Kenyan Leaders Agree to Share Power: An Opportunity for Living Water in A Land of Spiritual Thirst

At Jacob’s well in Samaria, Jesus told the woman He met there that anyone who “drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).  The Samaritan woman was intrigued by Jesus’ message and so desired to follow Him and brought others to Him later who also converted.  She had reached the end of her rope; her desperation as a villager in dry and dusty Sychar could last no more and Jesus had something she wanted. 

Similarly, the situation in Kenya is just as desperate.  We praise God that the post-election violence in Kenya has come to an end.  Negotiation talks led by Kofi Annan between President Kibaki and opposition leader Odinga ended with yesterday’s agreement for both parties to share power (to read the full story from BBC News, click here.).  Clearly, this road wasn’t an easy one and an even harder one exists for the future.    

Yet Kenya has many questions to answer in its future reparation.  Given the perception of Kenya as a pillar of strength in eastern Africa, some still worry about the threat of more violence.  What is to come in the future to assure citizens that a repeat of violence won’t happen again?  And how did violence like this happen in Kenya with its strong history of democracy? 

The Samaritan woman had similar questions in her own context.  What was to come of the Samaritans?  Would there always be a rift between them and the Jews?  If Jesus’ example with the Samaritan woman is any answer for us, we need to see that Jesus pointed this woman to the Truth, not to the questions of the day.  Following the example modeled by Jesus, we at World Relief want to point people to the Truth as well and we know that His name is Jesus.  With the hope of a more stable government, our Kenyan staff is helping local church leaders who are now burdened with the mess of cleaning up and getting back to the rhythms of life post-fighting while also using this opportunity to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the forefront. 

Last Monday, our staff visited with a pastor in Nairobi’s Kibera slum that is distributing food sent from World Relief.  In their meeting, they found out that this pastor oversees 12 churches within the Kibera slum of Nairobi’s poorest of the poor, those hardest hit by the violence.  Imagine what a job this must be for him and his volunteer ministry team.  The team also visited with Margaret from Slum Outreach Ministry.  Margaret and her team of volunteers reach out to around 200 school kids, of which around one-quarter are orphans.  The photo on the right shows Margaret’s staff distributing some of the food. 

Nearby the church, one hair salon owner in Kibera had a message to say to her neighbors, as seen in the photo to the left.  The peace she longs for, and that we all long for, can only come through Jesus.  On the night He was betrayed, Jesus told His disciples, “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).

With today’s news of shared power in Kenya, an opportunity exists for the Kenyan church.  What might our role be in this crucial time in assisting the Kenyan church to bring the peace that Jesus brings?

·         Pray

·         Give

·         Engage

Thanks for all you do to announce the Good News of Jesus and in helping us be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.

Peace and Grace,

Craig

P.S.  The impact of Kenya’s post-election violence—economic, spiritual, familial, social—will continue for years to come.  If this has been an eye-opener for you, you may be interested to know about World Relief’s refugee resettlement program that assists people here in the States—people who have gone through similar experiences from around the globe.  Mark your calendars now for Replanting Lives, our educational program that will be held the week of Sunday, 22 June 2008. 

Excerpts from Harberts

March 24, 2008

Dear family and friends,

Happy Easter Monday!  It is a holiday here in this part of the world, but our boys are actually home for a whole month.  We are enjoying them a lot!  Their term finished well as RVA’s Varsity Basketball team won the League Finals in an absolutely thriller game, a dream come true for Jeff.  RVA had lost three times to this team, but they came from behind and pulled a win.  Winning his third Varsity league trophy was certainly a highlight for Jeff. 

Kenya is still in recovery mode after the recent post-election violence.  Politically there is a lot of optimism that the power sharing will work.  The question this week is whether President Kibaki and Prime Minister-elect Odinga can choose a Cabinet that will satisfy most.  They have a very delicate balance to keep in order to satisfy political allies and all regions of the country. 

