Challenging News from Kenya and Change of Plans

First a little background: When we were in Kenya in October, political campaigns were in full swing. We saw two different large rallies for the incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki, and his key rival Raila Odinga. A week or so ago, the elections were held, and the early returns showed the rival Odinga ahead. After some delays, new reports showed the incumbent ahead and President Kibaki's party declared themselves the winners. Obviously, this made the rivals unhappy and suspicious and there is some unrest in the country. One missionary wife in Kenya reports that there has been some violence and some looting, although there have been no election-related deaths reported.

As a result of the unhappiness about the elections, the situation is challenging for ordinary Kenyans and for Nazarene Kenyans and missionaries. The missionaries are staying inside their compound in Nairobi. They report that their street is uncommonly quiet with no sounds of traffic outside.

The picture to the right was taken just outside the Central Church of the Nazarene in Nairobi. We'd ask you to pray for Kenya in general, but especially for the Kenyan Nazarenes and others who live in the slums of Nairobi. Because they don't have refrigerators, they need to shop for groceries every day. With the shops closed because of the unrest, the poor are unable to buy fruit, meat or eggs. Please pray for all of Kenya, for a safe resolution to the election turmoil, and especially for the students and staff of ANU and for the Nazarene missionaries.

Change of plans: We have been monitoring the events in Kenya from our comfortable situation in Ireland. We have felt no waivering of our love for and sense of commitment to Africa Nazarene University or the work of the Lord in Africa. Even so, we received word from our field director, Don Gardener, and from the University Vice Chancellor Leah Marangu that they want us to delay our flight to Nairobi until the unrest stabalizes. Right now we're making alternative plans for a week to ten days. Worse things could happen than being "stranded" temporarily in Europe, but we choose to believe that the creative and redemptive Lord we serve will guide us in turning this surprise into something that benefits the Kingdom. We are safe and warm and dry, but we covet your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Kenya. We'll keep you posted.