Did you know there are many kinds of dates, not the calendar or romantic ones, but the edible ones? My favorite grocery store’s holiday display with rows of varieties and flavours of dates amazed me yesterday – all available for evening and pre-dawn meals during the .jpg)
upcoming Ramadan. The timing of this celebration changes yearly and for 2008 it begins on September 1st and ends September 30th or October 1st, all dates dependent upon the sighting of the new moon.
This is also a time when Christians should pray for our neighbours, friends and even our enemies who claim a very different faith. Often different is a negative, but we can learn from one difference in their religion: Good Muslims stop and pray publicly five times daily and they will spend extra time in prayer during the month of Ramadan. Several times each day as I sit at my desk, I hear the Call to Prayer of a nearby mosque and I use it as reminder to pray for those it is calling to prayer.
A friend who has a special heart for those who celebrate Ramadan shares: “It's that time of year .gif)
again … it is time for the Muslim's holy month of prayer and fasting. Around the world many are in busy preparation and anticipation of the announcement that the month of Ramadan has officially begun. While I was in the midst of the Muslim world … this time of year was exciting and everyone looked forward to this month of sleepy days and active nights … this is an important month … to lift up our prayers for the Muslim people and for those working among them. Ramadan is a month of increased outward dedication but it is also a time when many realize the emptiness of ritual. It is a time when workers have increased opportunity to share meals with and speak words of truth and light into the darkness … Please join me in prayer … take a specific time or day of the month of September to fast and pray for the Muslim people … I am planning on hosting a 'Prayer Tea' with other women during the month … pray for those living around the world in need of a witness.” My friend ends her letter with Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.".jpg)
As I read the news this week, watching for special articles for you, I found “Famine looms in the North…” (Daily Nation, 8/27/08, p.32). Written to inform readers of the increasing “HUNGER THREAT” in northern Kenya, the lack of hope of the residents led me to prayer. “Terrible … acute hunger and thirst in their faces … emaciated villagers line up, each family getting 20 litres (litre is a little more than a quart) of water for the week … water they share with their weakest goats … amid scorching temperatures … ‘Fear is always there’ … among the 1.2 million Kenyans in northern Kenya … little hope … ‘watch in despair.’”
This article ends with haunting comments that should lead Christians to prayer: “Already 60 per cent of the population need food and water. Remember the fasting month of Ramadan is coming and we might witness tragic scenes if this condition persists … We’re awaiting our fate. I’m sure death is just around the corner.” Not only are these hopeless people dying, they are among the tribes, languages and people who have not heard and accepted the proclamation of the eternal message of our heavenly Father (Revelation 14:6). They also need our Saviour’s “living water … welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10, 13)
I ask, NO, I plead that you take time during September to pray for those in our world who need to know of our Saviour’s love and hope. Write Revelation 14:6 and Hebrews 11:6 on a card and use it to guide your prayers while the Muslim world celebrates Ramadan. Take time to view, hear, experience and pray through the YouTube listings. Search on the internet for information on Ramadan and use what you learn to strengthen your prayers. Take time to join those celebrating Ramadan in praying that they will come to know the “truth and light”. Pray that they will come to know and accept the eternal message of our Father. Bert
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
YouTube/Muslim Call to Prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nOxHn-rDW8
YouTube/Ramadan Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG0uhRIxOe8
For more about hosting a prayer tea: http://btw.imb.org/
Daily Nation, 8/27/08 p.32 “Famine looms in North as livestock begins to die” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/464086/-/tk9k0w/-/index.html
For more about Ramadan:
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/ramadan1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
Special Request for September: Flavoured Dates and Prayer Dates
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The contrasts in the picture caught my eye first – A woman from northern Kenya, with her short braided hair, layers upon layers of colourful beads resting upon her neck, and her traditional dress covered by what appears to be a pink sheet tied across her shoulders. In her left hand, covered by the draped material, she is carrying something – very likely water. She is walking on a patch of road freshly levelled by the very large and shiny new TONKA-yellow road scraper sitting behind her.
