I read in the news today that there has been more gang violence in western Kenya due to the recent presidential election. I know this is old news, however, this time I can personally relate to this story. The violence took place in a small town near the Great Rift Valley called Naivasha. Over the last year my wife and I have traveled to Kenya twice, and both times have stayed in Naivasha. Reading the news it broke my heart to read of peoples homes being burned and the bodies hacked with machetes all because of tribal differences. I have met people belonging to the Kikuyu tribe and those belonging to the Luo tribe, and I cannot imagine the hate they have for each other. I have looked them both in the eyes and many of times at the same time. Each time I saw hope, joy, compassion, and love. So to say the least it breaks my heart to read the news and as tears come to my eyes I am filled with peace. I am filled with peace because I know some courageous African’s from both the Kikuyu and Luo tribes. Most importantly I know their deep passion and understanding of the restorative power of the blood of Christ. My prayer is that these men and women from both tribes will continue to have the power and courage to speak the name of God boldly; that their hope and joy in Christ Jesus will transcend all cultural barriers that are threatening Kenya; that when the wounds of Kenya are exposed the courageous will take Jesus to those wounds and bring the healing and restorative power of God to Kenya; and that all the tribes, tongues, and nations of Africa will stop shedding the blood of their neighbor and know that the blood of Jesus is enough. Lastly I pray that the outpouring of the blood of Christ will run over the other nations of Africa and God will bring his children back to him.
