6 January 2008

Hello everyone,

     We wanted to write and give an update on the situation in Nairobi, Kenya.  Most of you have probably seen and heard about all of the killings, looting and violence that has happened all over Kenya.  We have been safe in our neighborhood and our co-workers in Kamulu have also been protected.  The riots and problems have been terrible and We never expected it to escalate so quickly and so violently.  The voting for the new president was done on a Thursday and it was peaceful.  However, the presidential election results were delayed until Sunday and this caused suspicion of vote rigging.  The  presidential results were not announced until Sunday afternoon.  Presidential Kibaki was announced as the winner in spite of complaints from the opposition and some evidence of vote rigging. 

      In Nairobi most of the problems have happened in slum areas which are crowded with people living in poverty and their surrounding neighborhoods.  We have not been able to travel to the areas where we work due to the unrest and violence. We do not know how all of the unrest has affected the street kids in Eastleigh.  We have heard of a number of deaths that have occurred there. It breaks our hearts not be in touch with them and know of their well-being. We have had to place each of them in the Lord's hand for protection. Our cell phones have enabled us to be in touch with our MITS co-workers at Kamulu (which is located outside of the city by several miles) and the brethren in Eldoret.  The Kenyans have always expressed concern for our safety and well being.

    Eldoret has been one of the most affected areas.  We lived and worked there for 12 years.  There are over 100 Churches of Christ in the area of Eldoret.  In Eldoret much of the violence was directed towards other tribes living in the area who are not from the Kalenjin community and many of the 'warriors' were brought in from unknown communities.  The Christians have done an amazing job of living out their faith during these trying times.  When the other tribes needed assistance the Kalenjin brothers and sisters have tried to help them by offering refuge, shelter and mediation.  There have been truly unbelievable atrocities taking place.  We have not yet heard of any church members in the Eldoret area who have been killed.  Thousands upon thousands are suffering as they have had to flee their homes and seek shelter at churches, police stations, stadiums and forests.  Some of the Eldoret church members are offering assistance to the brethren in these situations.

     There have been shortages of food, gasoline, telephone credit, cash and others items. We were fortunate to have had plenty of these items on hand. The banks have been closed and the ATM machines were occasionally working but were drained of funds quickly.  However, some of the banks and ATM machines are up and running now. 

     Almost every major town in the country has been rocked with violence.  The Kikuyu dominated areas have experienced very little violence.  This is because they are not upset with the election results because President Kibaki is from the Kikuyu community.

      We thank you for every prayer offered on this diverse country's behalf. Prayers are being answered by our Lord. Deep wounds have been created between tribes and our prayer is for miraculous healing and forgiveness to come over these beautiful souls. Thank you for prayers.

7 January 2008

I was in Eastleigh this morning with the MITS team.  We made one visit to the bases to see and pray for the homeless there.  Fortunately they are all well; they did not have any more struggles this past week except for their normal struggles of living on the streets.  We prayed with them and encouraged them.  While we were there, we got news of 4 thieves being killed by the police this morning at Mlango Kubwa.  As we continuted to talk Anthony and Kennedy got a bit nervous and suggested we go back to the Eastleigh center and not make any more visits. 
     Before I left Eastleigh I got a message from a friend working in Mlango Kubwa; he said there were thousands at the police station who have been chased away from their homes.  They are afraid to go back to their houses.
    I got home safely.  I have heard from another friend Kim Pace who works at Brackenhurst.  She said the Kikuyus who were evacuated from Eldoret and the surrounding area were taken to the police station at Limuru.  As the locals (Kikuyus) saw their people and heard of all they had suffered they decided to chase away all of the Luos in the area.  There are many Luos who work at the Bata factory and other places.  It appears that revenge is now being carried out. 
    Raila Odinga has cancelled the rally that was to take place in Nairobi tomorrow.
    I was only able to speak to Anthony about his stress briefley because they wanted me to get out of Eastleigh quickly.  He said he is still suffering with the shaking problem in the evenings.

    Well, that is all from here for now.

    Keep praying,  Larry