The heading above the picture: “LET THERE BE DEVELOPMENT”. Description under the picture: “A woman walks down a road under construction … .jpg)
The road which will connect Isiolo Town to Moyale on the Ethiopian border … Research has shown that improving infrastructure can reduce poverty in marginalized areas.” This picture was found in the Daily Nation this past Monday (8/25/08) on page 13. I searched today, but failed to find it on the internet for you.
I had saved this page to share with you an article that revisits the post-election chaos of Kenyan youth. The writer pre-titles this article, “FORGOTTEN CLASS” and says, “It is likely that the protests had nothing to with who had won or who had lost. There is a possibility that the youth blocked roads and burnt property because they felt alienated … they felt disillusioned … our country must find a way of reducing the frustrations that young people have to endure … find a way to inject hope and optimism into the veins of the youth” (“To end violence inject hope in veins of youth” – Daily Nation, 8/25/08, p.13). Pray that changes in the country will lead to brighter educational and employment opportunities for Kenya’s youth. Pray for those that the writer says are too poor to access “the knowledge to advance themselves in life.” Pray especially that Kenyan’s youth will come to know that their heavenly Father has not forgotten them. Pray they will come to claim the greatest source of hope – His love and salvation.
I also ask that you pray for women like those in the picture. Pray that changes will come to Kenya that will reduce her poverty and that she will be able to provide her children with food, clean water and medical care as well as dream of a bright educational and professional future for them. Pray also that another “poverty” in her life will end – the majority, vast majority of people in northern Kenya have never heard the Genesis 1 story of “Let there be light” or Jesus’ teachings about “living water … welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10,13). Pray that the eternal gospel will be proclaimed to this woman and “every tribe, language and people” (Revelation 14:6) in northern Kenya. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“To end violence inject hope into the veins of youth” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/462936/-/tk8db9/-/index.html
Monday, August 25, 2008
Can you imagine buying sugar by the tablespoon rather than by the bag? Have you ever thought of buying margarine by the ounce? What about having to choose between using your dwindling kerosene for the lantern your children need for studying or for preparing the evening .jpg)
meal on your tiny cooker? This is the norm for many Kenyans these days. Yesterday’s edition of The Standard on Sunday carried articles leading to questions such as these.
“It’s struggle for survival for rural folk as inflation rises” (p.28) shares that “At the village retail shop, commodities are sold in small quantities … ‘Desperate villagers come asking for cooking fat worth Sh5. Some even want to buy sugar just enough for making one cup of tea.” One young mother shared that “buying milk for tea is just unimaginable. Her children are now taking porridge and black tea. Sometimes she says, her children take porridge for lunch.” This woman and her husband both work, but make too little to meet the basic needs of their small family.
This article and others including “Sawdust is the only affordable fuel for thousands of slum dwellers” (p.29) are not found on the internet, but I have included links for the two articles in this series which are available for reading and a commentary that shares more of the problem. “Rising cost of living chokes many families” (p.26, 27) reported that “A security guard in the Nairobi’s Business District, has been forfeiting lunch since the beginning of the year. He has also struck milk and bread off his breakfast table. Meat graces the dinner table only once a month … his dilemma is captured across million of homes in the country … .jpg)
As earnings remain constant, budgets are growing thinner, number of meals per day is dwindling and walking is fast becoming a favoured mode of transport.” “City dwellers eat less as inflation shoots up” (p.29) includes a theme included in all the articles – “No hope is in sight yet.”
