Pray with Kenya, September 17, 2023

Lectionary Selection: Exodus 14:19-31

Prayers for Kenya

Our dear loving God, we lift up to you All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in its mission to unite churches in Africa together for life, peace, justice, and dignity. As you gave divine wisdom, guidance, and victory to Moses, your servant, when Israelites were sandwiched between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, we pray for AACC and its leadership in addressing almost impossible situations affecting your creation at the continental, international, and ecumenical spheres. As AACC plans for the 12th General Assembly and 60th Anniversary celebrations in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 18-23, 2023, we ask for your intervention.

We commit to you each of the 209 AACC members, including churches, National Councils of Churches (NCCs), theological and lay training institutions, and other Christian organizations in 43 African countries. May you bless their work and give them a coordinated voice as they offer solutions to diverse issues affecting them, their families, and the continent.

God of all creation, bless AACC’s host country, Kenya. Give the land and her people political and economic stability. May justice be their shield and defender. May they dwell in unity, peace, and liberty, and may plenty be found within their borders.

Amen.

Mission Moment from Kenya

During the 11th AACC General Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018, on the theme, “Respecting the Dignity and God’s Image in Every Human Being,” delegates expressed their deep concern about the plight of widows in Africa. They called on the AACC General Secretariat to address the issue with urgency. Global Ministries was the first to respond with an offer to begin the process. In 2019, AACC established Justice for Widows Campaign.

Because of harmful cultural norms and beliefs, widows in some African communities are subjected to dehumanizing practices, which rob them of their rights and dignity and expose them to poverty. These include denial of inheritance and land rights, eviction from the late husband’s homes, humiliating cultural rites, and stigma.

The plight of widows is a global concern that has drawn the attention of the United Nations (UN). In 2010, the UN set apart June 23 as International Widows’ Day to create awareness of the violation of human rights that widows suffer in many countries. The day also highlights the need for more research and statistics into violence, discrimination, and poverty suffered by widows.

Through the Justice for Widows Campaign, AACC has developed an Advocacy Tool Kit for Justice for Widows that offers practical advocacy skills for the rights of widows. As part of mission stewardship, AACC seeks to continue collaborating with Global Ministries in the capacity-strengthening process for heads of women/gender programs and widows to use the tool kit.

Mission Partners in Kenya

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