On the ground people are still suffering.  In Nakuru alone there are still 12,000 displaced in the Showground and Stadium, and that doesn’t count the thousands of displaced who are living with friends and family in the area.  How do they start over?  Where do they start over?  Many have no place to go.  Prices are rising daily too, which does not help the situation.  A number from the AIC Parkview Home Based Care group were displaced.  The HIV/AIDS infected in Josephine’s community are struggling with health issues because they cannot afford a healthy diet.  We are trying to meet needs where we can. 

Please continue to keep Kenya in your prayers.  Without a doubt your prayers made a difference in stopping the violence.  They will make a difference in the rebuilding as well. 

All our love,

Scott and Barb

February 24, 2008

Dear family and friends,

Tomorrow a mission leader is coming to set up a weeklong meeting for all the Children and HIV/AIDS workers in Africa Inland Mission who serve in Africa.  It is to be held (in our town of) Nakuru in June, it is a great opportunity to show first hand what the Lord is doing through the Nakuru AIDS Initiative.

At the end of the week a family will come who has been at Scott Theological College for many years.  They are considering taking a break from the College and filling in for us in Nakuru during our year of Home Assignment (next June).

Now about the ongoing Kenya post-election crisis.  The Kofi Annan-led negotiations are now working through the most difficult areas—the proposals for a coalition government.  Even Condoleezza Rice was here early last week.

They have made some progress, but unfortunately the Opposition side has thrown out the dreaded words “mass action” again.  Yes, there is talk of “peaceful” protest rallies in Nairobi this coming Friday.  This is real cause for concern as none of these to date have ended peacefully or without escalating violence.

Kenya is very, very vulnerable right now and we really don’t think it could go through another storm like the one that ignited and burned through most of January.  Here in Nakuru we are still under a curfew from 7pm – 6am and still have 20,000 displaced peoples living in our Stadium and Showground.  Around the country the economic fallout is staggering with almost ½ million jobs lost, the cost of living increasing weekly, and a 90% reduction in tourism.

The Church is trying to focus on healing and reconciliation as the hurts run deep, even within it.  We talk to church members daily who are struggling to trust and to forgive their brothers and sisters in the Church. 

So please pray that the One who prowls around like a roaring lion would be resisted and that people would be strengthened in their faith.

Thank you!

All our love,

Scott and Barb Harbert

February 5, 2008

Dear family and friends,

 Do you remember on December 25, 2007 singing, “Silent night! Holy night!  All is calm…”?  Well, a month later on January 25, 2008 it was anything but calm or silent throughout Nakuru as people ran for their lives.  But now ten days later everybody is guardedly hoping that calm is here to stay.

 While it remains calm for most of Kenya, including Nakuru, you can feel the tension everywhere you go.  You can’t drive into Nakuru without seeing truck after truck carrying the possessions of so many people, moving their homes to who knows where.  Killings and the destruction of people’s properties continue in a few areas of the country. 

Only God knows what is going to happen to Kenya.  There is unimaginable devastation of people’s lives, the economy, education, and the hearts of adults and children everywhere.  The stories are endless of how the month of January has changed Kenya.

“But God!”   This was the title of Scott’s message to AIC Shabab (our church) on Sunday.  We need to not give up, to renew our trust and hope in Christ, and to choose every day to be part of the solution wherever we have influence.

We are continuing to meet with friends in Nakuru and talk with many others throughout the country as we try to help….

Thank you for your continued prayers.  They are making a big difference!

All our love,

Scott and Barb Harbert

February 4, 2008

As we continue to follow the crisis in Kenya, we want to pass along that the Harberts are safely back in their home in Nakuru and the church is rising to the challenge of serving the displaced who are staying in their area.

We have sent money to help Josephine in her Hope for Life Center near the Harberts as she has taken in 30 displaced and orphaned children as well as a pastor and his family. Continue to pray for all the 300,000 displaced people who fear for their safety in this ethnically driven upheaval.

Let us suggest that you read this article from Christianity Today Magazine. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/1.24.html

 January 27, 2008

This letter was received from Scott and Barb Harbert, AIM Missionaries from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya. 