I’m not sharing this to imply that the inflation that is hitting the entire world is worse in Kenya than anywhere else. I’m sharing this because as your missionaries, we must know the real lives of those in our adopted homes. This knowledge is also essential for those of you praying for us and for those who need to hear of our Father’s love and salvation. So, as you pray for us as we proclaim the eternal gospel to “those who live on the earth – to every nation, tribe, language and people” (Revelation 14:6), pray for the exhausted, frustrated, stressed and/or hungry among those who need to know of the hope offered by our Saviour. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
The Standard on Sunday, 8/24/08
“Rising cost of living chokes many families” – http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?mnu=details&id=1143993285&catid=4
“City dwellers eat less as inflation shoots ups” – http://eastandard.net/news/InsidePage.php?id=1143993235&cid=159&
Daily Nation, August 18, 2008, p.13/“Can the poor stand up to be counted?” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/457426/-/tjp72m/-/index.html
Kenya Shillings rates at a glance/ $1=Sh 68.83 (Saturday Nation, 8/23/08, p.24).
Friday, August 22, 2008
As I’ve pondered today’s news, I realized that some of you will want to read one or more of these articles. Those of you who need a break today from the problems of Kenya – as I do – can rely upon the short prayers in blue AND those who want to know more can read the articles for in-depth prayer “nudging”. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---.jpg)
Many well-known persons “could benefit from a planned amnesty for past corruption. But to get the pardon, they would have to confess and pay back any money they stole. The new amnesty law was in the pipeline, Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karura said yesterday.” (“Pattni’s graft gang may be pardoned” – Daily Nation, 8/22/08, p.1 – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/461846/-/tk7n8i/-/index.html ) Pray for the ongoing debate in Kenya about how to handle past cases of graft. Pray that political leaders will show a new level of integrity and that Kenyans will begin to trust those who lead them.
“The public should be allowed to actively take part in constitution-making to achieve practical and relevant laws for the country, constitutional experts said yesterday. Speaking at a regional constitutional conference in Nairobi, delegates from various countries were unanimous that unless the people were consulted, the writing of new laws would never pass the referendum test … They called for the delinking of constitution-makings from politics.” (“Involve all in lawmaking: Experts” – Daily Nation, 8/22/08, p.72 – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/461752/-/tk7mgt/-/index.html ) Pray for the writing of a new constitution for Kenya that will bring true peace that will not allow future elections to result in so much pain and turmoil and will benefit all Kenyans.
“Children have turned to scavenging, while girls and women are trading sex for food.” (“Families feel abandoned as they scavenge for food” – Daily Nation, 8/22/08, p.32 – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/461698/-/tk7ls3/-/index.html ) This article will lead to many questions, reactions and possibly a few judgements, but as I read of the hopelessness felt by these who are still displaced, the one certainty is that they are in great need of prayer for peace, comfort and wisdom..jpg)
The last article is for those who are prayer warriors for the world-wide problem of refugees, whether it is from within or outside a country. Those who do not desire to read this scholarly article, can simply use the two bits of information from the article to pray for our world’s refugee problem: “5.6million: the number of internal refugees in Sudan, the greatest in Africa” and “In Chad, the number of internal refugees increased from 100,000 at the end of 2006 to 180,000 a year later.” (“Internal refugees deserve same rights as the fleeing people from across the border” – Daily Nation, 8/22/08, pp.18-19 - http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/461702/-/149j1ukz/-/index.html
Thursday, August 21, 2008
.jpg)
PROMISE – Pledge to deliver new law” (Daily Nation, 8/21/08/p.64) given as “President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday declared their commitment to a new constitution” as they spoke yesterday at the opening of the “international conference on constitutional democracy in Africa.”This is good news and a welcomed promise, but not just because of the recent post-election violence. Yesterday, a feature appeared in the Daily Nation LIVING Magazine which shared the life of some of the “Kenyans (who) have shown both resilience and determination (not just) in the quest for a … a new Kenya”, but a “resilience and determination” to survive. “Residents take to UV rays for protection” (LIVING/ Daily Nation, 8/20/08, p.3) shares the struggle for water in Kibera, the largest slum in Kenya. Wikipedia says that “Kibera is located southwest of Nairobi city centre … approximately 2.5 square kilometres … or 630 acres … 5 km south east of the city centre of Nairobi. It holds more than a quarter of Nairobi's population … Its population is put at anything between 600,000 and 1.2 million.” One may assume that Kibera is home only for the lower level of society, but this is not true. Many professional people and well-educated people live there because of the high costs of living in Kenya’s capital city. Why do they stay in such a horrible situation? Opportunities in other parts of the country are limited, so they keep hoping and praying that their turn to move out of the slum to a better area will come quickly!
