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Violence in Kenya

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As you may know, Kenya has been in crisis since the election in December. From what we are hearing from our friends, the reports in the news are only the tip of the iceberg. As one pastor said to me today, "If there was ever a time we needed your help, that time is now."

We want to stand with our brothers and sisters in Kenya in this serious time. Kenya is a country near and dear to my heart. It is where I lived for many years and where I started my ministry. For over 20 years, Teamwork Ministries has sent teams to Kenya to train and equip believers. Many of you have been on these trips and have developed a heart for Kenya as well.

Our associates and friends in Kenya are now in serious crisis. Please pray for them, especially Pastors Ibrahim and Diane Omondi and Bishop Joseph and Jane Kamau. Here are some excerpts from their emails to me:

From Nairobi: Jan. 28

The situation here is getting worse, and seems to be threatening to spin out of control. Violence is escalating, most seriously in Nakuru and Naivasha with renewed incidents in Kisumu, Eldoret and Molo. Matunda is also now a problem with a lot of violence. Death tolls are rising by the hour. We have been praying against a spin-off of revenge and counter-revenge, but this cycle seems to have started. This is very dangerous for the nation.

The problem is not really about the elections any more. Of course that was the "trigger." Yes, it was the "straw" (or maybe the "stick"?) that "broke the camel's back." . . . Whatever the case, the situation is degenerating fast.

We have seen, among Christians, a sincere heart of repentance. This is a time when the body of Christ will have to be humbled, stand in the gap and plead for mercy, since the only other approach we see around us is pride and hate.

NAKURU UNDER SIEGE - Jan 28

Nakuru Town, the fourth largest town in Kenya, has been under siege for three days (Jan25-27). . . . murders, violence, burning of houses and vehicles has destroyed our social-economic life.

Yesterday being a Sunday, some churches did not open while others had less than 10% attendance. Our church, for example, had about 100 people while we are at least 1500 on any Sunday. The Sunday service was tense as police shot dispersing youths that were threatening to enter the church and attack some worshippers (from what they perceived to be a hostile community). Their intentions were thwarted and we are grateful to God. Just three days ago they had hacked a man to death as he passed by our church. On Saturday they wanted to kill another passerby, but this time I was around the church and after I pleaded with them, they let the man go. I have not seen this kind of hatred.

Some members of our Church have relocated to a safer area, salvaging nothing since their homes were razed to the ground. Others that were doing small businesses had their merchandise burned if not looted. So far, we know two members of our church have been murdered.

Since three days ago there seems to be a lot of bitterness for what is happening. The spirit of vengeance is escalating the chaos we have been experiencing. For three days 80-100 have been hacked down with machete or shot by an arrow. Numerous houses have been burned down.

We are praying for peace so that we can resume our normal life. Since Friday every activity in the town was grounded; no education, no business, no church, etc. Today, the town is tense and prays that there is no more chaos.

Transportation has been hectic owing to illegal road barricades erected by militias obstructing even Red Cross vehicles from going to the areas of their opponents.

Help us to pray against the spirit of vengeance and also for the safety of our pastors as some have been displaced or temporarily taken refuge somewhere. When the situation in the country stabilizes I think we will need a seminar on dealing with trauma.

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Some of you have asked how you can help. If you want to share the burden, please send checks to Teamwork marked for: Kenya Crisis. At Teamwork, we are opening an account for Kenya relief into which we will accept donations for at least six months. I will be leaving in two weeks to take these funds to needy pastors so they can help their congregations and their communities and so I can assess the situation myself. We will keep you posted as to what is happening.

Please pass this word along to any churches and individuals that can help. We will let you know what we have collected and how the money is dispatched. The money will go directly to the people in need. This is a time for action!

May God Bless You,

Dr. John N. Chacha