I want to encourage you to join with others from our sister churches around the world by setting aside time to pray for peace in Kenya on Friday, January 25.
I recently received this update on the situation in Kenya from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries:“The sky is darkened with smoke, burning cars and tires mark the streets, houses burn too, windows are broken. People with a handful of personal belongings run seemingly aimless through the streets, trying to save their lives as others run and smash everything that is in their way. The sound of sporadic gunshots fills the air. Children cry. Kenya is going through one of its greatest challenges of unrest in the countries history. Nearly 600 people have been killed, and over 250,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced from their homes. They hide in informal settlements, police stations, and churches - without any food.The Church of the Nazarene is heavily affected. As two church members tried to defend a church building they were attacked by looters. One of the members died on the way to the hospital. Nazarene homes were destroyed or burnt down.
Especially hard hit are those involved in our AIDS ministry, which involves taking care of orphans (read more). Some were shot at and hit, others lost their money generating shops and enterprises as they too were burnt down or destroyed. Most of our caretakers do not know how to further feed their orphans as prices for basic food commodities have seen increases of between 200 and 400 percent. An insurmountable obstacle.
Our hearts and prayers go out towards our brothers and sisters in Kenya. With your help, we can bring relief to those who are terribly hurting and show them that they are not forgotten and alone in their darkest hour. On their behalf a big, heartfelt ‘Thank You’ from the NCM office in Africa!” If you wish to make a donation to assist the ministries we support in Kenya, you can do so online at ncm.org or you can drop a check marked “Kenya” in the joy boxes at SFC. If you are unable to pray on Friday, January 25th, please set another time aside to pray. If you have children or grandchildren in your home, this would be a wonderful opportunity to include them in praying for others. I encourage you to pass this along to friends so that they may join us in praying for peace, justice and safety in Kenya. Simply click on the ‘forward email’ link found near the bottom of this email. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to remember those in need in Kenya.
Grace and peace – Jason <><
