From the BBC News Service - 3-14-08
Mass arrests of Kenya militiamen
>Political and land rivalries have reinforced each other this year
Some 189 people have been arrested during a week-long crackdown on an armed militia in western Kenya.
Local official Abdul Mwasera said they were in custody and would be charged after investigations are complete.
The army was sent to track down members of the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SDLF) but some locals have complained that innocent people had been targeted.
The land dispute around Mt Elgon has left 800 people dead in the past year and is separate from poll violence.
The Kenyan military has sealed off the area and residents say helicopters have been pounding caves in the dense forests believed to be the militia's hideout.<
Good friends from the states are on Mt. Elgon this week. Their primary work for The Lord is there. Through violence that would have kept so many others away... they chose to go. Please keep them in your prayers.
Most people on the planet will never go... never hear of Mt. Elgon or her people. We have sweet memories of being welcomed there with open arms. We experienced a day of music and sharing beneath the eucalyptus trees that was just a step away from Heaven.
Now so many are stepping into their eternity... in such violent fashion.
Each time I see a photo with a man shooting an arrow at another in anger I feel a little guilty. Every trip we've taken to Kenya, good friends have purchased bows and arrows off the backs of tribesmen for just a few dollars. A Pokot made bow and arrows hang on the walls of our offices at church that I brought home. I've stood and watched in awe as hunters have fired the things with great accuracy up to 100 yards. As deadly as any gun on the planet at that range... more deadly when tipped with local poisons. Many have died from them since the elections.
Good friends, like so many others with a heart for healing, are risking their lives this week to bring God's Love, His Peace to the outer most reaches of Kenya. Please keep them in your prayers.
Pray for the people of Mt. Elgon. People on each side of the dispute. Pray that God would bring healing grace that will be an example to all the people of the world. Jesus sometimes does His best work in parts of the planet ignored by most. He can do a great work on this great mountain with her great people.
Pray for Mt. Elgon. People are hiding in caves that once sheltered - many still shelter - the smaller, more violent forest elephants. The trees harbor shy and elusive leopards. Fighting destroys their ecosystem- shatters human life -and the innocent wildlife suffer the violent byproduct of the fighting.
Pray for peace... God's peace. His eye is on the sparrow and He's not forgotten all that's happening on Mt. Elgon.
heal Your land oh Lord,
Eric
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Kenya: Nakuru Park goes up in flames
Posted on Monday 25 February 2008 - 09:31
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AfricaNews editorProfile2108 messages
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Dennis Itumbi, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenyan Tourism got yet another major blow when Wild fire destroyed thousands of acres of pasture and vegetation at the world famous Lake Nakuru National Park Friday.
The fire which police said was accidental is said to have started in the late hours of Thursday night and burnt for the entire day.
However, residents claim that an arson attack that was carried out at the Lord Delamere Soysambu ranch on Wednesday spread to the park causing damage estimated to be worth millions of shillings.
Rift Valley Provincial Police Officer Joseph Ashimala deployed hundreds of regular police, administration police, GSU personell, forest guards, park wardens and the Kenya army to fight the fire that rapidly spread through the park famously known as the "Bird watcher's paradise".
Clouds of smoke could be seen from miles away as the forces fought a losing battle to quell the fire.
Wildlife at the park started fleeing as early as Thursday night and by Friday afternoon, hundreds of gazelles, impalas, buffaloes, hyenas, wilderbeasts, antelopes and giraffes had converged at the shores of Lake Nakuru.
The forces had a particularly hard time in fighting the fire as the only fire engine that once belonged to the Municipal council of Nakuru was set ablaze when post election violence erupted in Nakuru on January 25.
However, a fire engine from the Armed Forces Training College (AFTC) in Lanet was immediately dispatched to help in the fire fighting efforts.
The fire engine was used to ensure that the fire did not spread to either the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or the Lake Nakuru Lodge two of the tourist hotels inside the park.
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In the weeks since violence and chaos dragged Kenya down into it's current state of confusion, fear and destruction I've had more people tell me what we CAN'T do at a time like this... we CAN'T get involved with their internal politics, we CAN'T fix the situation, we CAN'T take a group into this kind of situation, we CAN'T begin to understand the reasons behind the rage, killing, chaos... we CAN'T... I've never been very good at can't... but I understand and even agree with the reasoning behind some of these "can'ts."
Kenya's graciously welcomed us into their arms, the people have humbled us with their hospitality and love, from the heart of Nairobi to the heart of rural communities we could have only found with the help of those willing to take us in... from crusades in parking lots and pastor's conferences in churches to preaching in prisons and doing our best to share hope in refugee camps... we've been greeted with open arms and left for home with more invitations to return than we can ever respond to... God is so very good... it's made it so incredibly hard to know what to do at a time like this in the life of Kenya and her people.
