KENYA IS CRYING... (1) Introduction

KENYA IS WEEPING FOR ITS CHILDREN! This was the theme of our sermon on Epiphany Sunday. The Gospel about the Visit of the Wise Men was extended until v. 18:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more” (Matthew 2:1-18). After the burning of the church in Eldoret, where more than 30 children and women were burnt alive (see the picture of the Newspaper), and after the burning of the “Spring of Life Lutheran Church” in Kibera and of other churches too, it’s difficult not to cry. Pastor Dennis Meeker, pastor at “Spring of Life Lutheran Church” – Kibera, said at a Prayer Worship (afternoon): “Herod tried again to kill Jesus!”
They have been trying to kill Jesus during the past 2000 years. But it is impossible! He died once for all – and rose from the death! They can burn churches, kill Christians, but “the message of the cross” is still alive! This is our hope! The church/ building in Kibera was burnt; but the CHURCH/PEOPLE/BODY OF CHRIST (Ephesians 3:6 – Today’s Epistle) is still alive! They had a service inside the burnt church this Sunday and 80 people came to worship. Prior to the service at the burnt church, Pastor Dennis hold a service at the guesthouse where he is living and where 43 people from Kibera are hosted, because they needed to flee from their houses (some members of the church, but many are not Lutherans); and he baptized 14 people (children and adults). 30 of them are going back to their rural homes this week.
The entire world is chocked with the violence in Kenya. I received many, many e-mails from Brazil, the USA, Uruguay, Panama, Germany, Portugal, Canada, Mozambique, Belgium, Holland, United Kingdom… assuring us that they are praying for us; and so many people in the service this morning shared that their friends in Rwanda, Israel, Norway, Finland, Hungary and other places are praying too. THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU ALL, dear friends. We had two prayer meetings yesterday afternoon : One at the Scripture Mission (Norwegian Mission) and the other at Piittala’s house (Finish Mission). At the same time, hundreds of Christians were paying for Kenya too. Pray for Bishop Walter Obare; he went to his rural home after Christmas and cannot come back to Nairobi. He suffered threats because of his ethnic background and is in dangerous.
Priority now is to take care of the suffering people. The building can wait; as soon as possible it will be rebuilt; but: PEOPLE FIRST! (See the message of Mrs. Joy Müller).
I’m sharing with you in this BLOG several messages sent by people involved in the process to help our Kenyans. This BLOG is in English, Portuguese and German; I apologize if you don’t understand some of these languages; but I’m using the same pictures to do only one BLOG about this matter. The pictures are from Rev. John Halakhe, Rev. Dennis Meeker, Evangelist Sylvester Opyio, Mrs. Joy Müller, Mrs. Kirsten Nesse, Mr. Léo Cristiano Winterle, Mrs. Lidia Winterle and others…
Thank you, friends, for sending me these pictures and to allow me to use them in this BLOG.
If you want help, see how you can get some in Joy Müller’s letter. Share this BLOG with your friends, with your relatives, with your congregation, so that more people can know more about the reality and can help.
We summarize all prayers and support we are receiving in a short prayer I receive from a good friend: “Heavenly Father, we pray for Walter, his family, the pastors who are ministering to people in Kenya, the church workers, the members of the Christian communities, and all who are serving to reestablish peace. Be merciful to them all. Please work quickly to bring a peaceful solution to this land. Grant that it may work for the extention of your Gospel. In Jesus Name.” – And we say loud: AMEN!

Pastor Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle
*******************************************

QUÊNIA ESTÁ CHORANDO POR SEUS FILHOS! Este foi o tema do nosso sermão no Domingo de Epifania. O Evangelho a respeito da Visita dos Magos foi estendido até o v. 18: “Ouviu-se um clamor em Rama, pranto, choro e grande lamento; era Raquel chorando por seus filhos e inconsolável, porque não mais existem.” (Mt 2.1-18). Após a queima da igreja em Eldoret, onde mais de 30 crianças e mulheres foram queimadas vivas (veja a foto do jornal), e após a queima da “Igreja luterana Fonte da Vida” em Kibera e de outras igrejas também, é difícil não chorar. O Pastor Dennis Meeker, pastor da “Igreja Luterana Fonte da Vida” –Kibera, disse no Culto de Oração (à tarde): “Herodes tentou novamente matar Jesus!”

Estão tentando matar Jesus durante os últimos 2000 anos. Mas isto é impossível Ele morreu uma vez por todas – e ressuscitou dos mortos! Eles podem queimar igrejas, matar cristãos, mas “a mensagem da cruz” continua viva! Esta é a nossa esperança! A igreja/construção de Kibera foi queimada; mas a IGREJA/POVO/CORPO DE Cristo (Ef 3.6 – Epístola para Epifania) está viva! Foi realizado culto dentro da igreja queimada neste domingo e 80 pessoas vieram ao culto. Antes do culto na igreja queimada, Pastor Dennis oficiou um culto no lugar em que ele está morando, onde 43 pessoas de Kibera buscaram refúgio, pois tiveram que fugir das suas casas (alguns são membros da igreja, outros não são luteranos); e ele batizou 14 pessoas (crianças e adultos). 30 estão voltando para as suas casas no interior esta semana. (Um ônibus especial, com segurança, vai levar estas pessoas).

O mundo inteiro está chocado com a violência no Quênia. Eu recebi muitos, muitos e-mails do Brasil, dos Estados Unidos, Uruguai, Panamá, Alemanha, Portugal, Canadá, Moçambique, Bélgica, Holanda, Inglaterra..., assegurando-nos que estão orando por nós; e assim muitas pessoas no culto domingo de manhã compartilharam que seus amigos em Ruanda, Israel, Noruega, Finlândia, Hungria e outros lugares estão orando também. MUITO OBRIGADO! DEUS ABENÇOE VOCÊS TODOS, queridos amigos. Tivemos domingo à tarde dois cultos de oração: um na sede da Scripture Mission (Missão Norueguesa) e outra na casa da família Piittala (Missão Finlandesa). Ao mesmo tempo, centenas de cristãos estavam orando pelo Quênia também. Orem pelo Bispo Walter Obare, Presidente da Igreja Evangélica Luterana no Quênia; ele foi para a sua casa no interior após o natal e não consegue voltar para Nairobi. Ele sofreu ameaças por causa da sua etnia e está em perigo.