Dear family and friends,

We are writing to you from Nairobi again today.  Barb enjoyed very good times of worship, prayer and fellowship at the AIM Ladies Retreat this weekend.  Scott met with people about the crisis in Kenya and talked on the phone with many missionaries, pastors and friends in Nakuru.  He also got to see Jeff play basketball—they won!  We had planned to go home to Nakuru today, but sadly enough it is anything but safe to travel there.  While we wait for calm to prevail, we will stay in Nairobi this coming week as Scott has AIM Unit Leaders meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.

The situation in Nakuru has been among the worst of this awful month in Kenya.  Today is the fourth day of the crisis that has now hit Nakuru.  The town and the surrounding neighborhoods have been affected by the violence with over 50 people reported killed, 300 homes burned, and many, many people of the “losing” side of the Presidential race evacuated and moved to the Stadium.  Even the families of our workers have fled to the safety of our compound.  The town has a mandatory curfew from 7 pm to 6 am with a strong military presence.

The highways leading in and out of Nakuru have been a playing field between the rioters and police.  But this is anything but a game.  It is a crisis that is not standing down and is spreading throughout Kenya.  Today it spread to the next biggest town between Nakuru and Nairobi, the town of Naivasha.  We want to emphasize that the raiders carrying out this violence are a very small percentage of the Kenyan population.  The majority of Kenyans want calm and normalcy to return.  But when will it end?  How much worse will it get before it ends?

The Church in Kenya is trying to be salt and light, helping wherever and whomever they can.  There are many testimonies of Kenyan Christians and missionaries coming to the aid of people throughout Kenya.  One of the men Scott has met with for years every week for prayer is among a group of town elders heading up dialogue for peace in Nakuru town.

How can you pray?  Pray for the nation of Kenya – for repentance, peace, healing, reconciliation; for adequate supply of fuel, food, etc.; for the bereaved, maimed, and displaced.  And pray for the Church – for repentance; that the Church will take its rightful position; unity in the body of Christ against tribalism; and that God would bring about a true revival. 

We close this edition of our updates with Genesis 50:20:  “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”  Amen and amen!

Thank you for being there for us, for Nakuru, and for Kenya!

All our love,

Scott and Barb

From another missionary, Mark Dye from United World Mission headquartered in Nairobi, friend of our retired missionary, Stan Smith, received on Sunday, Jan. 27:

“…Yesterday I attended a Rally for Peace sponsored by one of the key church leaders I work with. Over 100 pastors attended, with several hundred others also there.  There were men and women representing the tribes in the center of the upheaval, worshipping and praying together, asking forgiveness of one another, weeping and even dancing together.  The Spirit of the Lord was there, and it demonstrated what the love of God can do in the hearts of people.  A special guest was the pastor of the church that was burned in early January, in which 35 people died, mostly women and children.  The pastor was beaten outside the church and left for dead. He had a difficult time speaking, as his jaw had been broken and he lost 8 teeth.

But it was moving when a key Kalenjin church leader, in front of the entire congregation, begged forgiveness on behalf of his people. Later, I had supper with the pastor and heard him recount his story first hand.  I'm still reeling a bit from the account.

Pray for the top leaders to have the humbleness and humility required to reach an agreement that could hopefully bring peace to this nation.  It's not the top leaders who are suffering - it's the average Kenyan.  And pray earnestly that the cycle of revenge will be stopped, and people can view one another as fellow Kenyans, not according to tribe.

We continue to feel safe, but also sense the spirit of unease pervading the land. We receive regular updates from the US Embassy and monitor radio and TV reports. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of this nation.  Please continue….”

January 21, 2008

Dear family and friends,

We are happy to report that on Saturday we safely returned Jeff and Matthew to RVA to begin their delayed term of school.  Both were very happy to see their friends again.  Tuesday the Athletic Directors of various high schools will discuss whether or not there will be a competitive basketball season this term or not.  Please pray as Jeff has been looking forward to his senior year Varsity season as a starter for a very long time.

