Day of Rest and Prayer

Not much news to report. It has been a quiet day in Nairobi. Thankfully, this was largely a day of prayer in many places here. I know that there are prayers being said across the world for Kenya and the people here.

Much media attention is being focused on the different sides and what they mean by compromise. While they both say they are committed to reconciliation and peace, they still seem to be quite far apart in their expectations for how that will happen. There are many statements being made to the press, and we hope that it will turn into meaningful dialogue. There is some indication that talks for peace will continue with the help of outside sources from the US and the African Union.

It has been shocking to us to see the change in Kenya from just two weeks ago. Friends who live in other areas of town have had witnessed some of the trouble. They live in areas that are close to the pathways of demonstrations and have had to stay in their houses for several days because of the conflict. One of these families let their two children stay with us for the night last night. They are close friends with our children. It was nice for them to be away from their houses, but Horace’s friend was sick this morning. They have returned home, and we pray all will be peaceful around their house. They actually live across the street from an Ethiopian restaurant that we frequent, so it has been a bit odd to consider that a “bad” part of town.

Calls for humanitarian aid have been made for Kenya. We are only just beginning to realize what the needs will be in some areas, but the main issues seem to be supplies of food, water and medical supplies. There are many that have been displaced from their homes. I have read that there are over 5,000 refugees who have entered Uganda from Western Kenya. In order for this aid to be distributed properly, there must be some sense of peace and security for the aid workers. We pray that they will be able to carry out these missions without interference. We are also praying about the best way for Planting Faith to respond to the crisis and how we can best serve the people here.


Blessings,
Anne