A prioridade agora é cuidar do povo que está sofrendo. O prédio da igreja pode esperar; tão logo seja possível ela será reconstruída; mas: AS PESSOAS EM PRIMEIRO LUGAR! (Veja a mensagem da Sra. Joy Muller). Estou compartilhando com vocês neste BLOG várias mensagens enviadas por diversas pessoas envolvidas neste processo de ajuda ao Quênia. Este BLOG é em inglês, português e alemão; peço desculpas se você não entende uma destas línguas; mas eu estou usando as mesmas imagens para fazer um único BLOG sobre este assunto. As fotografias são do Rev. John Halakhe, Rev. Dennis Meeker, Evangelista Sylvester Opyio, Sra. Joy Muller, Sra. Kirsten Nesse, Arq. Léo Cristiano Winterle, Sra. Lídia Winterle e de outras pessoas... Obrigado, amigos, por me enviarem estas fotos e os textos, e por autorizarem a usá-los neste BLOG.
Se você quiser ajudar, veja como na carta da Sra. Joy. (Bloco 7) (No caso do Brasil: Faça contato com a sede da IELB – Presidência e Serviço Social; com certeza eles vão indicar uma forma como as ofertas podem ser enviadas para cá; e façam contato comigo também, informando.) Compartilhe este BLOG com seus amigos, familiares, com suas congregações, para que mais pessoas conheçam melhor a realidade daqui e ajudem.

Resumimos todas as orações e apoio que temos recebido nesta curta oração que recebi de um grande amigo: “Pai Celestial, oramos pelo Walter, sua família, os pastores que estão servindo ao povo no Quênia, os servos da igreja, os membros das comunidades cristãs, e todos os que estão procurando restabelecer a paz. Seja gracioso com eles. Por favor, aja rápido para trazer uma solução pacífica a esta nação. Permita que isto possa servir para o crescimento do teu Evangelho. Em nome de Jesus.” – E nós dizemos com voz alta: AMÉM!

Pastor Carlos Walter e Lídia Winterle

KENYA IS CRYING... (2) The beginning

Photo: Kibera's Church, Sunday School Teacher Josaphat and children. (December 16,2007 I preached there.)

On 29th December I sent an e-mail to the UHLC members (few have Internet at home; they need to go to Cybercafés or at their job); and we called many people: "Don't come to church!"

"Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city... Pray to the LORD for it." Jeremiah 29:7

All know that the situation after the elections are not comfortable and in some places very dangerous. Therefore we decided to not have service this Sunday, 30th December (English and Swahili Service). We called to several people and asked them to call to their friends. Stay at your houses and pray with your family.

The situation for Jesus was very dangerous after the first Christmas too. He needed to escape to Egypt, because King Herod wanted to kill Him. This is the Gospel for this Sunday. But God took care of Him and of His parents. I'm sending a copy of the sermon in attach. Maybe many of you will read this message only on Monday or latter. But pray for our country and for our church.

We invite you to come to the church on the 1st of January, at 10am. There will be a joint service English- Swahili. I hope we will have peace on the first day of the New Year. It's universal PEACE DAY, and we need peace in our country.

God bless you all.

Pastor Carlos"

But then we needed to call all of them again, saying: "Don't come to the New Year Service too! It's to dangerous to go out from the houses. Lets pray at home for PEACE!"

God be thank that on January 6th we had our normal Services in English and in Swahili. We hope we can stay in Nairobi to do our work, God's Work. Pray for us!

Photo: People after the service (December 16). You can see the school behind.

On the same day (December 29th) I sent a letter to my BLOG list. And so many reacted... "We are praying... our church are praying... I asked to our prayer chain to pray for you all..." - THANK YOU, MY FRIENDS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL! :

"Dear friends in Christ:

We are sharing with you many good news about our work here in Kenya. But today I need to share with you some concerns about what is happening here and ask for your prayers. Many of your are watching on TV about the elections in Kenya and about violence happening here. Because the tumults we decided to don't have services tomorrow, December 30. On the suburb were Pastor Omodhi is living, Kawangware, 9 people were killed this afternoon. In Kibera, many houses near our church were burnt. (American pastor Dennis Meeker is Pastor there). We called to the families, asking them to stay at home and to pray at home. Can you imagine a pastor saying to his people "Don't come to the church???" We sent them a copy of the sermon; the Gospel for tomorrow tells us about the escape of Jesus to Egypt. His parents were afraid, as many here are afraid. But God took care of His child and is taking care of us all here in Kenya too.

The American Embassy sent a letter, saying to all American citizens to stay at home. We are not American, but people think so... We are still at our home since Thursday. I hope that on January 1st it will be possible to have the Service. Pray for us.

"Seek the peace of the city and pray to the LORD for it..." (Jeremiah 29:7),

Have a blessed NEW YEAR.

Pastor Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle"

Blessing the children during the service (December 16), before the Sunday School Class. The lady on the left is the Principal of the Nursery School. Can you imagine how is she feeling?

My wife and I met one of the teachers after the service. She was so proud with her one month old baby! Now she is unemployed.

The children, so happy when we visit them in March/07 with our two sons, now don't know what to do. The mothers need to work and they don't have more the school, who took care of their children.

Little Nathan Ngala, son of Issac Ngala, Elder at Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral - UHLC, is now without school...

KENYA IS CRYING... (3) USA and Germany

The LCMS - Mission Office for East Africa, in Nairobi, sent the message as follow:, written by Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge:

Dear Friends,
Many of you have written to us regarding the current problems in Kenya. We want to reassure you that we and the other LCMS missionaries are very safe. We live a distance from where most of the trouble spots are located. (See map below.) In anticipation of possible trouble, we all stocked up on food and other necessities, so we are staying close to home and not going into Nairobi at all. Church was cancelled last Sunday and New Year’s Day at Uhuru Highway Lutheran Church downtown. This Sunday might be at a different location.