“It is easier to get a bottle of beer than a glass of clean water in Kibera.” This is the statement from yesterday’s LIVING Magazine that haunts me. Fresh water is a problem throughout Nairobi due to recent drought conditions, but this article shared that even the available water in Kibera is extremely contaminated. The article shares a way to purify the water – which unfortunately too few people use – “filling plastic bottles … with tap water … and exposing them to sunshine.”I am not sharing this article to solicit help for the need of clean water – a problem faced by many, too many people in Kenya and our world, although I do share a link of a relief group that can help. I am sharing this update to help you understand the urgency to pray for “a new Kenya.” Pray that the leaders of our country will bring about change that will benefit all Kenyans. Pray that Kenyan Christians will search for ways to be a part of this quest as they obediently follow their Saviour’s teachings (Matthew 25:31-40 and John 4:1-26) giving pure water to the thirsty and sharing the living water that leads to eternal life. Bert Yates
*Please note additional guide for prayer listed below at “Walking Thru Kibera”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Daily Nation/“Pledge to deliver new law” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/461254/-/tk7ijl/-/index.html
The Standard/“New laws, but no set time frame for dispensation” – http://www.eastandard.net/news/InsidePage.php?id=1143993044&cid=159&
Daily Nation/LIVING p.3/“Residents take to UV rays for protection” – http://www.nation.co.ke/magazines/Living/-/1218/460720/-/shjhsiz/-/index.html
Wikipedia/“Kibera” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kibera
“Walking Thru Kibera”/You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TlZRcgopQs (If you choose to view this, I would suggest you turn down the sound for the video, and use the scriptures and prayer items in the last paragraph as a guide for praying as you “walk thru Kibera”.
“Kibera: Africa’s largest slum” – http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/2005/07/kibera_africas.html
Baptist Global Response (Connecting people in need with people who care) – http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/main/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I don’t usually share our weekly personal Prayer Updates via Omba4Kenya blog, but today as my update came together, I felt that I needed to share it also with you. First, the prayer items need extra “pray-ers” and secondly it will give you added quidance in praying that the Constitutional Review diologues that started today “will bring about economic, social and political changes which will benefit all Kenyans. Pray that this conference will lead to true peace that will not allow future elections to result in so much pain and turmoil. Pray also that all Kenyans will come to know hope, especially the hope offered through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
As I thought earlier this morning of what to share in this week’s update, my mind was blank. .jpg)
Then I read two articles in a local newspaper that are about horrible things that have happened to girls in our country – yet these horrible things have resulted in incredible hope and change!
“After Mother Teresa, in comes Girl Teresa, 16” (Daily Nation, 8/20/08, p.3) shares the story of a young Pokot girl recently “named Nobel Prize winner – Children after she presented a talk on female circumcision and how it affected the schoolgirls in her district.” Rather than using her prize money “to buy a business or plot … (or) be the proud owner of more than 500 head of cattle”, she chose to giver her money to a group that fights traditions that cause too many girls of her ethnic community to “drop out of school and get married, often forcefully” at young ages. In one local school, “of the 300 girls who had enrolled, only 30 were still learning … Standards (Classes) Five up to Eight did not have a single girl. They had dropped out.” The young woman’s prize gift will be used “to spearhead the campaign that will see many girls from West Pokot district get the opportunity to go to school” and encourage them in “pursuing education to university”.
