This is from the blog FiveKennys, I met them in Kenya, and was actually in Garissa
Praying for Peace in Garissa
Holes mar the side of the Utawala Church
after this Sunday’s attack in Garissa, Kenya
This week we
are meeting with Garissa pastors and Christian leaders for a Canadian
Baptist Ministries’ gathering in Nairobi. During the three-day
gathering, Erica and Laura will be training seven women leaders on the
self help group approach to women’s empowerment, and Aaron, Yattani,
William and Michel will be following up on the church-based community
development training that we began with the churches in August. We are
also thrilled to have our colleague Laurena Zondo joining us to help the
pastors and church leaders with communication during times of crisis.
Laurena is not only a specialist in communication, but she leads an
effective peace and reconciliation ministry among youth in Rwanda. This is a critical time for the people of Garissa, it is a community that needs prayer and healing.
Over
the past year, the Garissa Churches have faced a high level of
insecurity and persecution. Despite increased police presence, the
violence has continued to escalate. On this past Sunday morning, the Utawala Interdenominational Church,
which meets for prayer and worship within the Garissa Police barracks,
was attacked by militants. Among the 14 wounded, was the pastor who died
upon his arrival to hospital. Three members, of the congregation of 30,
were air-lifted to Nairobi and are in critical condition. Please
remember this church, the family of the pastor and the injured. As we pray
for peace in Garissa, we hold on to our faith that God is concerned for
the well-being of the vulnerable, and that our Hope is the power and
grace of God’s Spirit to transform the hearts and minds of his people.