First time I saw one of the little upside down baskets, in the photo above, I thought it was some kind of primative trap. Couldn't have been more wrong. It's easy to see something and jump to the totally wrong conclusion. Then we spent some time in a little community in W. Pokot, built together, planted and used these little home made hedges to protect the new plants from hungry goats and other creatures. They're protection for young plants giving them the opportunity to outgrow the local animals that will feed on almost any growing thing.
Looking at the photo this morning, I realized what we could all be doing for our friends in Kenya: praying God's protective hedge around them... all of them.
I know it's not exactly revolutionary insight... we've all been in prayer. Let's pray that God builds a protective covering around the country, keeping positive growth in and negative forces out. Let's pray that God protects them from forces of anger, hate and revenge that's eating away at the new community of "Kenyans" who look to Christ for salvation, shelter and hope. Together we can pray that God, The Great Gardener, watches over the good growth and repels all those who would tear it down.
Let's pray a protective hedge around Kenya today... all of Kenya.
I continue to get invitations to return... thanks to each of you... not sure when it'll be, until then, I'm praying protection over you all.
blessings,
Eric
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It's the children who suffer... couldn't agree with this joint statement of NGO's working in Kenya more. Pray for all those working to protect the welfare of children in Kenya today.
blessings,
Eric
Statement released by members of Child Line Kenya on the situation of children
While politicians dispute, people demonstrate and security forces battle on the streets, it is the children of Kenya who have the most to lose.
Thousands of innocent children are suffering in displacement camps or on the streets, lacking the basic essentials of food, warmth and security - the right of every child.
Camping in the open, they are susceptible to sickness but lack access to basic health care. Many are prey to sexual exploitation and abuse, because their parents, killed or lost in the post-election chaos, cannot protect them. Traffickers become the next danger.
Some have been traumatised by watching their parents, siblings, friends and neighbours murdered with machetes, or gang raped. Others have been raped themselves. Who will comfort them when they go to sleep tonight?
Riots bring further danger. At least one child has been killed as he innocently played with friends - playing being the right of every child. More have been maimed in the cross fire. And, unless they are allowed to return to school, many will lose the chance of economic prosperity that is also their right.
The children of Kenya are not the future - they are the present. If we do not protect them today they will have no tomorrow. For their own social and economic stability they must be allowed to live as children again. We call on the Government of Kenya and all responsible parties involved in the current dispute to remember that children have the most to lose and to take the necessary measures to protect and care for them, so that they can enjoy the respect, security, love and dignity that is their undisputed right.
Statement released by members of Childline Kenya : SOS Children's Villages Kenya, Childline Kenya, Goal Kenya, Plan International Kenya, The Cradle, Hope World Wide, Kuna Tumaini Counselling Centre, Children's Legal Action Network (CLAN), ICT Policy Centre, Shangilia Mtoto wa Africa, Bosco Boys, Gender Violence Recovery Centre of Nairobi Women's Hospital, Naivasha Community Project
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Took this photo out the window of our van one afternoon on the mara. It came out looking airbrushed... but it's untouched... just a big old lion, looking regal, strong- afternoon wind blowing the tall grass -a great symbol for all of Kenya... resting, giving us little or no thought. Each time I've seen wildlife it's been from a safe, protected position. I don't know what it's like to live in fear of an animal like this, can't begin to imagine it. I was frightened getting stuck in a huge rainstorm, safely in our van, yet surrounded by a large pride of lions. The prospect of getting out to push our way through the mud, through the lions... well... let's just say we were thankful that the roar of a stalled engine won out over the roars of hungry lions!
Sometimes things shut down... and then begin to work again... just when we need them.
My Kenya blog was down throughout most of the elections and the following violence. At the time I was frustrated, feeling as if I had no voice... no way to convey my love to so many of you facing life challenges in Kenya. In retrospect, it seems that all things work together for good... Sometimes we can say things that don't need to be said. Say things that in retrospect and reflection we might wish had gone unspoken. Heat, emotions, fear, uncertainty... each of them can push our buttons... even from afar.
I want to learn the lesson of The Lion: not the one in the photo, or even the symbol of Kenya, but The Lion of Judah; Jesus. Today I'm thankful for the downtime during the crisis. Thankful for my forced time in reflection. Thankful that God's reminded me that He's in control- in the darkest moments of life. He's in control today: here in California, in Kenya... He's in control. We can trust Him: all things work together for good for those who love God and live according to His purposes. I'm trusting Him for the peace and safety of Kenya today. I'm trusting Him to guide my steps when it's time for me to act. I'm trusting Him for peace.
