Crossinator

The pain and suffering in Kenya does affect us all in some way or another.  The latest story can be found at the NYTimes or any other news source.  The news at best is mixed. 

Below is an e-mail sent by Steve Rennick, head pastor of Church at The Crossing, in Indianapolis (aka Christy's home church before we got married). Steve used to serve at the Kima International School of Theology, based in Kenya and returns there on a somewhat regular basis.

"When two elephants collide – it is the grass which suffers!" -- East African Proverb

Please join me in praying specifically for the people of Kenya.  Indeed, two elephants are colliding and many people are suffering.  In addition to the news on TV/newspaper/internet we are in direct e-mail contact with the Dr. Don Smith of Kima International School of Theology (KIST).  Dr. Smith reports to us as of Thursday, January 03, 2008, the following:

1.  The situation nationally is quite tense.
2.  The area around KIST has been peaceful.
3.  Food & fuel supplies are being disrupted for the entire region – Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, & Congo.
4.  KIST has delayed opening school and continues to monitor the situation for further decisions for this semester.
5.  Many of the faculty and students are doing the best thing which is to stay where they are for now.

We can pray specifically for the following:

1.  For peace & for the violence to stop.
2.  For justice & a non-violent resolution to the political chaos.
3.  For openness in the political recounting of votes from the election.
4.  For safety of all people of all ethnic backgrounds.
5.  For long-term reconciliation of people – families, communities, & nations.

Will you join me in praying?

Father, we know that You love the people of Kenya .  We join together and pray for all 34 million of them.  We pray that they will turn to You, toward one another, and to a non-violent recount of their votes in their election.  We do pray for all people of all ethnic backgrounds – knowing You do love each and every one of them.  We pray for their protection and safety as well as for a long-term reconciliation among all the people.  And we pray that Your people will be the makers of the peace, thus showing to all that they are Your children (Matthew 5:9).  We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ – Amen.

Thank you for joining me in ‘praying without ceasing’ (2 Thessalonians 5:17),

Pastor Steve Rennick