Again our thanks for all the support of so many of you who have written; we are indeed made strong in weakness, and your prayer and concern lift us up and encourage us as we stand firm in this time of testing.
Last night there was a great Police presence in our locality and we were able to sleep some hours without keeping a watch on our compound. Previously we had taken it in turns to keep watch all night.
No green vegetables available. Foodstuffs in supermarketes getting scarce and little transport getting through with fresh supplies. Petrol has risen by Ksh.20/= a litre to ksh.100/- and this seems to be pushing all costs higher. We perceive that if the unrest persists then by the middle of next week we might be facing a stricter regimen. God knows. We are ready.
Today has been quiet throughout, although we have had a constant stream of people coming to share their misery and loss - many have lost their homes and belongings and many are running in fear of their lives. Ten bus loads of such people have left Eldoret this afternoon for Nairobi under military escort - they are in fact displaced persons yet also Kenya Citizens who are now like refugees in their own Country. Mostly these poeple are of the Kikuyu tribe, and there is no doubt that there is a plan to remove all such from this location. But others from other tribes - any who may in any way have been seen to support the Kibaki government, are also being singled out and some killed. We are a country where some 60% (approximately) are under 20 years. and unemplioyed, 40% illiterate. These are those making the current strife and it is difficult to see where common sense and reason will prevail - they easily are stirred up and encouraged to follow blindly that they do not understand fully. Right now we need a LEADER who can bring both sides together and give a lead on nation building where those of all tribes will be seen and treated with equal value.
Some have felt that we should ourselves seek to remove ourselves to safety with the children. There is no where that we could go inside Kenya where we would in fact be safe. If we left here we would not find it on our return. We do not feel a need to run or escape as long as our trust and faith is in His Presence with us. We will remain. Whatever is to come we will face it together in Him.
We are believing that God cares for Kenya, and for every man woman and child in it, even those currently behind our misery. He will bring us through.
The opposition had organised a Mass Rally for this afternoon in Nairobi. The Police successfully prevented it, but in the process the entire Capital suffered unrest and riots. At about 3.30p.m. our time the Rally was cancelled by the leader of the opposition, but rescheduled for next week.
We look for the Lord to provide an answer that will settle the Country.
It is unbelievable to see what had seemed so stable and beautiful a Country so upset, and uglified by fire, death and misery. The threat to us has not reduced - not helped by the fact that many of our staff are of the 'wrong' tribe, and also because of our son's political adventure earlier in 2007. Further outbreaks of violence are continuing, and even with the police presence we are considering the need to keep watch each night as well as in the day. We do not wish to be taken by surprise, but we are not saying that we should defend ourselves or save ourselves. We want to stand together should the Enemy confront us, and then watch the Lord put him to flight. Pray for US.
Pray for ALL Kenyans.
Pray for peace and deliverance out of the hand of the ungodly in our land.
We are one family here, 150 souls plus those of many others come to shelter with us. We are looking all together to Jesus, and believe me when I say that we have great joy and happiness together = our compound is so peaceful and beautiful we might be on another planet..
We love you all
John and Esther
