From Global Ministries Africa Office
January 1, 2008

Dear Partners and Friends in Kenya,

At the beginning of this new year 2008, we pause to give thanks for the friendship and our times of sharing in 2007 and previous years.  We have often been uplifted by your many contributions to the partnership and your steadfastness in your individual ministries.

We know that the past few months have been extremely difficult for you as churches, faith based organizations, and as a nation.  As the news hit the airwaves over the past few days, you have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly.  We have been touched by the turn of events before and after your Presidential election.  It is true that elections can bring out the best or worst in all of us, which is often the case even in America.  People place confidence in their government with the hope that one can participate fully in society as citizens with inalienable rights regardless of age, race, ethnicity or political belief.  The past few days have called into question those rights.

We have watched in anxiety as events have become even more violent and more lives have been lost.  We were struck to our core as Christians and human beings upon hearing that people ran to churches for sanctuary only to discover that the buildings would be torched by dissidents and more lives sacrificed.  

Kenya has always being admired and respected by many around the world for its leadership in international and continental affairs.  It has always served as torch for other African nations that have tried to emulate its success.  You have played major roles in brokering peace in other nations. The aftermath of the elections puts you in a very precarious position as your credibility will be tested

As your partner organization in the United States, we will continue to hold you in prayer.  We pray that you will work together as churches to help restore peace and human dignity in the country.  We pray that the masses will be able to turn to the church for unbiased leadership that regards each individual as a brother or sister regardless of ethnicity.   We pray that people will no longer have to flee their homes for fear of persecution.  We pray for a peaceful solution to the electoral process where both ruling party and opposition can live and work together. We pray that you will be instruments of God’s peace.

Paul admonishes us in 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, “Live in peace with one another.  And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.  See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people”.

May the love and peace of the Prince of Peace, whose birthday we have just celebrated, be with you all.

Sincerely,
Rev Sandra R. Gourdet
Executive Secretary for Africa
Global Ministries