Kenya Needs Our Prayers

Ginny's dad's family has a long history of faithful missionary service all over the world. One of his first cousins has lived in central Mexico for over 30 years, while many others are scattered all over the world. Mark Dye and his family are living and serving in Kenya and have been reporting on the status there since the conflicts began in response to the controversial presidential race. Please note today's update from Mark & his wife:

Hello Friends,
 
Following the initial upheaval and violence that rocked the country after the
election dispute, which made headlines around the world, there's probably been a
lull in news from Kenya.  I would guess Kofi Annan's arrival made the news, with a
lot of people in the country pinning their emotional hopes on the ability of his
team to work out an agreement between the two main parties. 
 
What we had feared would happen, but did not see initially, was the Kikuyus rising
up to avenge the deaths and destructions brought against them.  This weekend
Kikuyus in Nakuru and Naivasha, places that were relatively unaffected by the
initial violence, erupted in reprisals against Luos, Luhyas and Kalenjins.  More
than 60 have died in the hostilities.  What was initially seen as a response to
the disputed elections, albeit targeted towards one ethnic group, has now moved 
into a new level of hostility.  It could begin a cycle of fresh violence of one
side retaliating towards the other, perpetuating the cycle. 
 
Please pray that a spirit of rationality would replace the one of irrationality;
that a spirit of acceptance and love would replace one of anger and hate; that the
spirit of revenge would be replaced by the Spirit of peace. Yesterday I attended a
Rally for Peace sponsored by one of the key church leaders I work with. Over 100
pastors attended, with several hundred others also there.  There were men and
women representing the tribes in the center of the upheaval, worshipping and
praying together, asking forgiveness of one another, weeping and even dancing
together.  The Spirit of the Lord was there, and it demonstrated what the love of
God can do in the hearts of people.  A special guest was the pastor of the church
that was burned in early January, in which 35 people died, mostly women and
children.  The pastor was beaten outside the church and left for dead. He had a
difficult time speaking, as his jaw had been broken and he lost 8 teeth. But it
was moving when a key Kalenjin church leader, in front of the entire congregation,
begged forgiveness on behalf of his people. Later, I had supper w/ the pastor and
heard him recount his story first hand.  I'm still reeling a bit from the account.
 
Pray for the top leaders to have the humbleness and humility required to reach an
agreement that could hopefully bring peace to this nation.  It's not the top
leaders who are suffering - it's the average Kenyan.  And pray earnestly that the
cycle of revenge will be stopped, and people can view one another as fellow 
Kenyans, not according to tribe.
 
We continue to feel safe, but also sense the spirit of unease pervading the land.
We receive regular updates from the US Embassy and monitor radio and TV reports.
Thank you for your prayers on behalf of this nation.  Please continue. 
 
In His peace,
Mark and Annemarie

Please join us in praying for peace and reconciliation in Kenya.