May His Peace surround you in all you do today,
Eric
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Two weeks from today, January 13, 2008, I was to preach in a thriving church in the heart of Nairobi. We were excited about visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. Last week the church was burned to the ground. The pastor lost his home and all their personal belongings. Many families... like tens of thousands across Kenya... have taken losses that will take years to rebuild. Unles The Lord intervenes- I won't be in Kenya in the next two weeks, possibly not for months to come. Seems impossible.
I don't understand the social/political issues tearing Kenya apart today- not well enough to comment on them. I understand being angry, feeling cheated, like the bottoms fallen out on our hopes and dreams... people everywhere know pain. Mostly right now I just feel so far away from people I love. People I was looking forward to sharing a cup of tea with. A community that's opened their arms to us with a gentle embrace... and I'm heart broken for their losses and praying for healing.
To my friends in Kenya- I love you, we'll be together soon, hold on to hope... hold on to The Lord. He'll never let go of you... even when His church is burning. Pray that He'll open the door for us to be together again soon. Know that we're praying for peace.
much love and many prayers,
Eric
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http://allafrica.com/stories/200708241090.html
One of the highlights of our first trip to Kenya was the drive from Nairobi to Kitale. Each turn held a new discovery: from the vistas stretching out across the Great Rift Valley as we left Nairobi, to the incredible shades of millions of pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru, to construction rest stops- thick with baboons fighting for the trash thrown off by passersby… it’s an embrace by Kenya not soon forgotten. It’s a long drive. The road is sub-standard and under repair. Those who travel to Kitale more often than we do- fly to Eldoret, to avoid the hassle. Sitting in my office just now, the drive in sounds like a dream, surrounded by all I know so well and far from the fond memories of those long, dusty, bumpy rides… makes me want to return just to cross the country.
The article, in the link above, was in today’s news: it seems more controversy’s brewing over the repair to the Nairobi/Eldoret roadway. Nakuru is a beautiful city beside the lake, just off the main road. The road through Nakuru has numerous historic points of interest, however, to the casual traveler, what stand out are the thousands of Jacaranda trees. In dry season they provide shade for weary workers and travelers- in spring, beautiful purple flowers welcome all who pass by. I can’t imagine anyone cutting these gorgeous trees down- but that’s what’s happening.
Growing up in Long Beach, California, Jacaranda’s were a part of our landscape. They scatter the city and make a mess as their blossoms fade and fall. But on the streets that are lined with the trees- one street is lined for over a mile with them –people take pride in their beauty. Nakuru’s trees are so much bigger and they line the city streets for miles. Some were planted before independence; other’s by Kenyatta himself, others by his wife and hundreds of trees put in the hard ground by good working people with a vision of miles of blossoms… miles of shade… a living invitation to their home… something to set them apart from other growing cities in the valley.
Now they’re being cut down to make a road more passable… short sighted construction at best. Kenya has huge problems. The coming elections are bringing many to light. But Kenya is also filled with people of hope, beauty and fellowship- community’s who appreciate simple things: like trees planted by those who’ve gone before us and now leave a memory in all who pass by.
I’ve made fun of the ongoing construction on the Nairobi/Eldoret roadway. I’ve complained about the bumps, ruts, mud and general neglect that hamper ease of travel. I’ve always looked forward to that oasis moment, the streets lined with Jacaranda’s, our brief time in Nakuru… in fact I’ve made it a detour in sunshine and rain: someday I plan on hanging out there for awhile. When I do, I hope the streets are lined with shade giving trees, each with their own story, giving rest to the weary… I’ll gladly suffer the bumps through that section of town.
This Beautiful Photo taken on The Shores of Lake Nakuru
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I spoke with our daughter Julia last night. Their trip to Rwanda was an incredible success and they’ve now begun their work in Kenya. One of the concerns we face each time we go to Africa is what we’ll do if someone gets sick… it happened in Rwanda and the someone was my sister Kathleen. She was able to get medical treatment in Kigali but unfortunately was forced to cut her trip short, returning to the US with her husband, leaving her children, now adults, and Julia, behind. Pray for her continued healing. Pray also for Phil, Erica and Pat, who I’m sure are each worried about their mom in the midst of being excited about their work in Kitale.
