Thank you very much for keeping Kenya in your prayers, both private and corporate, as we continue to face disturbing events. Surely we need the hand of God to come to our aid and his mercy to rescue this nation. Pray for each of these areas of need as you read. Please share it with others who will pray.

The results of the close election race are still being disputed. Inter-ethnic relationships are being sorely challenged. The slogan we hear the opposition party chanting now is “No peace without justice!” or “no Raila, no Kenya!” causing us to wonder when this will end. Yes, the three days last week of “mass action” demonstrations and protest rallies have passed with a lot of violence, but we have yet to see what lies ahead…

During these tense weeks we have been in touch with many friends living in the slums or stranded up country where they went for the holidays or to vote in their home areas. We've had many opportunities to pray with and encourage them on the phone. Yesterday a meeting was called among the AEPC [African Evangelical Presbyterian Church] pastors; several of those with whom we have worked were present. Only 3 or 4 churches in the presbytery surrounding Nairobi have been affected, but all agreed to collect necessities like clothing, blankets, food and personal items from their congregations next week for distribution to those living in temporary shelters.

To make this prayer update more personal, let me share a few of the stories of those close to us.

• Pastor J called us late the other night saying houses were burning close to him and he feared for his family who live on the church property. His wife and children may come to stay with us for a few days. J faces the same dilemma as many in the slums - whether to go to a safer place, leaving their possessions vulnerable to thieves or stay at risk and protect them.
• Pastor P reports that his church must meet in his tiny living room because the church building landlord evicted them for allowing various “undesirable” tribes to attend.
• Our good friend, V, finally made it on a police-led bus convoy across the country after she waited several days at a police station without food. She was glad to be reunited with her 18-year-old son from whom she was separated over these few weeks not knowing where or how he was.

We feel safe in our home and community, though Robert reminds us, “Be careful, not fearful.” The everyday thief wants to use the instability to his advantage, so crime is on the rise. ... It is very odd, though to see riot police outside the mall when inside everything seems quite normal with easy-listening music playing and folks sipping their cappuccinos.

Pray for us in this time of limbo (not being able to do our normal work or move about the city) that we will look for opportunities the Lord brings our way, to sacrifice our comfort for the safety of others and draw near to our savior in prayer.

Read about the Kenya Mercy Fund to find out how you can help WHM make a difference in Kenya.