For those of you who are not familiar with what has happened, on Dec. 27th, there was a national election in Kenya. On the 29th, there were reports that the opposition (Raila Odinga, a Luo man) had quite a lead, but as the remaining districts reported their counts, the current president (Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu man) ended up with a lead of 200,000+ votes and declared the winner on Dec. 30. He was immediately sworn in for another term. International election observers questioned the final counting, and the opposition leader and others protested strongly. Unfortunately, a lot of the grassroots protest took the form of violence, especially in the slum areas where people were hoping for a change. Other places where there has been a lot of fighting are Kisumu (on Lake Victoria, about 6 hours to the west) and Eldoret (about 8 hours to the northwest).

The government stopped an opposition rally a few days ago with tear gas and water cannons, but the opposition keeps trying to gather supporters together. For updates on the situation, you can check international news sources such as CNN, BBC, or Reuters.

I mentioned the tribal groups of the two men because these are the groups who are fighting each other. So far, we have not heard of other people groups taking sides. Kikuyu people are a larger group and are located throughout the country, although they originate in the Nairobi area. Luo are primarily in the west, but they also have a large population in Nairobi, unfortunately mostly in the slum areas.

The international community is calling for mediators to come in, but so far the government is not moving in this direction. Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been talking to the two leaders. Those who are suffering the most are people who live in affected areas who are fearing for their lives and who cannot get out for food. We have four men who change around as day and night guards (just one at a time), and they have moved their families out of the areas where they live to places they feel are safe. They walked miles to work several days because there was no public transportation. We have told them they are welcome to sleep on our compound if they are afraid to be at their homes.

We were very saddened to hear late Thursday that the Lutheran Church in Kibera slum had been looted and burned. No lives were lost that we are aware of.

Here is a map of greater Nairobi to give you an idea of where we are located in relation to the three slum areas where there has been the most trouble, as well as Uhuru Park downtown. The cross above Uhuru Park marks where Uhuru Highway Lutheran Church is located. (Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.) The star above the word Langatta (SW area) is where we live, and the X below that is where the other missionaries live (Rev. Paul & Joy Mueller and Rev. Carlos & Lidia Winterle). Nairobi is a city of 3 million people, so this map covers a large area, and you can see that we are quite a distance from trouble areas. So far, we can get food and fuel in Karen town.

This is probably more information than you wanted to know, but we wanted to make sure you have a good understanding of our safety here. Our mission office in St. Louis has been in contact with us daily to make sure we are all doing well. We know many of you are already praying for us, and we ask for your continued prayers for peace in Kenya throughout this difficult time. May God bless you!

Together in His mission,
Claude and Rhoda Houge

PO Box 22
Karen, Kenya 00502
E-mail address: claude.houge@lcms.org

Photo: All begin at the Health Center: It was firts looted and then burnt.

Our sister church LUTHERAN CHURCH MISURI SYNOD - LCMS, send an official release, prepared by Paula Schlueter Ross:

January 3, 2008 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 1

LCMS missionaries OK in Kenya, rioters burn Lutheran church - By Paula Schlueter Ross

Two Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod missionary couples stationed outside of Nairobi, Kenya, are safe and do not appear to be in harm's way despite five days of post-election rioting in the city that has led to more than 300 deaths, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of more than 100,000 people.Springs of Life Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya, an LCMS partner, was reportedly looted and set afire today, Jan. 3. No injuries were reported at the church, which includes a medical clinic funded by LCMS World Relief and Human Care and a nursery school.In a Jan. 3 e-mail to LCMS World Mission staff, Rev. David Chuchu, project coordinator with the Kenyan Lutheran church body, said a "humanitarian crisis is unfolding as thousands of displaced Kenyans [are] running out of food and water. Houses have been burnt, churches and property burnt or destroyed. Thousands of people are sleeping in the cold at various police stations countrywide. Others are camping in churches." A police station in Kisumu is sheltering more than 2,000 people without so much as blankets, he said. "People need food, water, and blankets."The violent protest was sparked by Kenya's disputed Dec. 27 election that returned President Mwai Kibaki to office. Much of the violence is between those who support Kibaki -- from the majority Kikuyu tribe -- and supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is from the Luo tribe, according to news reports."The sad part is that politicians continue to harden their position as the nation is bleeding, people are weeping as the entire country is heading toward destruction -- something we are not used to," Chuchu said.Springs of Life Pastor Rev. Dennis Meeker said via e-mail that the medical clinic, Luther Health Facility, "suffered severe damage as rioters looted everything and then set it on fire," and that the nursery school also was looted and burned."Please continue to pray for us," Meeker said. "We thank God our faith is not in material possessions. Our faith will stand firm and we pray God's intervention for the sake of Kenya. ... We rejoice in the fact that faith does not burn and the church is never destroyed." Dr. Paul Mueller, regional director for Africa with LCMS World Mission, and his wife, Joy, a staff member with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, and missionaries Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge live within blocks of each other in Karen, a suburb southwest of Nairobi.Both couples have been in daily contact via telephone and e-mail with LCMS World Mission Personnel Care Manager Travis Torblaa, who says the missionaries told him their community is quiet and they feel safe. Torblaa is based at the Synod's International Center in St. Louis."The violence appears to be in isolated pockets right now," Torblaa told Reporter, the Synod's national newspaper. "We are prepared to evacuate the missionaries, if needed, but at this point they are not in danger."Also reported safe in Kenya is Dr. Carlos Walter Winterle and his wife, Lidia. Winterle, former president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, has been serving for more than a year as English-speaking pastor of Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral, an international congregation in downtown Nairobi. The ministry is a partnership of the LCMS and its partner church bodies in Kenya and Brazil.Torblaa said the situation in Kenya will continue to be monitored closely, as it "does remain unpredictable.""We're praying for a peaceful resolution to the current conflict in Kenya," he said.
(Reprinted, with permission, from LCMSNews.) ****************************************If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release, contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231, or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.****************************************

Kibera's Church and behind the Clinic: before and after...

