Ash Wednesday Prayer for Kenya February 6, 2008
Posted by Mike Koski in : Africa , add a commentDear Praying Friends,
Today is Ash Wednesday. Globally, followers of Jesus begin the season of Lent. Christians have five weeks of preparation for Holy Week that culminates in the death and resurrection of our Lord. It is a time of spiritual introspection – as individuals and as a body of believers. We consider God’s great love, mercy and grace for us all.
This day may not mean much to the 300,000 displaced people in Kenya. My guess is that this day will probably be as any other day – just surviving on the help of others….waiting and hoping for resolution to the problems their community and nation face…with many unknowns concerning tomorrow.
Today Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya leaders are in Nairobi for a leadership workshop. About 35 leaders (bishops, women leaders, youth leaders and diocesan secretaries) are learning about an approach to reconciliation in Kenya under the theme “Unity in Christ”.Most of these ELCK leaders were flown to Nairobi on MAF flights from western Kenya because road travel is still dangerous. The workshop began on February 3 and finishes February 9. Facilitators have come from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Norway and Kenya
From the 9th these participants will return back to Rift Valley and western Kenya. They will minister in the “front lines” in internally displaced camps, broken and scattered congregations, and fractured communities. They will be faced with scores of people who have desperate and immediate needs. Their own personal security will be an issue. They will rely on God and their new training to help them in reconciliation efforts.
Let us remember them in our prayers. May there truly be “Unity in Christ”. May Christian reconciliation be evidenced in these leaders’ witness and work. Let us thank the Lord for those who planned and sponsored this timely training. Please continue to pray for the physical needs of 300,000 displaced peoples, for the opportunity to return, safely, to their homes. Pray for the means to rebuild destroyed churches and other properties. I have been told that at least 10 destroyed ELCK churches. Pray that there might be means of employment once again. Pray for former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as he leads in discussions to break the political impasse in Nairobi. Pray for a quick, comprehensive, and just resolution to the issues facing the country of Kenya.
Thank you for praying. I will update this news from Kenya when fresh information is received. I remind you that WMPL has set up a relief fund for Kenya if the Lord should so move you to participate in this way.
Together in prayer,
Mike Koski
Romans 8:35-39
Africa Program Coordinator
World Mission Prayer League
