Feruary 2008 Update
February 2008
"We've had our heads in the sand."
-- A Kenyan seminary professor
The days after Kenya's national election have been unlike anything Kenyans
have endured since the Mau Mau uprising against Great Britain, in the
1950s. Since the controversial re-election of President of Mwai Kibaki on
December 30, 2007, over 1,000 Kenyans have been killed, including the
assassinations of two Members of Parliament (MP) from the opposition
party. Another half-million have fled their homelands fearing loss of
their lives from the ethnic cleansing.
In trying to grasp motives behind this violent behavior, we've been
talking to people of different tribes and economic class. Some like the
above-quoted professor say Kenyans have known about the potential for
murderous outbreaks but say it's acknowledgement has been largely
suppressed. Others said they knew resentment lurked beneath a nationwide
veneer of calm, but had no idea until now how much anger had been
repressed. Some claim the root of the violence is tribal, but others argue
that the conflict is really about differences in economic class and
long-standing land disputes.
For us, we've been reflecting on our past two years in Kenya. We, too, did
not recognize the depth of resentment, hatred, and lust for vengeance
between rival tribes and the 'haves' and 'have nots'.
Over the last two years, we have heard many charges of tribalism from
those not in power. We've heard many comments stereotyping one tribe or
another. Prior to the crisis, we even experienced on our own compound a
war of words between two men of rival tribes. One claimed the other was
uncircumcised, which is one of the worst accusations imaginable in this
country. By God's grace we were able to prevent a physical conflict.
Those suffering from abject poverty blame wealthy employers who exploit
the desperation of day laborers by paying them shamelessly meager wages..
(How about working 12 hours, 7 days a week, without any breaks, for only
$45/month? If you refuse, the employer can always find some else who is
desperate.)
It's been hard to write these past few weeks. We, who are foreigners, are
riding an emotional rollercoaster. I can't imagine the horror facing the
native-born.
Our hope is building that maybe the immediate crisis is waning, even as a
few acts of violence are still being reported. The whole country is hoping
and praying that Kofi Annan can garner peace.
At Our Home
The Lord has blessed with safety and peace at our current home which now
serves as temporary sanctuary for the internally displaced. Zack and Drew
have moved to our bedroom, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Thanks to
SERV Ministries International (www.servintl.org) and individuals, we were
able to buy these mattresses and extra food.
We've taken in that Borana widow we've written about, along with six of
her eight children. Her oldest two sons (19 & 20 years old) were beaten in
Dagoretti and their business destroyed. They had been supporting their mom
and younger brothers and sisters when possible, but now can't feed
themselves. The oldest will stay for at least a few days at our house to
recover from the wounds of his beating.
We also have taken in a young woman living alone who had been hiding under
her bed each night, in fear of her life. Now we have 16 people living
here.
Zack asked if people would try to kill our family. Of course, we reassured
him this violence is just between Kenyans themselves. But I can only
imagine what mothers of the Kikuyu, Luo, and Kalenjin tribes have to tell
their children each night. It breaks our hearts.
Currently, we have members of the Kikuyu, Borana, Akamba, and Luyah tribes
at our home. In addition, the wrecked truck (long story) of a Luo
tribesman is at our house, dating from the time we received our gift cow
from the future wedding of a Luo and an American. The Luo truck owner
hopes to return to pick his truck after the violence has subsided. For
now, he is holed up in the Luoland of West Kenya, waiting for more
peaceful roads and bus fares to come down.
At our latest Friday Bible study, we taught about conflict and what might
a God-centered response be. We talked too, about how conflict can actually
be an opportunity to glorify God, and create stronger, more genuine
relationships.
Only Through Christ
Thank you for praying! Many have prophesied that Kenya will be the
epicenter of a worldwide revival for Christ. Perhaps the 'thorns' of the
past few weeks will later manifest the 'rose' of that prophecy.
Please continue praying, because revival cannot take lasting hold of a
people hiding their hatred or resentment for one another. And if the
prophesies are true, the rest of the world needs Kenya to spark a revival!
1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait
till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and
will expose the motives of people's hearts. At that time each will receive
his praise from God.
Only Christ Jesus can purify our motives. We are thankful that what has
been hidden in the hearts and minds of Kenyans has now brought to light to
be dealt with, so that hearts can return to the Lord and motives become
pure again.
We ask also that you pray for Christ to grant us discretion and
discernment. We need Him to help us in discerning between cultural
differences that do not impinge the Gospel, from those that clearly
dishonor God and require our boldness to speak as His salt and light.
Pray too that our home continues to be a safe haven in the midst of this
storm. Pray, finally, that our home can be a God-centered and peaceful
example of what the Kingdom of God will be one day when "every people,
tribe, language, and nation" will worship Christ our King!
May God bless Kenya and you, dear friends in Christ.