Our sister church, Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche -SELK - Free Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Germany, published a note in her News:

"From: "selk_news" <selk_news@selk.de>To: "SELK-Nachrichten" <selk_news@kbx.de>Sent: 01 January, 2008 8:08 AMSubject: [selk_news]

Kenia: ELCK von Unruhen mit betroffen

Kenia: ELCK von Unruhen mit betroffen Nairobi, 31.12.2007 - selk - Von der Angst und Unsicherheit, die durch dieUnruhen nach dem umstrittenen Wahlsieg von Präsidenten Mwai Kibaki dasostafrikanische Kenia prägen, sind auch die Gemeinden der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Kenia (ELCK) betroffen. Dies berichtet derehemalige Präses der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche von Brasilien Carlos Winterle, der seit Oktober 2006 Pfarrer einer englischsprachigen ELCK-Gemeinde in der Hauptstadt Nairobi ist.In Kawangware, einer Vorstadt Nairobis, wo der ELCK-Pastor Omodhi arbeitet,seien, so Winterle, am 29.12. in Tumulten neun Menschen getötet worden. In Kibera, wo der US-amerikanische Pfarrer Dennis Meeker Dienst tut, seien inder Nähe der Kirche eine größere Anzahl Häuser in Brand gesteckt worden.Wegen der Unruhen feierte Winterles Gemeinde am 30.12. keinen Gottesdienst. Am 31.12. sei die Lage zwar vergleichsweise ruhig gewesen, da aber deröffentliche Nahverkehr völlig zum Erliegen gekommen sei, habe sich die Gemeinde auch am Neujahrstag nicht zum Gottesdienst versammeln können."Suchet der Stadt Bestes, ... und betet für sie zum HERRN," schreibt Winterle und bittet auch für die die ELCK um solches Gebet. Zur ELCK gehören etwa 70.000 Glieder in 440 Gemeinden, in denen 110 Pastoren und 185 Evangelisten Dienst tun.-- Ein Bericht von selk_newsRedaktion "Lutherische Kirchen in Deutschland und weltweit"Bernd Reitmayer, Gahlensche Str. 150, D-44809 Bochum, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)234-520490, Fax: +49 (0)234-520190e-mail: reitmayer@selk.deselk_news können über http://www.selk.de bezogen werden.© SELK 2007Um den Newsletter zu verlassen, schreiben Sie eine Mail an:mailto:leave-selk_news-5504651R@kbx.de "

Photo: People waiting at the entrance of the clinic... and... after...

Photo: The Medical Clinic inside: after...

"HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY, BUT MY WORDS WILL NEVER PASS AWAY." (Jesus, Matthew 24:35).

KENYA IS CRYING... (4) Brazil - BRASIL

Foto: Igreja no dia da instalação do pastor. Todas as instalações passaram por uma reforma e uma pintura geral fazia pouco tempo.

A correspondência a seguir foi encaminhada à Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil- Presidência daIELB, que a divulgou a toda a igreja. OBRIGADO! Isto fez com que mais pessoas tomassem conhecimento da realidade e orassem por nós todos aqui. Como escreveu um colega: "Se vocês não estivessem aí, esta guerrinha seria mais uma entre as tantas que acontecem na África e no mundo; mas com a presença de vocês aí, a questão muda de figura e acompanhamos as notícias com mais atenção e oração." OBRIGADO!

"Queridos amigos e irmãos em Cristo:

Temos recebido muitas manifestações de apoio, orações, preocupações, por e-mails e pelo msn, devido à situação no Quênia, principalmente depois das notícias no Jornal Nacional sobre a queima de uma igreja com cerca de 50 mortos. MUITO OBRIGADO! Nos sentimos fortalecidos e animados no meio da insegurança gerada no país. Queremos, através desta, fazer um registro das nossas experiências diante disto tudo, e pedir que continuem a orar por nós, pela igreja cristã no Quênia e pelo país, para que seja restabelecida a paz e a ordem:

Dia 27 de dezembro ocorreram eleições no país; tranqüilas. Mas a demora na apuração dos votos deixou o povo nervoso e desconfiado. A disputa entre os dois principais candidatos era parelha. O Presidente Kibaki, re-eleito, é da tribo dos kikuius; o outro candidato, Raila, é da tribo dos luos. A questão tribal aqui é muito forte ainda e as rixas são antigas. Ainda antes da promulgação do resultado já aconteceram manifestações de violência, queima de casas e barracos. Tivemos que suspender os cultos do dia 30/dezembro por questões de segurança. Telefonamos para vários congregados no sábado à noitinha, e estavam todos trancados em suas casas, não saindo nem para comprar leite para as crianças, pois a violência imperava nas ruas em que moram. O Pastor Omodhi, responsável pela paróquia e pelos cultos em Swahili, me disse que não podia sair de maneira alguma de sua casa.

Com a promulgação do resultado, dando a vitória ao Pres. Kibaki, começaram as acusações de fraude e irregularidades na apuração dos votos. O perdedor não se conforma e acirra os ânimos dos seus partidários. Neste contexto, multiplicaram-se as manifestações de violência. Para entender um pouco melhor a história política do país, favor ler a reportagem no site:

http://noticias.terra.com.br/mundo/interna/0,,OI2192453-EI294,00.html

Lídia e eu estamos reclusos em casa desde o dia 26/Dezembro. Moramos em lugar seguro e tranqüilo, graças ao bom Deus. Só saí no dia 31 para fazer algumas compras no super-mercado (5 km aqui de casa) e hoje de manhã; mas a situação é de um silêncio constrangedor no mercado, todos apressados, comprando alimentos para fazer estoque em casa, prevendo dias piores. Pão, frutas e verduras, à medida que são colocados no balcão, desaparecem nas mãos dos consumidores. No país visinho, Uganda, já começa a faltar combustível; pois Uganda depende do abastecimento via-rodoviário/Quênia.

Tivemos que suspender o culto do dia 1º de Janeiro também (culto à noite, nem pensar!!!). Espero que possamos ter o culto no próximo domingo, Epifania.

Hoje a situação parece mais tranqüila e muitos voltaram ao trabalho. (A semana passada toda foi feriado: Natal, 2º Dia de Natal, dia de eleições, dia pós-eleições, dia após promulgação do resultado, Ano Novo.... etc. etc.). O candidato derrotado está convocando um grande comício para amanhã no parque público nos fundos na nossa igreja, no centro da cidade; ele quer se proclamar Presidente com o apoio popular, sob a alegação de fraudes na apuração; mas estão procurando demovê-lo desta idéia, para não causar mais tumulto.
Vamos ver no que vai dar.

Cada congregado com quem falamos por telefone tem uma história para contar dos fatos no bairro em que mora. A maioria mora em casas muito simples e em barracos, na periferia da cidade e nas favelas. Vamos continuar orando para que a paz volte.

