Pray for Kenya on Sunday, October 19, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Exodus 33:12–23

Prayers for Kenya:
God, thanks for revealing your glory to us in all goodness. May we continue to appreciate your goodness and pay it forward to everyone in this world, especially those who are far away, so that we may be mutually strengthened. Some of those whom great distance separates are Kenyans and others East Africans. Please encourage us to distribute your goodness to those suffering from drought in Northwest Kenya, the internally displaced in Northeast Kenya, the gay citizens of Uganda, those affected by extremism in Somalia, the extremists themselves, girls subject to mutilation and forced into early marriage across East Africa, the mistreated mentally handicapped, those without access to enough food and safe water, and those students who cannot afford to go to high school, let alone college. God, be with community leaders and international partners and give them the courage and wisdom to address these many challenges as they share God’s abundant life. Please force our attention upon the plight of others, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us, so that we may walk in solidarity with them—amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Kenya:
Many people have shared their heart wrenching stories with me this last year. I met one resilient woman in Tanzania named Nipaeli Waioto, who suffered successive floods and droughts that devastated her small farm. In Kenya, I met a passionate school principal named Sasi Kabaka who, when he first arrived at his elementary school, was appalled by its condemned state. I also met a majestic young lady in Rwanda named Margaret. During the genocide, eight-year-old Margaret and her mother were raped and both parents were killed. Margaret contracted HIV during this horrifying experience. These heroes and countless others are now thriving due to their own resilience, supportive communities, and encouragement from local and international partners, such as Global Ministries, Week of Compassion and One Great Hour of Sharing. Nipaeli was given emergency food and aid to help her in restoring her farm, which enabled her to meet the challenges of the disasters. Sasi’s school received desks, new classrooms, and training for parents and teachers. Margaret joined a psychosocial/entrepreneurial support group and now owns a barbershop. There are few government safety nets in East Africa. Many people are impoverished with little to insure their fragile survival. Your donations and the support of local ministries are saving the lives of sweet, sincere, hardworking people who have the determination required to succeed more independently. It has been a tremendous experience to witness the fruits of your humble sacrifices and the lives they have nurtured.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Joel Cooper)

Mission Partners in Kenya:

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

Global Ministries Missionary in Kenya:
Joel Cooper, member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bloomington, Indiana, serves as a Global Mission Intern with Church World Service East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. His appointment is supported by Week of Compasssion, Our Churches Wider Mission, Disciples Mission Fund and your special gifts.