Sad news was that David, owner of the camp we’ve stayed at in Mariche Pass, while working in W. Pokot, was killed in an auto accident recently. Hard to imagine that with all the miles we log on our freeways each day, while David’s working a lifetime away from the nearest freeway or traffic jam in one of the most remote places on the planet, could die while traveling around Kitale. He and his wife Hadat have always been gracious hosts and welcomed us in whether we had reservations or not; their generosity to so many will not go unrewarded.
David was very good at sharing the stories of the wilderness over a cup or chai late into the night or a bowl of ugi in the morning. He had ventured into a desert region and set up his little outpost as an academic research station used by universities and educators from around the world. In an area with almost none of the creature comforts of modern society he had created a little oasis beside the river that enabled groups like ours to work on the edge of a frontier that would have been otherwise completely out of reach.
It wasn’t modern… not by a long shot… the only electricity during dinner, from one small generator and that only when they had diesel. Oil burning lanterns were left each night at the doorstep of thatched huts we slept in for those willing to brave a walk in the dark to find an outdoor latrine, (David’s advice was to stay as close to the hut’s step as possible after dark and just go!). And wonderfully powerful cold water outdoor showers, in the midst of the desert, shaded by giant acacias filled with monkeys, curious and laughing from above.
In February of this year we were there during a wind storm that blew lanterns and anything else not tied down clear out of the grounds… fortunately there was only one other guest and all was well. Last October we received over two inches of rain while we were trying to sleep… the most they’d had in decades in their parched part of the planet… and our thatched roof leaked life a sieve. David greeted us in the morning with a smile, fresh from measuring the new rainfall and checking it against records, anxious to share the blessings. Rain in the desert can save entire communities.
Every visit to Mariche Pass held adventure and David helped make each of them possible. It’s going to be a much lonelier planet without him on it. I was fortunate to not just know him, but to call him a friend. He extended his arms to strangers, developed pre-school programs for tribal children, facilitated the building of medical clinics and schools in rural villages that had never received modern medical support and so much more. He was well known, well loved by people in the region and by those of us who travel to lonely places in Kenya and he’ll be greatly missed. Please keep his wife Hadat, the staff of Mariche Pass, his son who’s traveled from England to help in this time and all those they employed, educated and undergirded with their work in your prayers.
Characters: David was definitely one of them and Kenya, as well as the world, has lost a bit of its character with his passing.
I’ll miss him.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/avdb/news/w ... 6x9_bb.asx
A letter came in the mail this week from a friend in Kenya. It’s always fun getting mail from other countries. The three stamps, 1, 35KSH and 2, 30KSH, are beautiful: one has a picture of a coconut, the other two of “groundnuts,” that look just like peanuts. Opening it, reading the greetings, the few lines to catch me up to speed and the plea for help, the cry for money… I thought of this friend… and I remembered Kenya. Not the Kenya filled with violence reported almost daily internationally, but the Kenya filled with friends and I realized how deeply I miss them, how I miss our work, still in its infancy and how much I’d forgotten about this land and these people we’ve come to love.
Local news doesn’t cover so much of the world we care about; places we’ve come to love and have invested our hearts and ministry in. Last year violence erupted in the community around our children’s home in Mexico. Local police were kidnapped and decapitated by drug lords. Fear and tensions ran high. It barely made the news, even here in Southern California, just minutes away. Entire communities could die off- some communities ARE dying off –in Kenya, and we’ll not hear about it. I’d like to think that it has more to do with our busy lives and just not having time for an entire world’s worth of news… but then Paris Hilton captures world headlines… for no particularly good reason and I’m reminded of how easy it is to not just forget Kenya, but to ignore her completely.
The letter came from a man who’s headmaster of a little private school in a small community. He dreams of completing his education- he doesn’t have a college degree and he wants one desperately. His work hasn’t required it. It’ll cost more money than he’ll ever recoup in salary but he dreams of a greater education: he loves math. He’s been accepted to a university- he sent his acceptance letter and tuition needs… and asked for my help. I’m praying he sent it to several dozen other friends as well- praying that someone is able to come along side him and scholarship his entire education –he’s worthy. He’s one of so many needs in Kenya that cross my desk on a regular basis. Now they have names, pretty stamps, hand written requests… each one touches my heart, most, never even receive a reply, much less any money.
The letter closes with regards to friends that have visited the school with me in the past, an invitation to those planning our trip this August led by Pastor Ken, a reminder of his desire to begin an exchange program with teachers from the US and finally, blessings and prayers: he closes the letter simply- “from your brother.”