“Peacemaker moulded in hell” (Daily Nation, 8/20/08, p.36) tells of a young woman who became caretaker for three younger siblings at the age of 11. Yet, “these difficulties moulded her” and today she says, “I can never forget the kindness that I came across in my life. Now it’s my turn to give back to the community. I want to provide peace and cohesion in Kenya.” She is doing this through activities such as a Peace Caravan – “A convoy with camels, traditional dancers, dramatists … moving from village to village … to discuss social and development issues.” In this ongoing program, this year’s theme was “peace building.”.jpg)
Reading these stories, I realized that I needed to share with you the story I heard yesterday from a young professional woman who balances her job with serving God. As we worked through our weekly Bible study, “Who God Says I Am” (our goal is to write a study book to build self-esteem in young Kenyan women), she told me more of her family. I had already learned that her father always taught her to aim towards being all God had created her to be. As we talked of her desire to complete a unversity degree, she told me that her mother did not attend school until she was 11, when primary school was first offered free. Her mother’s desire to attend school was so great that she was willing to face the teasing that came with attending Class One with her much younger brother – who would have been sent even if the charges had not been waived! Her mother did extremely well and an uncle offered to pay for her to go to high school, but other family members said this was a waste, so her formal education stopped. Her mother also received criticism for not marrying early or “getting” a baby – the way to prove in her culture that she would make a good wife! Instead she waited and married an educated, Christian man who could be a Godly father and provider for their children.
Why am I sharing these stories? First, to lead you to prayer for the young girls and women of Kenya. Pray that they will have the opportunity to become all God planned for them to be. I’m also sharing these stories because hearing these gives me an assurance of why God wants us in Kenya. We are here to be a part of bringing about His plans for hope, joy and peace for Kenyans. Pray that we will be strong ambassadors of His love and salvation which is more powerful than all the old ways and traditions that continue to keep His children in all parts of our world from becoming all that He created them to be! Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“‘Nobel’ winner donates Sh1million” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/-/1070/460644/-/6jorrj/-/index.html
GENERATION/Kenya/45: “Peacemaker moulded in hell” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/461020/-/tk7gvw/-/index.html
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sometimes as I read the news, my heart turns to prayer, yet I’m unsure if I should share these articles with you. This is how I felt this morning as I read “Diseases threaten refugees” and “As camps shut down, refugees are setting up their own”, both found on page seven of today’s Daily Nation. I have lived in Kenya for almost 30 years, there is still much I don’t understand about the views, ways, and expectations of Kenyans. I have never understood how many Kenyans survive on so little as expressed in the name of one of the most.jpg)
common foods, greens similar to kale, which is called Sukumawiki – in Swahili this means to push (sukuma) the week (wiki) along. My personal experiences simply do not allow me to understand the needs and hearts of those who have remained in the camps for the displaced. I also don’t comprehend what it is like to have no resources – including a much needed resource, a sense of hope.
“As camps shut down…” reports that “The government wants the camps closed this week because it is becoming expensive to maintain them … Food has also become scarce … donors are looking elsewhere.” This article adds, “Most of those purported to have gone home are instead living in ‘transitional camps’ close to their farms.” Why are these people still in the camps? I am sure that some are there for the wrong reasons, but one phrase shares the answer for many of them, “The resettlement process should have been preceded by peace-building programmes and counseling.” They are too fearful and traumatized to return home. Few have the resources to begin again, replacing all they lost. Yes, donors have done much to help and the government “As a part of the resettlement package, is giving each displaced family … Sh10,000 and a month’s supply of food”, but how does one rebuild the life of a family and replace all the necessities on $150?
