Update

Dear Friends,

Our many Thanks to all of you that are writing in - we are encouraged to know of your prayers as we also together pray here. Bless you so much for holding hands with us as we walk through this trial.

Let me be frank and say first of all that so far we have not experienced any physical violence in our particular location within Eldoret Town. We are on the fringe of residential estates on the EAST side of the town. The major scenes of violence and terror have been to the West, North and South and mainly in high density slum and satellite areas. Numbers of dead put at 250 for the nation as a whole are probably very under stated. At the present time - up until last night - we seem to be the worst hit town. We have all been up all night for the last TWO nights having been warned of an immenant attack on our area. Nothing happened. We have not seen any 'police' or other security personel patrolling our district, and it would seem that even in the worst hit districts the police have taken a very low profile and done little to actually prevent violence. The identitiy and actual location of the Church burnt with some of its congregation is unknown to us, and we are unsure exactly where in the Town environs it was located. We think it was in an outlying part of town.

We had a huge Prayer Meeting in our School Hall yesterday afternoon attended by the children, resident staff and about 50 others sheltering with us from around. It was a very powerful time, and we all felt the Presence of the Lord, and our spirits much lifted up as He renewed our confidence and assurance of His being with us to Keep and protect. It would be true to say that although there is human apprehension, it has been much diminished by Spiritual Awareness of being safe in His hands.

As you know this travail is being reported mainly as the result of Election missdemeanours. To an extent it does seem that mistakes were made and even some rigging may have been going on. The Media increased the public awareness of this and made matters worse by the way it was reported and depicted. The International Obseervors have also assisted to increase the anger and discontent against the Government of Kibaki. I think they may have been fare in their comments but I think they have been mistaken in saying so much so soon so openly at a time when we do not need more petrol thrown onthe fire!!.

In saying the above I must nevertheless say that the Election troubles are also being used as an excuse to promoste ethnic violence. This is a long standing struggle which has generally been contained, but now seems to be heading for escalation. It cannot now be seen as merely political annoyance and discontent. It is an ethnic matter which could erupt into civil war. Not a pleasant prospect, and one that if it actually happens will destroy the country. And from this point of view - in my opinion - neither side is currently coming off very well.

We have with us about 250 souls within our two adjoining compounds.
We have two American tourists and our daughter plus our two grandchldren from the UK also with us. So far there is no way out for them as we have been prevented from even getting to the local airport, and all roads are blocked. This has been a little unsettling for them as it does not help them to feel any safer. Of course the rest of us are not in any way considering escape since we cannot leave the children that are with us to the tender mercies of uncontrolled and unintelligent killers. Therefore, we will remain where we are come what may! At present Esther and I have our daughter from Engalnd and her children plus Carol, Daryl and their children plus a guest, plus our youngest son, and daughter all staying in Green Cottage. Quite a scram.

A few shops open VERY early in the morning with a crowd trying to find food including ourselves. We are advised that WATER will be cut off today - perhaps also electricity UNLESS some miraculous change of heart comes from the chief players in this very selfish and bitter 'game.. This is the SIXTH DAY.
Our general support staff have not reported for duty, and we worry for their saftey.

BUT WE PRAISE THE LORD.

And NO we are not sticking our heads in the sand - we know what still might happen, BUT we seem all caught up in the Presence of our God, and feel STRONG in the Power of His Might - Ephesians 6 - and we trust that having done all we shall still be found STANDING and SINGING His praise.