Agradecemos novamente o carinho e as manifestações que recebemos. Deus guarde a todos neste ano que está iniciando e nos permita dar continuidade ao trabalho para o qual fomos chamados aqui.

Pastor Carlos Walter e Lídia Winterle

Nairobi, 02 de janeiro de 2008"

A Zero Hora, através da jornalista Priscila Martini, me entrevistou via msn (internet), pois por telefone não foi possível. A reportagem assustou muitos aí no Brasil; mas estamos bem, graças a Deus. Rogamos por dias melhores nesta terra tão bonita e abençoada por Deus (não é só o Brasil que é bonito e abençoado por Deus...). Segue a reportagem, caso alguém não tenha tido acesso a ela; (Parece que o jornal da RBS em Santa Catarina publicou a mesma reportagem no sábado; se alguém souber disso, favor me comunicar):

"Do paraíso ao inferno
Entrevista: Carlos Walter Winterle, pastor gaúcho morador do Quênia

Acostumado a visitar as favelas da capital do Quênia, Nairóbi, o pastor gaúcho Carlos Walter Winterle agora está preso em sua casa, no bairro de Karen. Desde que o presidente Mwai Kibabi foi reeleito, na semana passada, em meio a suspeitas de fraude, a violência tomou conta do país - e não é seguro sair às ruas. Mais de 300 pessoas já morreram nos conflitos entre os kikuyu e os luo, duas etnias rivais. Winterle, 57 anos, vive com a mulher, Lídia, há um ano e meio no Quênia, onde trabalham para a Igreja Luterana. O paraíso africano, segundo eles, ameaça agora virar palco de guerra civil. Ontem, o pastor conversou pela internet com Zero Hora:Zero Hora - Como está a situação no país após o anúncio do resultado das eleições?Carlos Walter Winterle - Está caótica, indo de mal a pior. O dia das eleições foi exemplar, mas, com a demora na apuração dos votos, começou a haver desconfiança. Aí começaram os distúrbios populares. O pessoal se enfrenta nas ruas e queima as casas uns dos outros só porque são de tribos diferentes.ZH - Só após o resultado ou sempre foi assim?Winterle - Em época eleitoral estas diferenças afloram novamente. Em tempos normais, se ouve comentários depreciativos, mas não há violência. O país estava tranqüilo, é considerado o mais estável da África. Há muito progresso, um potencial turístico enorme. Mas acho que a situação estava como um barril de pólvora: muitos esperando uma mudança para melhor.ZH - A violência ocorre em todo o país ou em alguns lugares a situação está mais calma?Winterle - Em todo o país. Sem mais nem menos colocam fogo nas casas, nas igrejas. Hoje (ontem) mesmo queimaram uma escola e uma igreja luterana na favela de Kibera. Foi triste. O pessoal de lá telefonando: "Invadiram a igreja, estão roubando tudo, agora botaram fogo...". E os membros da congregação do lado de fora, sem poder fazer nada. Nem nós aqui em casa, pois estamos reclusos desde 26 de dezembro, por recomendação da embaixada americana. Só saí dois dias para ir até o supermercado. Já estão faltando alimentos. À medida que o pão, frutas e verduras chegam nas prateleiras, somem... ZH - E qual foi o cenário que o senhor viu ao sair de casa?Winterle - Um silêncio constrangedor no mercado, cada um fazendo as compras ligeiro e quieto, poucos carros nas ruas. Moramos em um bairro residencial, a 20 quilômetros do centro, onde acontece o fervo. Aqui ainda não chegou a violência, pois há poucos moradores e pouco movimento nas ruas. Hoje mesmo foi o maior caos no centro da cidade. Todo o comércio fechou e as pessoas se refugiaram dentro de suas casas. ZH - Como era a vida no Quênia antes dos distúrbios?Winterle - Este ano e meio foi um paraíso! O trabalho está indo bem, o clima daqui é fabuloso, temos bons amigos. Encontramos condições de trabalho e de vida nunca imaginados na África. A cidade é boa, muito verde, muitas flores, muitos pássaros. ZH - O senhor pensa em voltar ao Brasil?Winterle - Minha esposa e eu ainda não estamos com medo nem pensamos em voltar para o Brasil. Confiamos que Deus está nos guardando e vai continuar a nos guardar. Temos uma missão a cumprir. ZH - O senhor vê a possibilidade de começar uma guerra civil?Winterle - Este é o medo da população. Já ouvi várias vezes na TV e no rádio dizerem que não querem que o Quênia se transforme em uma Ruanda. Se realmente estourar uma guerra civil, provavelmente não teremos condições de trabalhar aqui e teremos de voltar."

Foto: Casa pastoral no dia da instalação do pastor ano passado

A Agência Brasil, através da Jornalista Ana Luiza Zenker, (da Diretoria da Juventude Evangélica Luterana do Brasil - JELB), me entrevistou via skype, colocando trechos da entrevista na reportagem que segue e partes do áudio em programa de rádio e televisão:

3 de Janeiro de 2008-01-05
Polícia reprime protesto no Quênia e pelo menos mais duas igrejas são queimadas Ana Luiza Zenker* Repórter da Agência Brasil

