Pray for Kenya on Sunday, June 15, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Genesis 1:1–2:4a

Prayers for Kenya:
Creation God, you created Adam and Eve in your image and in perfect health. Yet, we are living in a world where hundreds of thousands die from illnesses that are treatable. We pray for people all over the world who are suffering and cannot afford health care. Amen

Mission Stewardship Moment from Kenya:
The majority of people in Africa, especially those living in informal settlements or rural areas, face many challenges related to health care. Global Ministries partners to address this by providing staffing to Just Communities where I currently serve as Director. When one requires urgent medical care, they typically have to make difficult decisions if they will be treated or just endure the pain. If they opt for treatment, they have to decide where and how to be treated. If a person decides to be taken to a hospital to receive treatment, the journey can be long, and the expense can be much more than their income.

Mary, a resident of an informal settlement in Nairobi, faced this difficult decision when her daughter, Samantha, became ill. Mary took Samantha to several nearby clinics to save money but became worried when the prescribed medicine failed to improve the young girl’s health. Mary finally took her daughter to Kenyatta National Hospital where Samantha was diagnosed with leukemia. Mary had to leave her job to care for Samantha while struggling to make ends meet amidst massive medical bills. Even though Samantha was eventually able to receive care at Kenyatta National Hospital, the treatment comes at a heavy price for a family that lives in extreme poverty.

Thank you for your generous support and prayers, you make this ministry and these programs possible.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Phyllis Byrd)

Mission Partners in Kenya:

More information on Kenya:
http://globalministries.org/africa/countries/kenya/

Global Ministries Missionary in Kenya:
Phyllis Byrd, a member of Hollis Avenue Congregational, United Church of Christ, Queens Village, New York. She serves as the Director of the “Just Communities” Program at the Organization of African Instituted Churches and Associate Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.