“Diseases threaten refugees” which was prefaced by “HEALTH TIME BOMB”, left me praying not just for the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons), but for a large majority of Kenyans. Join me in praying for the many who “cannot afford the high cost of medical services” and those
.jpg)
who find that the “long distances to the nearest health facility make it almost impossible for them to access medical services.”Once again, I am not sharing all of this to break your heart, but to keep you praying for the displaced. Pray that those still displaced, will find the needed means, peace and confidence to rebuild their lives. Pray that the Constitutional Review dialogue which begins tomorrow will lead to a Kenyan Constitution that will bring about economic, social and political changes which will benefit all Kenyans. Pray that this conference will lead to true peace that will not allow future elections to result in so much pain and turmoil. Pray also that all Kenyans will come to know hope, especially the hope offered through our Lord Jesus Christ. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Diseases threaten refugees” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/457536/-/tjp7uy/-/index.html
“As camps shut down, refugees are setting up their own” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/457542/-/tjp7vq/-/index.html
Sunday, August 17, 2008
“Experts expected for talks on law review” – a short article found at the bottom of the last page of yesterday’s Saturday Nation did catch my eye, but I stopped after reading the first sentence – “International experts are expected in Nairobi next Tuesday to help in Kenya’s constitutional review” (p.44). Why? Like others in Kenya, I have heard too many debates about proposed reviews of the Constitution. As “The missed opportunities to .jpg)
review the Constitution” (The Standard, 8/17/08, pp.20,24) states, “Four times in the last 45 years of independence, Kenya has missed opportunities for a new constitution … clamour for change was there, and politicians appeared ready to push for change. Somewhere along the way, the urge disappeared, and Kenyans were left dreaming of a new constitution.”
But then something happened at church this morning and I returned home and finished the article. I learned that “the experts will examine aspects of constitutionalism and democracy and discuss legal challenges that face various African countries during the writing of constitutions.” I then went to the internet and read “Landmark constitutional conference to begin” in yesterday’s edition of The Standard which reported that “Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion Minister Martha Karua, announced yesterday the conference would be held between August 20 and 22. It will bring together about 100 participants from various parts of the world. President Kibaki will open the conference that will kick off with a brainstorming session on challenges that other countries have faced during constitution making. ‘It is hoped that experiences to be shared and the lessons to be learnt from interactions at the conference will inform constitution-making and the practice of constitutional democracy in Kenya,’ said Karua. The conference brings together Kenyan, regional and international experts on constitutionalism and democracy from more than 10 African countries. During deliberations, experts from Europe, Asia and the US will join the participants. Karua said the delegates who include development partners, have been identified on the basis of their role and contribution to constitutional development.”.gif)
My renewed interest in the article? While at church, I met one of the US “experts” – a Christian man who needs your prayer support for this meeting. Pray that the guest experts and Kenyans at this meeting will truly develop a foundation for a new constitution which includes true freedom for all, including religious freedom, for Kenya. Pray that local politicians and leaders will come to see how accepting what is beneficial for those with different needs/experiences/backgrounds will benefit them personally so that a constitution will be developed which meets the needs of all Kenyans – those of all ethnic, religious, economic and social backgrounds. Pray especially for the many guests who are Christians and arriving with a desire to act as their Saviour’s ambassadors during this time. Pray that they and the Kenyans at this meeting will allow God to control their every thought and action. Bert Yates
Pictures are entitled: Join Kenyans in praying for a new constitution and A new constitution, a brighter future for this little girl
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Saturday Nation/“Experts expected for talks on law review” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/-/1064/456914/-/yy25b4z/-/index.html
The Standard/“Missed opportunities to review the constitution” – http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?mnu=details&id=1143992737&catid=289
The Standard (8/16/08)/“Landmark constitutional conference to begin” – http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?mnu=details&id=1143992679&catid=4
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Local newspapers continue with the reports from the Kriegler Commission’s probe of the recent elections and the Waki Commission’s probe of the resultant post-poll violence. The causes given by those presenting information differ daily – politicians, the church, media, police, land issues, .jpg)
bad weather (Yes, that was suggested one day!), etc. Today’s Daily Nation also gives an update on those displaced by post-election tensions. “Resettlement of poll chaos victims costs State and donors Sh900m” (p.14) is a good review of the desires of the government and donors for helping the displaced. It also shares the ongoing problems they face including that at least “19,800 refugees are still living in camps.” Continue praying that the displaced will receive needed counseling, means for rebuilding homes, water and food – all mentioned in the article. Pray that all those affected will have a sense of hope and will have the needed strength to rebuild their lives.