“Your brother…” and my heart is stirred again to remember- I’ve been warmly embraced and welcomed into communities that had no reason to love and welcome me- and yet they did. I’ve sat with the staff of this school and led an impromptu in service for her instructors- my first career was as an educator –and their commitment, their desire to serve and see the best in each of their students, inspired me. I’ve stood on the simple soil- wind blown, barren and dry –and in the wet season, grass tall, green and beautiful, just to play and celebrate life with their students. I have a debt to pay for their love, a debt to pay for their open arms, a debt to pay… and so I write… and pray… “Our Father,” that I might never forget my brother, who in his simple surroundings, prays for me, saves his shillings, sends a letter reaching out and hopes that I might be the one who can help in his time of need.
Elections are coming in Kenya. Violence is moving through her communities. Lines are being drawn and lives are being lost. In the midst of it all there are dreamers, believing that something better is out ahead of them. They’re willing to do the work but they need someone ready to help them pay the price. If you’d like to help, click the money button today. I promise to see that a man worthy of our support is lifted up and when we lift up one brother, we lift up the hopes and dreams of all mankind. Don’t forget Kenya.
Your brother,
Eric
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Kenya has produced the world’s greatest distance runners for decades. They’ve become national heroes and among those of us who run recreationally, a source of constant inspiration. Experts attribute their ability to run great distances at speeds the rest of us can barely maintain on a bicycle to a collection of factors, number 1 among them being Kenya’s great altitude; most of the populated areas of Kenya are well above 5,000 feet, usually followed by a running tradition that has taken on a “snowball” effect among the general population. The same way kids from my generation wanted to play ball because of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Sandy Koufax. Larger than life heroes drew us in to a sport we might otherwise have only paid casual attention to. The great Kenyan runners are considered great- not just because they’re fast- but because when they earned success on the international stage they never forgot Kenya. They took pride in being what we call them: Kenyan runners.
They run fast- but they don’t run away.
Everyone in Kenya knows how easy it would be for them to run away from their home country. Lord knows there’s reason enough… but when they run… they run for Kenya, not from Kenya. That said, to introduce an email I received this week from a friend who pastors in Nairobi. This man is part of a group of pastors serving some of the poorest people on the planet in conditions most in the states will never see and can’t imagine.
THE EMAIL
Just imagine pastor
How people are killing one another in Kenya for nothing. We have seen things that are putting this nation in fear. Many people have been killed through tribal clashes on Mt. Elgon. My pastor you could not bear to see people who lived together fighting. And not only there- but all the slums in Nairobi. We are in prayers. Remember many people have no houses, children no schooling. Burning of houses created nakedness to many families.
Your coming this time must take you more days to visit with any support to them. NO more death recorded. Last week was 240 Mt. Elgon, Molo 139, Nairobi slums 65. The most affected are those.
We thank God your words to pastors were not in vain because now we are praying together. Unity is there now. We can pray together now and work in unity. When you come it will be better now. WE shall have revival and a conference together. All our church members need to hear that. All have agreed that.
This pastor, along with his brother’s and sister’s in the ministry, are watching an already bad situation in their country, get worse. Tribalism, or the return of first loyalty to a person’s tribe and away from their patriotism to Kenya, is on the rise. And it’s not just in rural areas like Mt. Elgon: it’s in the heart of Nairobi, in Molo, a city that we’d consider close enough to be a suburb of Nairobi and the fear is that it will continue to spread.
The hope of Kenya rest not with might, but with those who serve The Lord. Those willing to run well the race marked out for us. Those willing to go without fear into places like Molo, where press coverage will not follow and media attention will be scant. The hope of healing Kenya is in her pastors… in her church… in our Lord.
The Good News for Kenya is that her people don’t run away from a problem. While Nike and Adidas poor millions into runners that show promise, comparatively, money and support from the church barely trickles in to meet the needs of pastors of promise. Thousands of leaders are working to leave a lasting impression, not their own, but that of Christ Jesus. Many serve in solitude: walking from one rural community to the next, their very lives a prayer. Others, minister in the midst of the masses, quickly overlooked in their own community, feeling lost, isolated, yet yearning to do something great for God, to serve as an instrument in His Healing Hands. Most are quick to learn and ready to receive all we share with joy and celebration.
We don’t have to go with a solution in order to serve. The people of Kenya are waiting for you and me to come along side them in love, to let them know that they’re not alone in these trying times, to tell them that we won’t run but that we’d love to learn to “run our race to win” side by side, stride by stride, along with them.
Yesterday, May 22, CNN headlined the violence currently spreading across Kenya in a well written article you can find at here: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/05 ... index.html
It’s sad. Makes one want to run. We have a choice- we can run to help, or we can run away. What will you do?
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