Head Above the Crowd

This New Year's Eve has been quite a different one than I have ever experienced. My midnite phone calls weren't to wish people a Happy New Year, but to see if they were alive and well. Praise God because most of my friends are fine. There are a few that I can't get in contact with and others that I couldn't talk to on Monday night, I have now talked to or heard from. If you're wondering what I'm writing about... let me brief you with the words from our director.

"The presidential election process in Kenya has resulted in serious civil unrest in many points across the country. News updates can be found at www.bbc.com and other international news agencies in regards to the ongoing problems...
All SIM Kenya personnel are safe and accounted for. SIMers in Nairobi, where much of the trouble has been centered, have been able to leave their compounds for food and other supplies. All compounds in Nairobi have walls and security guards as well as other measures for safety. Other SIM personnel in Kenya have reported that they are safe.
On Thursday, 3 January, a rally is being planned that may lead to further increased tensions. Please be in prayer for Kenya, the many Kenyans that have been affected by the disturbances and for a peaceful resolution to the problems."

Yes, I am safe in a compound, but what about all the children that I work with, my fellow teachers, friends, staff workers, neighbours or youth? I have always been blessed with so much! I don't think I have really seen with how much I've been blessed with until this last week. Safety, freedom, food, money, shelter, family, friends, GOD! We think that everyone has a human right to these things, yet not everyone does. And I have done NOTHING to deserve it any more than the mother I passed begging on the street.

I can't say much about what's going on, but please pray for the country of Kenya and while you're at it - thank God for what He has blessed you with this day, this year.

Dear Almighty God,

You are Jehovah.
You are all-powerful and all-seeing.
You see what is happening here in Kenya.
You see the hurting, angry youth.
You see the confused, innocent children.
You hear the shouts of frustrated men; disappointed in their leaders.
You hear the cries of scared women who are trying to provide for their families.
You alone, God, are the One that we can run to in this time of trouble.

Please stop these people from all the fighting, looting, killing and burning.
God, we speak against the spirit of hate; the spirit of disunity; the spirit of fighting and killing!
Saviour, we ask You to restore peace in this nation.
Lord, we put our trust in Your Sovereign Hand - that You can bring the leaders of this country together to work out a solution.

Father, Keep Your people - my friends safe.
Provide food and shelter for them.
Show us how to pray for this situation and what actions to take.

We pray this believing and trusting that You are able...
In Jesus' Name. AMEN.