Pray also for the “Separated children yet to be reunited with parents” (The Standard, Aug/10/08, p.6). A “New survey indicates over 1,600 displaced children have lost touch with their parents or next of kin” – a painful number, yet the article later says, “The number is definitely higher than this” as this represents a survey of only 12 of 31 districts. It does not include “lost and separated children in the streets, as well as those accommodated by communities or other families.” Pray for children who “do not know if their parents are dead or alive.” Pray for the families of these kids as they struggle to locate lost members, especially those who are extremely poor and illiterate as this .jpg)
limits their ability to use resources. This article also shares that some parents have been located and “are too embarrassed because they can no longer provide for their children.” I cannot imagine the frustrations and pain of these parents, so I can only ask that you pray for this situation.
Recently I wrote of the wife inheritance problem that many Kenyan widows face. “Widows who reject inheritance don’t understand tradition” (Daily Nation, Aug/6/08/p.12) is a letter sent by a reader. I don’t usually share this type of article, but I encourage you to read this if you want a better understanding of how to pray for the conflict of Kenyan Christians as they face their traditions and culture. This article will also give you insight in how to pray for those who are sharing the freedom and love that is offered through our Saviour to people groups controlled by old beliefs. Pray especially that Kenyan Christians will not be “superstitious and fearful, just like everyone else”. Pray that they will allow God’s love and strength to enable them to claim and share His peace and joy.
Those of you who have experienced the distinctively Kenyan sense of humor will enjoy reading “It’s a mystery: Africans can’t shoot Olympic arrows!” (Daily Nation, Aug/14/08, p.10). Once again, this article found on the Opinion section of the paper is not what I usually share, but it does share a bit of our unique way of looking at life! And once again, I think this information can increase your ability to be a strong prayer warrior for the people of Kenya, Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Today’s report of the Kriegler Commission: “Media blamed over poll coverage” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/455700/-/tjnupp/-/index.html
Today’s report of the Waki Commission: “Police used undue force, team told” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/455716/-/tjnuqr/-/index.html
“Resettlement of poll chaos victims costs State and donors Sh900m” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/455766/-/tjnuv7/-/index.html
“Separated children yet to be reunited with parents” – http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?mnu=details&id=1143992094&catid=159
“Widows who reject inheritance don’t understand tradition” – http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/-/440806/452612/-/htpbxg/-/index.html
“It’s a mystery: Africans can shoot Olympic arrows!” – http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/-/440808/455608/-/3kmyip/-/index.html
Monday, August 11, 2008
Whenever I read research reports in Kenya, I always question the quality/accuracy of the research whether it be the prevalence of HIV/Aids, this month’s inflation rate or the most current literacy rates. My scepticism is based on the university class that I vividly remember even after years of having my degree! In this statistics class, our main project was to conduct research that purposely resulted in an inaccurate result, yet met all the criteria of proper research! The scary.jpg)
part was how easy it was to complete this project simply based on the choice of those interviewed, the questions asked, the timing of the questions, etc.
The CIA World Factbook internet site says that 81.5% of Kenyans over age 15 can read and write. Yet, an article in today’s Daily Nation repeats a very different set of facts – “Not so long ago, Education minister … said that half of the youths aged between 15 and 25 can neither read nor write” (“Millions lose out on the wonders of mobile phones”, 8/11/08, p.13). The writer of this article continues by saying, “As classrooms become as congested as some mobile phone networks, 39 percent of Kenyans remain illiterate.” Based on the current growth of the use of cell phones in Kenya, this article highlights yet another way that the illiterate “are unlikely to enjoy the benefits of new technology and other conveniences of the modern life.”