Brasília - A polícia queniana reprimiu hoje (3) a manifestação convocada pelo candidato derrotado nas eleições presidenciais da última quinta-feira (27). O candidato de oposição Raila Odinga havia convocado 1 milhão de partidários a se reunir na praça Uhuru, no centro da capital queniana para protestar contra os resultados da eleição, quando o presidente Mwai Kibaki foi reeleito, em meio a acusações de fraude.De acordo com números fornecidos pela polícia, cerca de duas mil pessoas marchavam de diversos pontos de Naioróbi para se reunir na praça. A polícia usou gás lacrimogênio e jatos de água para dispersar um grupo que levantava barricadas em uma das principais avenidas da cidade, enquanto iam para a praça Uhuru.Na véspera, o governo queniano já tinha proibido a manifestação. A disputa política desencadeou violência em todo o país. Desde semana passada, estima-se que mais de 300 pessoas morreram e 100 mil saíram de suas casas.Segundo um alerta da Red24, uma rede especialista em alertas de segurança em todo o mundo, o comício que seria realizado hoje foi transferido para terça-feira (8). Brasileiro que vive em Nairobi, Carlos Winterle, diz que a mesma informação foi repassada aos moradores da capital queniana.Missionário da igreja luterana no país, Winterle diz que a expectativa é de que até terça haja tumulto. “A polícia está impedindo as pessoas de ir ao centro da cidade e nossa igreja fica exatamente neste Parque Uhuru, onde são as grandes concentrações. Não sei se poderemos ter culto no final de semana”, lamenta.Ele conta que desde o dia 26 de dezembro a família está reclusa em casa. Só saiu duas vezes e de forma rápida, no dia 31 e ontem (2), para ir ao supermercado.“Mas a situação é de um silêncio constrangedor no mercado, todos apressados, comprando alimentos para fazer estoque em casa, prevendo dias piores. Pão, frutas e verduras, à medida que são colocados no balcão, desaparecem nas mãos dos consumidores. No país vizinho, Uganda, já começa a faltar combustível, pois depende do abastecimento rodoviário do Quênia”, conta.De acordo com Winterle, só hoje foram liberadas imagens ao vivo na televisão. Foi por meio do noticiário que ele ficou sabendo que mais duas igrejas foram queimadas, em Kibera, maior favela do país. “Queimaram uma igreja anglicana e agora botaram fogo na nossa igreja [luterana] também”, disse.“Fiquei sabendo que colocaram fogo também na escola e na farmácia/ambulatório junto da igreja de Kibera, após roubarem tudo o que havia no ambulatório. Vândalos estão se aproveitando da situação e fazendo baderna.”Ele informou que começaram roubando o que havia no local e depois colocaram fogo, enquanto as pessoas ficaram olhando do lado de fora, sem poder fazer nada. Winterle lamenta o ocorrido, pois na igreja havia cerca de duas ou três equipes médicas que vinham todo ano dos Estados Unidos para atender à população gratuitamente.Ontem, o secretário-geral da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), Ban Ki-moon, se mostrou chocado com a violência desencadeada no Quênia, por meio de um comunicado divulgado por seu porta-voz. Ele convocou as autoridades políticas e religiosas a se lembrarem de “sua responsabilidade legal e moral de proteger as vidas de pessoas inocentes, independentemente de sua origem racial, religiosa ou étnica”.De acordo com informações da ONU, um dos principais problemas é o acesso de ajuda humanitária, já que a estrada Nairobi-Nakuru está bloqueada. Os corredores de transporte que saem do Porto de Mombasa também têm acesso restrito, o que dificulta o envio de suprimentos a operações de paz e humanitárias em outros países, como o Sudão, Uganda e Congo. *Com informações da Agência Telam

Foto: a casa poquial queimada.

O Pastor Dennis Meeker deveria morar nesta casa; mas sua esposa, que é queniana, disse que não seria prudente morar em lugar tão perigoso. A casa servia de escritório da igreja, e todos os documentos e livros da igreja foram queimados.

Com o e-mail recebido do Presidente da Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil - IELB, Rev. Paulo moisés Nerbas, meu colega de classe e grande amigo, resumo os muitos e-mails que recebi de colegas, outros amigos e familiares:

"Estimados Walter e Lídia
Estamos preocupados com as notícias vindas do Quênia. É bom saber que vocês estão num lugar seguro, mas há muitos que estão em situação diferente. Incluiremos vocês, os irmãos quenianos e toda a nação em nossas orações, na certeza de que o Senhor gracioso e poderoso irá guardá-los.
Recebam um grande abraço de todos nós!
Com carinho, em Cristo
Paulo Moisés Nerbas"

O colega Lucas Albrecht, da Pastoral da ULBRA, deu destaque à afirmação do Secretário Geral da ELCK, Rev. John Halakhe (veja Quadro 5) na sua mensagem no culto de domingo na ULBRA. Confira no texto abaixo que ele me enviou:

"Estimado Pastor Winterle!

Obrigado pelo email e pelas fotos. Pude utilizar como ilustração do sermão de hoje, lembrando que por ocasião da visita dos reis também houve alguém que tentou acabar com a mensagem de Jesus.
Principalmente a força semiótica da fotografia da cruz inteira e a seguinte frase do pastor Halakhe, que me tocou muito:

"Eles podem ter queimado as igrejas mas não podem destruir a mensagem da cruz."

A tradução do texto está no blog da pastoral, se alguém quiser utilizar:

http://toquedevida.blogspot.com/

A foto e os emails abaixo estão também expostos aqui na capela universitária. Ficarão durante esta semana, que é também a do Avalia e Projeta.

Abraço, Deus os abençoe e guarde,

PLucas
www.toquedevida.blogspot.com "

A tradução do texto do Sec. Geral segue abaixo (Cf. Quadro 5 deste BLOG):

"Queridos Amigos:Estas são algumas imagens da Igreja Luterana ‘Fonte da Vida’, em Kibera. Eu estive lá esta manhã e tirei algumas fotos. A história que ouvi é um testemunho vivo... Os vizinhos me contaram que a maneira como o fogo se apagou é impressionante, diante de seus olhos, e eles disseram que a Mão de Deus estava presente. O fogo ia consumir o edifício inteiro e então, subitamente, se apagou.Eu creio que isto foi obra da Fonte da Vida – o próprio Jesus Cristo. Vejam, muitas coisas viraram cinza, mas não a Cruz, como mostrarei nas imagens. Eles podem ter queimado as igrejas mas não podem destruir a mensagem da cruz.... nem nossa Fé e nem a assembléia dos crentes, que são o corpo de Cristo. E certamente a Fonte da vida que é o próprio Jesus Cristo e sua graça salvadora e Paz, manifestadas em sua morte na cruz e vitória sobre ela, e simbolizada em nosso Batismo, de fato fluirão da fonte batismal e do altar e continuarão a matar nossa sede de justiça, paz, comida e abrigo no Quênia e em todo o mundo.Que a paz do Senhor esteja com todos vocês.Em Cristo,Rev. John Halake."

