We are bless with a few days of normalcy and calm since Tuesday while negotiations and talks were going on. However, it seems that none of these talks has yielded any resolution and today, the Opposition has once again call for nationwide rallies to protest the election results. Once again, we have this cloud of uncertainty hovering over us.
Schools are supposed to start next week, after a one week delay, we will see how things go. Please do not let up your prayers for Kenya, we still have a long way to go before this crisis is over.
We received some data from the Kenya Assemblies of God this morning. We lost 98 churches either by fire or by destruction and iron sheets and timber being stolen. We have about 12,818 families that are displaced making a total of 64,159 people (Adult and children) from various parts of our church districts.
Concerning the Eldoret Church (Kiambaa) which was burnt down while over 300 people were taking shelter there, (it was on CNN and most news channel) the pastor, Rev. Stephen Mburu, sustained serious injury including 6 "panga" (big slashers) hits to the head. One panga slash went through his mouth inflicting a major cut and knocking out his front teeth. He was admitted to a private hospital, he is improving and fortunate to be alive. Pastor Mburu remains in Eldoret with his wife Lucy and their 6 children. Of the 300+ people who were taking refuge in the church, 100 were seriously injured or burned, 50 people died either by being burned alive or being beaten to death at the hands of an angry mob. Of those injured, 16 have burns over 90% of their bodies. Many of them are children.
The Kenya AOG has call for donations of money, food, clothing, blankets, medicines, etc.
This morning we received an email from a friend in Malaysia offering to keep our girls if we intend to send them home during this crisis. We were touched by such a great act of love and generosity. However, we assured her that we are safe, at least for now.
During the most difficult days of this crisis last week, there were actually plans of evacuation. At least two missions agency has offered evacuation for their missionaries. The French goverment sent out an empty jet to evacuate their people.
Personally, it would be very difficult for us to evacuate, especially in a crisis like this. Our African family needs us. We have in times before (actually a year ago) had thought about returning home to Malaysia and travel in and out of Kenya for ministry. Our growing girls, their educational needs, our "mid-life" stage (!)are part of what started us thinking about it. However as we prayed and talked about it, we know that our work in Africa is not done yet. There are many things that we would not be able to do if we were not physically present here. Things that we were able to do this week for our African family - buying food, sharing with them, organising supplies for the orphanage, praying with them, giving them the Word and encouraging them to keep the faith and look to God.
In short, for those who are wondering, the Phangs are here to stay - we feel called to this continent and we know for now, our time in Africa is not yet done.
Please continue to pray us through these difficult times, hearts are broken, families are torn apart, children are hungry and cold, the future uncertain for many. Pray that God will open doors for us to bring a message of peace, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and hope for a hurting nation. Pray that God will show us how to best manage the resources He has given us so that we can help most effectively to the needy around us. Pray for His presence and anointing upon us as we minister. Pray for our girls as they ride the bus to school and back daily - it usually is over an hour ride each way.
Schools are supposed to start next week, after a one week delay, we will see how things go. Please do not let up your prayers for Kenya, we still have a long way to go before this crisis is over.
We received some data from the Kenya Assemblies of God this morning. We lost 98 churches either by fire or by destruction and iron sheets and timber being stolen. We have about 12,818 families that are displaced making a total of 64,159 people (Adult and children) from various parts of our church districts.
Concerning the Eldoret Church (Kiambaa) which was burnt down while over 300 people were taking shelter there, (it was on CNN and most news channel) the pastor, Rev. Stephen Mburu, sustained serious injury including 6 "panga" (big slashers) hits to the head. One panga slash went through his mouth inflicting a major cut and knocking out his front teeth. He was admitted to a private hospital, he is improving and fortunate to be alive. Pastor Mburu remains in Eldoret with his wife Lucy and their 6 children. Of the 300+ people who were taking refuge in the church, 100 were seriously injured or burned, 50 people died either by being burned alive or being beaten to death at the hands of an angry mob. Of those injured, 16 have burns over 90% of their bodies. Many of them are children.
The Kenya AOG has call for donations of money, food, clothing, blankets, medicines, etc.
This morning we received an email from a friend in Malaysia offering to keep our girls if we intend to send them home during this crisis. We were touched by such a great act of love and generosity. However, we assured her that we are safe, at least for now.
During the most difficult days of this crisis last week, there were actually plans of evacuation. At least two missions agency has offered evacuation for their missionaries. The French goverment sent out an empty jet to evacuate their people.
Personally, it would be very difficult for us to evacuate, especially in a crisis like this. Our African family needs us. We have in times before (actually a year ago) had thought about returning home to Malaysia and travel in and out of Kenya for ministry. Our growing girls, their educational needs, our "mid-life" stage (!)are part of what started us thinking about it. However as we prayed and talked about it, we know that our work in Africa is not done yet. There are many things that we would not be able to do if we were not physically present here. Things that we were able to do this week for our African family - buying food, sharing with them, organising supplies for the orphanage, praying with them, giving them the Word and encouraging them to keep the faith and look to God.
In short, for those who are wondering, the Phangs are here to stay - we feel called to this continent and we know for now, our time in Africa is not yet done.
Please continue to pray us through these difficult times, hearts are broken, families are torn apart, children are hungry and cold, the future uncertain for many. Pray that God will open doors for us to bring a message of peace, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and hope for a hurting nation. Pray that God will show us how to best manage the resources He has given us so that we can help most effectively to the needy around us. Pray for His presence and anointing upon us as we minister. Pray for our girls as they ride the bus to school and back daily - it usually is over an hour ride each way.
Comments
I am praying for you guys during this political crisis, both that He would keep you safe and that you would have the opportunity to be a blessing to others. Keep the updates coming!
Hope