The Bible makes it clearing Mathew 24:6 that before the Lord comes, we will hear of wars and rumors of wars. It is happening right here in Kenya and all over the world.
Kenya has enjoyed peace for the last 43 years since it got independence from British. Kenya has 42 tribes (each tribe has unique language and culture—Kiswahili is the national language and English is the official language) and yet the country has remained intact. It is always difficult striking the ethnic balance because as expected some tribes do see themselves as being marginalized especially in terms of resource allocation. The recent election led to explosion of deep seated suspicions and prejudice that different communities have against each other. The consequence of this is death of 500(this is official figure although it is reported that the figure is much higher) and a quarter million people displaced.
Our region has been experiencing tension but we haven’t experienced serious violence as yet—our prayer is that this place will remain calm because religious fundamentalists can take advantage of the situation and bring religious angle to the problem—this will exacerbate things here.
What complicates things for our country is that some (especially the opposition) do not want stability at the expense of truth, justice and democracy—the government has shown no signs of giving up holding to power. The church is divided than ever with some leaders being partisan. Many Church leaders seem to sacrifice Truth and justice at the altar of tribal affiliations. The work of God is slowed and I am personally disappointed (should I say frustrated) at what is happening.
Deep in the hearts of many believers, we knew that all was not going to be well after the election—in fact there were many prophecies on the same yet we believers never paid enough attention. Some of us are convinced that it is the Church in Kenya that is being judged—many leaders had adopted prosperity gospel message from the west. Salvation of souls became secondary. In the midst of all that face our country, I am persuaded that the Church in Kenya is going to come out like gold that is refined seven times ready to take the gospel to the four corners of the earth. Meanwhile, we are returning to God in Prayers, fasting and repentance. The people of this great country have proved to be resilient and I believe that when God is through with us, we will be raised to another degree of glory.
Kenya has enjoyed peace for the last 43 years since it got independence from British. Kenya has 42 tribes (each tribe has unique language and culture—Kiswahili is the national language and English is the official language) and yet the country has remained intact. It is always difficult striking the ethnic balance because as expected some tribes do see themselves as being marginalized especially in terms of resource allocation. The recent election led to explosion of deep seated suspicions and prejudice that different communities have against each other. The consequence of this is death of 500(this is official figure although it is reported that the figure is much higher) and a quarter million people displaced.
Our region has been experiencing tension but we haven’t experienced serious violence as yet—our prayer is that this place will remain calm because religious fundamentalists can take advantage of the situation and bring religious angle to the problem—this will exacerbate things here.
What complicates things for our country is that some (especially the opposition) do not want stability at the expense of truth, justice and democracy—the government has shown no signs of giving up holding to power. The church is divided than ever with some leaders being partisan. Many Church leaders seem to sacrifice Truth and justice at the altar of tribal affiliations. The work of God is slowed and I am personally disappointed (should I say frustrated) at what is happening.
Deep in the hearts of many believers, we knew that all was not going to be well after the election—in fact there were many prophecies on the same yet we believers never paid enough attention. Some of us are convinced that it is the Church in Kenya that is being judged—many leaders had adopted prosperity gospel message from the west. Salvation of souls became secondary. In the midst of all that face our country, I am persuaded that the Church in Kenya is going to come out like gold that is refined seven times ready to take the gospel to the four corners of the earth. Meanwhile, we are returning to God in Prayers, fasting and repentance. The people of this great country have proved to be resilient and I believe that when God is through with us, we will be raised to another degree of glory.
Below are some pictures in places that experienced violence:
Above are some burnt bicycles that remained after a church was burnt killing 30-50 people that had sought refugee inside
Children who have become refugees in their own country
Refugees of the clashes that has taken ethnic dimension
Pastors donating blankets to the refugees
A Pastor looks at one of the arrows that were used in shooting. Neighbors turned into enemies.
Above are some of the burnt houses.
Would you please stand in prayer for the body of Christ in Kenya. Pray also for the women, children whose houses have been burnt and there is no place to call home
We thank God for your friendship.
May he grant the desires of your heart this year