A FOLHA DE SÃO PAULO colocou foto da igreja queimada em Kibera na primeira página, com a legenda: "Luterano ora em frente à igreja incendiada em Nairobi" . O rapaz que aparece de frente é o Josaphat, professor de Escola Dominical e líder entre os jovens e na evangelização (ele esteve também no Culto de Oração na Scripture Mission, ver quadro 7); e o outro é o Bosire, tecladista e líder do grupo de música. A foto parece ter sido tirada durante o culto deste domingo. (O crédito da foto é de Walter Astrada). O Pastor Nilo Wachholz logo nos avisou da reportagem e disse que nas páginas internas há mais fotos da cruz e de outros detalhes da igreja com a reportagem. Ele está me colocando em contato com a TV Boas Novas e com a Rede TV para uma entrevista. Tentaram ligar na segunda- feira à noite, mas não foi possível completar a ligação. Vão tentar hoje (terça-feira) novamente.

KENYA IS CRYING... (5) ELCK

The school at the dedication of the basketball court, August 26, 2007.

The school burnt...

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya - ELCK officers spoke about what is happening in Kenya. Rev. David Chuchu, Project Coordinator, wrote:

"Receive greetings from Kenya.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we need your prayers more than before. The post election violent has made us experience violence that has claimed hundreds of lives countrywide. This has continued for the fifth day.
Yesterday we had of church being burnt with people in it that have just gone their for safetyin Eldoret. This afternoon Kibera slums was of no go zone as Springs of Life Lutheran Church and Nursery School was put on fire. Our neighboring church African Inland Church was the first to be put ablaze this morning. It begun by looting the recently renovated health facility with support from LCMS WR and HC at Kibera and then it was set ablaze. No amount of pleading would stop them.
Kisumu where bloody violence had lasted for days was a no-go zone as police ringed the lakeside town and kept out protesters. Meanwhile, people’s houses were being burnt in the estates especially in Naymasaria, Kondele, Nyalenda and Manyatta areas. Nakumatt opposite the Lutheran Church was looted. Thanks to the police that were able to overpower the hooligans and looters.
Mombasa, Eldoret, Kericho, Kilifi, Taveta, Kakamega, Busia, Narok, Bungoma has experienced similar violent with many lives being lost either by people killing each other or a s a result live bullets used by police as they class with protesters following the last concluded controversial elections in Kenya.
Humanitarian crisis is unfolding as thousands of displaced Kenyans started running out of food and water. Houses have been burnt, Churches and property burnt or destroyed. Thousands of people are sleeping in the cold at various police stations countrywide. Others are camping in churches. In Kondele Police station in Kisumu have over 2000 people without even a blanket to cover themselves with. People need food, water, and blankets, they have children going without food. They have locked themselves in the houses and are not safe at all as arsonists loiter around.
Shops are closed, makeshift groceries that are usually available by the road side that provides the necessary food stuff for the common people as they walk on the streets have been torched.
In all these, the sad part is that politicians continue to harden their position as the nation is bleeding, people are weeping as the entire country is heading towards destruction. Something we are not used to. Kindly join us in prayers. We need the divine intervention so that God will speak to our leaders.

David Chuchu"

Rev. John Halakhe, General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya - ELCK , wrote after visiting the church, school and parish house which were burnt:

"Dear Friends,
These are some pictures of Springs of Life Lutheran Church, Kibera. I was there this morning and took some shots. The story I heard is a living testimony.... I was told by neighbors that the way the fire went off is amazing before their eyes and they said the Hand of God was present. The fire was to consume the entire building but it suddenly went off.
I believe it was the work of the spring of Life - Jesus Christ Himself. Now, a Number of things burnt into ashes but not the Cross as I will show you in the comings pictures. They may have burnt the churches but they can not destroy the message of the Cross.....not our Faith and not the assembly of the believers, who are the Body of Christ. And surely the Springs of Life which is Jesus Christ Himself and His Saving Grace and Mercies and Peace as Manifested in his death on the Cross and victory over it and Symbolized in our Baptism shall indeed flows from its Baptismal font and its Alter and continue to quench our thirst for justice, peace, food and shelter in Kenya and all over the world.
Peace of the Lord be with you all.

His,

Rev. John Halakhe"

He shared his own experience too:

“I was on my way to Kibera going through road blocks. At one point I was ordered by youths to get in the car and drive away or the car set on fire. Continue praying for us.
Rev. John H”

Pray for Bishop Walter Obare, who is still at his rural home. He is under threat because his ethnic background and cannot come back to Nairobi.

The school hall at the dedication service of the Basketball Court, last August.

The school hall, burnt. We were many times there with the children and with visitors.

"TRAIN A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE IS OLD HE WILL NOT TURN FROM IT." - Proverbs 22:6

KENYA IS CRYING... (6) Kibera

Pastor Dennis Meeker and his wife Deaconess Lorna. He gave his testemony when he shared the pictures he took early in the morning the day after the church was burnt:

"Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

In the midst of turmoil caused by the Presidential election I wish to inform you that Springs of Life Lutheran Church and Medical Clinic has suffered severe damage as rioters looted everything and then set it on fire. Our nursery school has also been looted and burned. It happened in the early afternoon 3rd of January. Please continue to pray for us. We thank God our faith is not in material possessions.Our faith will stand firm and we pray God's intervention for the sake of Kenya. Jesus said: “I will never leave you or forsake you” Lorna and I are fine in the midst of much sorrow. We live away from the high tension zone and communicate by phone to our people in the area. We rejoice in the fact that faith does not burn and the church is never destroyed.Yours in Christ,Rev. Dennis Meeker"

A MIRACLE: The banner survive!!! (Pastor Dennis with the banner) This means: The church should go on in her mission: PREACH THE GOOD NEWS TO ALL PEOPLE!

A table was used as altar at the Service on January 6th, inside the burnt church.

Scripture Mission donated new hymnals and Bibles, so that people could worship on Sunday. The old one, as the Sunday School material, church register books, all was burnt or looted. The chalice was looted too (they just had received it as a donation!).

After the Service, people gathered outside the church in a big circle and all greet one another.

HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN BROTHERS LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY!" - Psalm 133:1

KENYA IS CRYING... (7) How to help

YOU CAN PRAY! Finnish missionaries working around Kenya were called back to Nairobi by their Embassy. Some are going back to Finland to work there in behalf of Kenya. One lady said: "Now we can work better in our land in behalf of Kenyan people... I hope we can come back!"
They were at UHLC Service Sunday morning and they had a Prayer Service at Piittala's home at 3pm afternoon.
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The following letter explain you some of the necessities and how to help:

"Dear John:
Here are the facts so you can use them in any communication.