The losing party of the Presidential elections is calling for fresh rounds of protests this week.  One MP insists there will be demonstrations Wednesday through Friday every week in Mombasa until the Government changes.  People are still dying every day throughout the country as a result of such demonstrations.  Additionally, a lot of property is being destroyed.  One group of protestors completely tore up the railway line in one of the affected slums in Nairobi.  This is part of the main railway line that runs across the country and to bordering countries, which depend on the transportation of goods. 

Mr. Koffi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, arrives this week for the continued attempt at negotiations between the two opposing parties of the Presidential elections.  The Government named the Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka, as the leader of their side.  This is being hotly contested by the opposition side and they are threatening not to negotiate with anyone other than President Mwai Kibaki.

The Opposition is also calling on boycotts of businesses owned by people perceived to support President Kibaki.  This is being met with strong words and actions by the President’s side, who say that leaders will be held legally responsible for this kind of action.

All of this is to say that while there is hope for calm and some kind of normalcy again, tensions are still very, very high.

We, too, need to move forward in our ministries of Prayer Renewal, HIV/AIDS, and AIM leadership as the new year gets going.  We have planned two trips to Nairobi over the next couple of weeks.  Barb will attend the annual AIM Ladies retreat this week; I will attend AIM’s Eastern Region Unit Leaders Meeting next week.   In February we have a busy schedule planned too.

So Kenya continues to depend on your prayers, as do we as a family.

Thank you!

Scott and Barb Harbert,

Nakuru, Kenya

Barb also writes:

“Many of our (AIM) missionaries are in real hot spots, especially Kapsabet and Eldoret.  They cannot even travel.  Up to 30 illegal road blocks between Kapsabet and Eldoret at a given moment!...the religious leaders are standing together and making a stand.  We’ve seen our AIC Bishop’s name/picture in the paper a couple of times with other religious leaders.  AIC has strong ties to both sides, depending what part of the country you are in.  Members are just trying to reconcile and to reach out to those who are hurting—and they are praying a lot.  We’ve had some pretty powerful sermons in church lately.”    

January 17, 2008

This letter was received from Scott and Barb Harbert, AIM Missionaries from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya on Jan. 17th.

Greetings from Nakuru.

It is only the third week of the new year, but already it feels like we’ve lived through most of it.  Kenya is bracing for more violence.  Today is the second of three days of mass protests this week throughout the country called by the opposition party.  “No peace without justice,” said Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, in an interview today on Sky News.

Yesterday we were saddened as we watched on the news the running battles between the protesters and the police in several towns throughout Kenya.  One of our missionaries in Western Kenya phoned that there were 2000 peaceful protesters marching behind his house into town.  While some rallies began peacefully, not all of them ended that way.  Unbelievably, we saw on TV the shooting and killing of an unarmed protestor.  In Nairobi shop keepers were forced again to close their shops as everyone was forced out of the city center.  The leaders of the opposition say the rallies will continue.

There are hundreds of thousands of displaced people spread throughout the country.  While schools opened for most, the displaced children have nowhere to go.  The majority of Kenyans just want to get on with their lives.  Normalcy and calm is the cry of most of the population.  Major donor nations are now threatening to stop regular aid to Kenya and have even mentioned sanctions against Kenya.  That is not good news for a country that is staggering from the first 17 days of the new year.

Parliament opened on Tuesday with the elected President, Mwai Kibaki, and the opposition leader facing each other for the first time since all of this started.  There was no sign of reconciliation in their faces or in the faces of their followers.  The Parliament met for almost 12 hours as they elected the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and swore in the 207 elected Members of Parliament.  There were some objections raised by the opposition side when swearing allegiance to the institution of the President.  Some attempted to swear by the name of the opposition leader, Mr. Odinga.  Yet wonderfully enough the written law was repeated again and again by the lawyers who stressed the need to obey it, rather than people’s own interpretation of it.  It was encouraging to see some of the sharp minds in this country and their ability to communicate effectively the truth of the law and to see reason and truth prevail.

Saturday we will take Jeff and Matthew to RVA to start their delayed term of school.  Nakuru continues to be a peaceful town compared to other centers of the population, perhaps because there is such a big mix of tribes here.  But do pray for the safety of the many students and their parents who will travel that day. 

