Thank you for all our friends who were concerned and praying for us
during this very difficult time in Kenya.
Since the elections on December 27, 2007, Kenya has become so chaotic.
It seems that ethic unhappiness had been secretly festering during
peaceful times, has found an outlet in post-election mayhem. More than
1,000 have died, 300,000 displaced and millions of dollars in property
and businesses had gone up in smoke - all these in just one month.
The terrible tales of destruction and killings were all so
unbelievable. Those who managed to escape ethnic persecution had been
scattered and camping in police stations, churches and stadiums.
Because of poor medical support, sanitation and lack of food, many
people are really suffering.
Our local church, Karura Community Church, has received more than 200
people and they camped at the church compound. Fed and attired with
donated food and clothing, they lived in tents so they can temporarily
survive. They have lost everything, their houses burnt down with no
livelihood anymore. I have gone round collecting old clothes and
blankets and other donations from people I know, so as to help in some
small ways. The Chinese church has risen to the occasion to give
support by asking for special donations during this Chinese New Year
Celebrations for the displaced people. They matched dollar for dollar
for every amount they received. On top of that they have connected with
a local church to support 5 – 10 families until they got back on their
feet. It is beautiful to see how
unselfish they are and how they have learned to love others because of
Christ.
“He
that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of
living water.”
John 7:38
These are terrible times in Kenya but the way God is using His people
to reach out to the hurt and suffering people is truly unprecedented.
Groups of pastoral staff of various denominations had come together,
traveling to spread the message of peace. Mega churches had put aside
all their ministries to concentrate on helping the displaced. Funds are
pouring in to rebuild the churches that have been destroyed (AOG alone
reported 98 churches countrywide that had been destroyed, burned down
or looted). We do not know why only churches are attacked. Even those
hiding in churches are burnt to death. One catholic priest was pulled
out of his car (still wearing his robes) and killed. But not a single
mosque was touched. There is a serious spiritual battle going on over
Kenya.
In the midst of all these, we are doing OK. School stops and starts and
even John’s work is affected at times. We live in an area which is very
safe and there are contingency evacuation plans in place from John’s
company as well as the Malaysian Embassy. Only foodstuff have gone up
in price and traveling within the Nairobi is also restricted. Every now
and then, we hear there is fighting in this or that area, we either
stay at home or avoid those areas. I must say we are veterans by now,
having lived in third world countries. Generally, we do not live in
fear but are otherwise cautious.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our family.
