You probably are as concerned as we are about the human tragedy that has occurred in Kenya following the national elections. The ethnic complexities of Kenya surfaced as a result of close election results and accusations of irregularities in the vote tally. In cities across the nation, there have been demonstrations and violence – sometimes police and protestors clashing, but also vigilante groups, looters, and vandals are attacking people of opposing ethnic groups. On Monday, January 7th, a report from the Kenyan government said there have been 486 deaths and 255,000 people have had homes and businesses destroyed. Many suggest that the death toll is well beyond this number. Some Kenyan pastors put it this way to Mission Society missionary Rick Slingluff, “It's like two bulls with horns locked fighting, the bulls are our leaders - we are the grass beneath their hooves.”
Even as we write this letter, we pray that the leaders will move on a path of peace and reconciliation. However, even should that occur quickly, there is a massive job of relief and rebuilding needed to help the affected people put their lives back together again. We know you will want to join us in standing with the Christian churches of Kenya as they are in a position to help, not just with the physical rebuilding, but also the social and spiritual healing that will be needed.
The Mission Society is connected to Kenya through our seven missionaries, our Kenyan partners, and concerned people such as yourselves. We believe God has given us these contacts “for times such as these” (Esther 4:14). Therefore, we felt we should establish a designated account to receive relief fund donations to enable concerned people like you to assist our brothers and sisters in Kenya at this difficult time. Your donations to the Kenya 2008 Relief fund will be in addition to your other resources you entrust to us to deploy to the ongoing work of missionaries and ministries in Kenya.
We want you to know that we will be wise about where, to whom, and how much we allocate as we deploy your funds to this relief effort. As with any wide-spread human tragedy, there will be charlatans who will solicit funding, without any intention of helping those who need it. Our ethos, relationships, and commitment to being accountable for the funds will drive our methodology for distributing your funds. We plan to distribute these funds through indigenous Christian churches and relief channels who are assisting in this massive job of providing food, clothing, and shelter to those have been severely impacted by this crisis.
Please join us in praying for the Lord to redeem the situation and for the church to rise to the occasion and be a force for peace and reconciliation.
Gifts can be made online, designating “Kenya 2008 Relief, #0853.”
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