Let me close with the written Word that so encourages and strengthens us in times like these.  Psalm 95:3-7 says:

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”

Thanks for praying!

Under His Care,

Scott and Barb Harbert

P.S. Here are some more details from some questions asked by Cindy Judge, which were answered by the Harberts:

1. Did  I hear the refugees or the homeless are coming to Nakuru? Yes, by the thousands.
2. If so, where are the refugee centers around Nakuru, are they tented areas?  Most are staying at the Nakuru Show Grounds.  Some, of course, are staying with friends and relatives.  A few have moved on.  There are towns around, like Molo and Njoro which are also host to the displaced.  I know the AIC churches in those places are hosting people.  Other churches and institutions no doubt are as well.
3. Is there an effort that we can support for relief/emergency food supplies, etc.?  In an update we sent you information how to help through AIM.  All AIM missionaries have access to this crisis fund through Eastern Region. 
4. Is Josephine okay? What is her tribe? her neighbors' tribes?  She is OK.  She lives in a largely Kikuyu community, though there are other tribes mixed in.  There was some tension there, but through her intervention and promoting dialogue through a community meeting, nothing happened. I just got some money for Josephine who is feeding 30 extra displaced children for one month who showed up on the doorstep of their 101 and 84 year old grandparents.  It is (money from) an AIM Project out of Pearl River called Kenya Crisis Fund.  Nearly all the other aid in Kenya is through the Kenya Red Cross.  They are coordinating all the relief efforts. 
5. Is Josephine’s Hope for Life Center secure? Yes.

January 12, 2008

This letter was received from Scott and Barb Harbert, AIM Missionaries from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya on Jan. 12th.

 Greetings from Nakuru, Kenya.

We are happy to report that there has been little violence this week, though it hasn’t stopped completely.   There were smaller scale uprisings, especially on Wednesday after President Kibaki named his cabinet members, leaving out the opposition party that is challenging the election results.  Nakuru, however, was spared for the most part. 

Although spared the violence that many other parts of Kenya have experienced, Nakuru has become the home to thousands and thousands of displaced people.  We visited a home on Wednesday that was host to as many as sixty displaced relatives.  Their stories of their homes being burned and of losing everything they owned were so sad.  The Nakuru Show Grounds is housing as many as 30,000 people.  Many people have donated food and clothes, but pray that Christians will also be allowed to give out Bibles to the many there.  So far we have not been allowed to do so.

Negotiations this week have yet to bring the two differing leaders together; therefore the Opposition has called for mass protests next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  In addition to this, Parliament is set to open this Tuesday.  There is talk that the losing party, which does not recognize the new government, will sit in the seats of the elected government.  All of this could make an already bad situation more tense.  Do pray.

The majority of Kenyans want to get on with their lives, businesses, and schools.  The economic fallout of this has been devastating on the Kenyan economy in every sector, especially on the poorest of the poor. 

Rift Valley Academy is still scheduled to open Saturday, January 19, although a lot will depend on the mass rallies and the response of the public to the opening of Parliament.  The school had to cancel the Junior and Senior Interim Week that is normally held later this school term.  This, of course, is a disappointment to Jeff, who was looking forward to studying Reef Ecology on the Mombasa coast.  The boys are also doing homework via email in several of their classes.

All of this is to say, Kenya desperately needs your continued prayers as we go through this weekend and next week. 

Thank you!

Barb and Scott

January 7, 2008

This letter was received from Scott and Barb Harbert, AIM Missionaries from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya on Jan. 7.

Dear family and friends,

It’s Monday in Kenya and, oh, what a difference a week can make.  Over 300 people have died and some 300,000 people have been displaced from their homes, living in fear and mistrust.  Here in Nakuru alone we have thousands staying outdoors in our football stadium and show grounds.  Kenya is indeed facing a humanitarian crisis on top of the political crisis that started this time a week ago.   Every sector of the country is affected by this ongoing crisis, with the poorest of the poor the most affected.

