slums told us that she and her family were up till 2 in the morning as they watch fires breaking out in the slums.
Over the next few days, if the calm continue, we will work with Lucy to stock her up on food and supplies for the orphanage. We will also check on the students on campus to see if any have arrived. Some were stranded at the border, others are stranded within the country as public transportation is still very limited and petrol is very expensive. This means higher bus fare which may be prohibitive for most of our students. I read that over 5000 Kenyans fled to Uganda.
A professor and his wife arrived safely on campus yesterday...thank you for your prayers.
In the article I mentioned above, it claims that Kenya has lost 100 billion shillings in the last 8 days, equivalent to a full one fifth of the nation's annual budget. We know that over the next few months, prices of basic goods and gas will continue to go up as businesses and retailers try to recoup. The price increase will be difficult to bear for majority of the Kenyans, especially the poor. These would be the same people who may have their little shanty in the slums burnt to the ground and their little "dukas" (small shops - actually just a hole in the wall in most places) burnt or destroyed.
The repercussions of the violence last week will continue to be felt for a while.
Let us pray that during the next few months, the Body of Christ, will come forth strong and be a bright light in a nation darkened by violence and loss. We know that trajedies and pain can often soften hearts, let's pray that many will be receptive to the gospel in the days to come. I believe that the next few months will bring many opportunities to share the gospel and its power to many who are hurting, lost and confused.
Please continue your prayers for Kenya.
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