Dear Friends,

Thank You to those who have generously responded to our urgent appeal for funds to help alleviate some of the suffering in Kenya. The situation has stabilised somewhat in the present but small outbreaks of violence continue and the threat of more unrest and violence remains as the nation awaits a political solution. 

The most recent update from our AE team in Kenya indicates that there are now 6,015 adults and children registered at the Jamhuri Camp for displaced persons. Most of these come from the nearby Kibera & Kawangware slums. The Jamhuri Showground was used by the Red Cross as a place to feed the people fleeing their communities immediately following the initial violence. A camp was then established at Jamhuri by the National Alliance of Churches (NAC) and the NAC requested that AE Kenya take on the role of coordinating the church response.

 
The help is not only coming from outside. Local Kenyans are reaching out to their own brothers and sisters in need at this time. More than 500 volunteers have offered their time and skill in areas such as administration, pastoral care, security, medical care and counselling.  Local donations of milk, dry food items, medicine, blankets, clothing, toys & water treatment kits are coming in daily. The Kenya police are assisting in the area of security. We are thankful that the Red Cross remain a major partner looking after logistics and providing expertise in Disaster Management. 

As well as maintaining the camp AE Kenya is involved in Food Distribution in the slums. The need for urgent assistance continues but the need does not end there. Once stability has been restored, the immediate aid response will give way to a reconstruction and rehabilitation response that will help the displaced people rebuild their lives. 

The long term response will involve vital physical rebuilding but also the restoration of relationships. The gospel message of forgiveness is desperately needed in such a time. AE Associate Counsellors have already provided personalised counselling to approximately 800 people and there have also been general counselling talks being offered at the camp. The counsellors are dealing with people who arrive at the camp filled with bitterness, hatred, anger and fear. They are reporting encouraging signs of calm but the need for reconciliation along ethnic lines has to be addressed.

 
Janet Mwendwa, AE Kenya’s Community Development Coordinator has told us that the church response at Jamhuri has been an encouraging example of the church fulfilling its God given role of bringing the message of Good News and hope in Christ to all people irrespective of background, ethnicity or race.

Will you help us continue to alleviate the pain and suffering of these displaced people in whatever way we can?

Donations can be made using our secure online donation form. Please mark gifts to 'Kenya Appeal' in the notes section of the form.


Please also pray that peace will return to Kenya and pray that we will be effective in our work of mediation and practical assistance and that in all things we will show the love the Christ.