Yesterday the churches were filled with people’s prayers throughout the country.  There has been much more calm in the places where the ethnic violence was the worst— in the slum areas of Nairobi and in Western Kenya.  People are moving about more freely and the transport of everyday commodities like food and fuel has begun, sometimes, though, with police escort.  But the call for rallies continues, the next one for tomorrow.  Many people are still chanting, “No Raila (Odinga), no peace.”

The opposition leader, Mr. Odinga, is open to negotiations led by Ghana’s President Kufuor, which is encouraging as he has continued to uncompromisingly state that the Kibaki government is illegal.  As the second week of 2008 begins, please pray for Kenya to give God first place in their lives – for the fear of God, the listening to Him, and acceptance of His advice.

Let me close this update with these words from Proverbs 1:29-33, “Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.  For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Your prayers are making a difference!

Thank you,

Scott and Barb

Friday, January 4, 2008

This letter was received from Scott and Barb Harbert, AIM Missionaries from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya on Jan. 4.

Dear family and friends,

Thanks for your prayer for Kenya. 

Yesterday the police prevented people from getting into the city center of Nairobi for the mass demonstration so it was called off by the opposition party. Not about to give up, they have rescheduled another demonstration for today.  Pray for peace!  There continues to be violence and unrest in Nairobi and other major towns, particularly among the poorest of the poor.  The Attorney General has called for an independent recount of the national election results.  The leaders are being called upon from inside and outside the country to dialogue.

One group of our missionaries reported that there were thousands of people marching to their small town in Western Kenya for demonstrations.  Thank God, it was peaceful.  A very large convoy of vehicles under police escort from Eldoret arrived in Nakuru with hundreds of displaced people.  Otherwise Nakuru carried on business as usual. However, there is noticeable tension everywhere among the people.

AIC Parkview is part of a community in Nakuru worst affected by violence.  Pastor Maina said only two families came to church on New Years Day, normally a well-attended service.  Josephine is trying to get people from the various groups in her community to dialogue rather than resort to violence.  Pray that the church will be the light of Christ during these dark days. 

RVA has now pushed back the opening of school until Saturday, January 19.  Hopefully this will allow for things to settle down and for travel to be safer.

There are many Kenyans and people like you around the world praying for this country.  Please continue to pray for peace in Kenya and for the leaders that they are willing to dialogue and find a solution about the issue of this election.

Thank you!

All our love,

Scott and Barb

January 3, 2008

This letter was received from Scott Harbert, AIM Missionary from WBC in Nakuru, Kenya on Jan. 3.

“Dear friends and family,

We are continuing to be safe and well in Nakuru.  There is little violence here compared to many other parts of Kenya.  The violence has been limited to a few estates where homes are being burned in vicious night attacks.  Barb met several friends yesterday who said they are sleeping outside to avoid being caught unawares.  I am running point for many of our missionaries in Western Kenya, though, and the news there is much worse.  But for the time being all of them are safe.

Kenya continues to be in serious turmoil.  In the past two days many lives and much property were destroyed due to violence and mayhem.  Over 70,000 people have been displaced from their homes.  It is reported that over 300 people have lost their lives.  In one church alone, 50 people, including children who sought refuge, were burned to death. Barricades have been set up on the roads throughout parts of the country by local gangs in all directions. They demand money for each vehicle that passes through and will kill anyone who belongs to the Kikuyu tribe (the President’s tribe).

The opposition party still refuses to dialogue with the government. They have called for a mass demonstration march in Nairobi today, which they said will be a "prayer meeting,” but the government promises to ban any such activity. We are fearful that such demonstration will instigate more violence across the country.

Peoples everywhere are facing shortages of food and fuel because of the crisis in Kenya.  Other countries in East Africa are really feeling the lack of these things as they depend on Kenya, especially for fuel.  RVA is meeting tomorrow to discuss whether or not to open school on Monday; it is likely they will delay for another two weeks.

Other Kenyan leaders, including political and church leaders, are calling on international intervention and peace keeping help.  But so far the two major players, the “elected” President and the opposition leader, who didn’t get elected, are at a stand-off and not speaking to one another.  Both of these leaders represent the two largest ethnic groups across Kenya--and these groups are fighting each other across the country.