There are numerous needs for the people of Kenya during this time of suffering due to unrest in post election aftermath since December 27, 2007. It has been an intense week for all of us and we are cognizant of the situation which still lies ahead as the two political parties resolve their differences to reach peace in Kenya. In light of this violence, loss of lives, and continual hardship for our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK), I have orally assessed the ELCK’s needs with the leadership to help identify immediate needs for our Christian brothers and sisters. Springs of Life Lutheran Church and medical clinic in Kibera were looted then had most of their buildings destroyed by fire. Bishop Obare suggested that we focus on immediate needs for the people of the ELCK and I will do on-going assessment in the days to come for long term rebuilding and relief for members.

Western Kenya needs are as followed suggested by Rev David Chuchu:
Food – many people cannot purchase food as they have not been able to work or get money. (Maize and beans would be helpful)
Cooking Oil
medication is needed for the clinic but no funds
Blankets, sheets, and pillows for displaced persons who lost their homes due to riots and looting.
Mosquito nets to keep them safe from Malaria
Tents for housing until homes can be found or rebuild

Kibera – according to Rev. Dennis and Lorna Meeker ( I have been waiting for pictures from Dennis but they are not coming through. I will try to get you before and after pictures if Dennis has not sent them to you.)
Food to distribute to people and those living at the guest house
Cooking oil
Tents for housing displaced persons (Cost from $100.00 - $500.00 depending on # of people in tent)
Medical supplies (all were taken before the clinic was burned)
Foam pads/mattress for tent dwellers
Blankets, sheets, and pillows for displaced persons who lost their homes due to riots and looting
Tarpaulins for a make shift church to worship as a congregation. The tarpaulins will be attached to stick poles to keep the sun or rain off people.
250 people tent ($500.00) for a church building to worship in Kibera (this will be needed in the future so tarpaulins will help for now)

Nairobi – shared by Rev. Carlos Walter Winterle
There are two areas which Rev.Winterle and Rev. Omidhi serve in Nairobi and their members are in need: Ongata Rongai Township where members were looted and are temporarily living within the Police Station for safety & Kawangware (slum) where Pastor Omidhi and members have suffered. Rev. Winterle has been contacting all the members by cell phone (who have one) or Pastor Omidhi has visited them to assess their needs. During one phone conversation a member shared with Rev. Winterle, “I cannot go out to buy milk for my children because the fighting is so bad” In the background Rev. Winterle could hear the baby crying which touched his heart. The following is a list from both these areas:

Foam pads/mattress
Blankets, sheets, and pillows
Food
In future, corrugated tin, nails, wood, etc to rebuild homes.

The area is quiet today but talks of another rally on January 8th are scheduled. These rallies are held at Uhuru Park in the center of Nairobi but violence has been triggered in Western Kenya and the slum areas around Nairobi. Our LCMS worker, Catherine Wangari, is living in an area that is safe at the moment but her Mom and brother live in a highly targeted area which has had looting and burning of homes. Their home has not been targeted but this has caused much anxiety in Catherine’s youngest child as he worries about the extended family living in an active area of violence. Please pray for peace and reconciliation in Kenya.

Thanks,
Joy

Joy Mueller
Project Management Director – Africa
LCMS~World Missions/World Relief-Human Care
Joy.Mueller@LCMS.org
Stateside Cell Phone #: 651-485-9694
Kenya Cell Phone #: 072-734-1543
Calling from outside Kenya: +254-72-734-1543 or 011-254-72-734-1543


Kenyan Office: St. Louis Address
P.O. Box 22 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Karen, 00502 World Mission and World Relief /Human Care
Kenya, East Africa 1333 South Kirkwood
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295

Ablaze! – Sharing the Good News of Christ Jesus with 100 million people by 2017!"
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We held a Prayer Service at 4pm Sunday at Scripture Mission compound, Karen. 80 people were gathered to hear God's Word, to sing and to pray for peace. One lady prayed that the food can be delivered from Mombasa Port to the needy people; many roads are blocked and the food cannot reach the people... (The picture:) Mr Justus Nyang'au, General Manager of Scripture Mission (member at UHLC), Mr. Nyaribu (Elder at UHLC), people and pastor of Kibera, Pastor Rune Mjolhus, Scripture Mission Field Director.

YOU CAN OFFER! Pastor Rune Mjolhus, Field Director- Scripture Mission, asked for a special offering after the Prayer Service. (The picture:) He is giving it to Kibera's representatives. THANK YOU!

Norwegians offered lot of clothes and food to Kibera's people after the Prayer Service held at their compound. THANK YOU.

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This family: Joseph Mbui, Evelyn, Rony and Monica (our godchild) needed to flee from their house on midnight, December 31st. They are in a Police Station, waiting to go back to their small and poor house. They asked two mosquito net and a blanket. They received them after the service at UHLC on Sunday. They are the first family who received some support through LCMS - World Relief and Human Care at UHLC. THANK YOu! We gave them some food too. When they are going back home, they will need mattresses, pillows, clothes, etc, because all was looted of their house. They will receive more support from LCMS-WRHC. This is a good example how you can help.

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I was finishing to prepare this BLOG when I received from Evangelist Sylvester Opyio an e-mail and some more pictures. He was in Kibera on Sunday at the Service. I share this e-mail with you and added some of the picture to the BLOG:

"Shalom good evening to you brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers as a nation. We are bleeding and crying out for God to restore our land. This are some of the pictures at our Church in Kibera that was razed down together with the Nursery School and the Pastors House. We hope that you can share these pictures with other sisters and brothers in Christ.Even though they burnt the buildings but the true church which is the very body of Christ purchased by His precious blood was able to congregate this Sunday and worship in the debris and ashes of the ruins.Some of the people persons in the pictures are those that have lost all their property in the skirmishes and are either staying with friends some where else and some are staying with Pastor Dennis Meeker, the Pastor in charge at Kibera.We request more for your prayers and support to rebuild our hearts and then the structural of worship. God bless you for remembering us and praying with us. Sylvester

"NOW, MAY THE LORD OF PEACE HIMSELF GIVE YOU PEACE AT ALL TIMES AND IN EVERY WAY. THE LORD BE WITH ALL OF YOU." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16