Please pray:

1. that there will be peace across the country and that the demonstration will not take place today.

2. that God will change the hearts of the leaders and that they will start talking and come to a resolution.

3. for peace to come very soon to Kenya and that the violence, riot, and killing will end.

4. for safety for those who have been displaced and made homeless. Many of them have to walk for miles seeking shelter while fearing for their lives. Many have not had food or water for days.

5. for comfort to the families of many people who have lost their lives because of senseless killings across the country.

6. for healing and justice to be done.”

Scott Harbert

January 2, 2008

 Kenya Presidential Elections Cause Unrest and Violence     

As we pray for peace to return to Kenya, WBC has been in correspondence with missionaries who serve in Kenya. Some of our missionaries with Africa Inland Mission (AIM) have been forwarding emails from Kenya, one being a local missionary here in Wheaton. Scott and Barb Harbert are checking in and they have contact with other AIM missionaries and some of the African Inland Churches in the north and western regions of Kenya. Steve and Sandi Morad, also with AIM serve in Nairobi with Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology (NEGST). Judy Frey,  our newest missionary to Kenya is still in the U.S. planning on a departure for Litien in late January and has heard from some fellow SIM missionaries in Kenya.  

The following is written from email excerpts of first hand observations that have been coming to us from missionaries working in Kenya:

The Kenya national election results were announced December 30, 2007.  In the late hours of the afternoon, the incumbent, President Kibaki, who had been trailing and losing in 6 of the 8 major regions, was declared the winner, with only a narrow margin over challenger Raila Odinga.  Incumbent President Kibaki was immediately sworn in. Both sides are alleging massive vote rigging by the other side and violence across the country is being incited.

Riots erupted in most of the major towns and cities in Kenya; over 200 are reported killed thus far.  Monday, December 31 was declared another public holiday, with a mandatory curfew across the country, and the government has forbidden the media to give any live coverage of unfolding events.  A number of protest rallies have been scheduled in Nairobi but the area was been secured so that citizens are not permitted downtown.

To explain the violence, it should be stated that it is related also to tribal lines. President Kibaki is a Kikuyu, and Raila Odinga is a Luo. Some deaths are the result of attacks against Kikuyus, especially in Kisumu and Eldoret (near Lake Victoria), but other deaths are from police shooting looters and rioters. Both the U.S. and U.K. are pressuring Kibaki to meet with the opposition.

Rift Valley Academy at Kijabe (between Nairobi and Nakuru) is the largest missionary children’s school in Africa. It is where the Harbert’s sons go to school. It has postponed the school starting date and Scott Theological College, another Africa Inland Mission institution, has done the same. Meanwhile, in certain parts of the country, food and fuel are scarce and in Nairobi it is being reported that all the cell phone cards have been bought up and there is no more supply. It would appear that the fuel shortage could be a great blessing as well as a great hindrance. It is preventing a great deal of travel on the part of those wanting to de-stablize the situation while also making attempts to evacuate folks very difficult.

Pray for victims of violence and families of those who have lost loved ones. Pray also that agencies can get basic supplies to places where people are starving in their own homes. Much of the current unrest is taking place in the Western Area and Scott Harbert is in regular contact with all members in that area.

We have heard that the Christian statesman and pastor, Pastor Oscar Muriu of Nairobi Chapel met with all Nairobi Church leaders for a televised press conference addressing the nation and calling for peace. They initiated a 4 pronged approach:

Political - address the political impasse. They're intensely pursuing a meeting with the two rival presidential candidates today and every day until they get it.

 

Social - churches are opening as places of refuge and receiving donations of blankets, food, and water and distributing these to displaced peoples from the slums.

 

Spiritual - calling all believers to fast and pray today and declaring Sunday a national day of prayer.

 

Seeking to address the nation publicly via the media

World Relief Kenya is working with local churches and the World Relief Disaster Response team to put together a plan to respond to some of the many needs that have arisen out of the unrest.

If you’d like to learn more, you can find recent reports at the following addresses:

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/world/africa/index.html 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7166932.stm 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7168580.stm