I am not sure if the estimate of 28.5% of Kenyans being illiterate or the 39% is most accurate, but I do know that the facts given in this article are true – “The majority of these people are to be found in rural areas, but a large chunk of them live in poor neighbourhoods in towns where they are day laborers … past surveys by the National Planning ministry have shown that households led by illiterate and semi-literate people are the poorest.”.jpg)
I also know that Christians ministering in many places in Kenya are striving to make sure that the illiterate do “enjoy the benefits” of knowing of our Saviour’s love and salvation. Today, I ask that you pray for those who are offering literacy training. Pray for those who are using oral means of sharing the gospel that can be learned and taught by non-readers to new disciples. Pray also for illiterate new Believers who have a desire to learn more through oral methods of teaching. Pray for the missionaries, home and international, planning training courses such as those leading to seminary certificates for illiterate men and women who have a heart for growing as Christians and sharing God’s love and salvation with others – continuing the multiplication process of Matthew 28:19-20. Bert Yates
*Pictures depict a few of the methods of oral sharing: Storying Cloth used with the Maasai and the use of music and drama to share the Good News.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Millions lose out on the wonders of mobile phones” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/454666/-/tjn5rk/-/index.html (For those of you who read this article, a few explanations: Alvaro is one of the many new sodas advertised as a non-alcoholic drink, but our MPs have spent mega time debating this; and “Wahi and Kuwahi” is a new Coke promotion and a young friend says this means going from doing well/modern to hitting the jackpot and doing extra well/sophicated!
Kenya/CIA World Factbook – https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ke.html
Thursday, August 7, 2008
.jpg)
“When the first bomb blew, I first thought it was the aftershocks of an earth tremor somewhere in the Rift Valley” and “We at first thought it was a tyre burst” are two statements found in “Survivors remember the dark day” (p.4). Minutes later as the two men sharing these memories climbed from debris, they knew they were mistaken. “Victim was given three months to live” (p.38) tells the story of a woman who continues to face many physical problems, yet she shares that through this ordeal she “began living” and “appreciating life.” “Survivor opts to help refugees in US” (p.40) relates another woman’s story and how this “Former banker now settles war victims as she confronts new life as an amputee.”“Victims: Only the scars have died” (p.41) shares the stories of three survivors, including a very timely bit of information – “After the explosion, Douglas’ world turned black. The image of a man running towards him was the last thing he saw. Blinded by injuries to his eyes and bleeding heavily, he got out of his car, went on his knees and prayed. After a while, he passed out … Since then … Through the eyes of fellow climbers he has been to and seen the snow atop Mt. Kilimanjaro. He has cycled from Cairo to Cape Town in 95 days. This month, he will be leading a team of athletes to the Paralympics games in China.”
.jpg)
This article ends with these words – “Ten years after the blast (they) have one message to those who planned and executed the attack: we forgive you, but we have not forgotten.” Some say that to truly forgive, once must forget, yet their ability to forget is guided by daily physical and emotional reminders of how the attack changed their lives. Please take time today to pray for the many in Kenya whose lives were affected by the blast – the families and friends of those who died and those who carry the scars, physical and emotional, from the injuries received that day. Praise God that many of His children obediently ministered in His name to the hurting after the blasts. Pray that Kenyan Christians will continue to be bold witnesses of the true giver of life, peace, and love. Bert Yates--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Nairobi’s day of horror recalled” – http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/453084/-/15o97vf/-/index.html
“Survivors remember dark day” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/453244/-/tjmd9q/-/index.html
Pictures from August 7, 1999 terror attack in Nairobi – http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/452940/-/15o8pip/-/index.html
“Victim was given three months to live” – http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/452980/-/15o8pm9/-/index.html
“Survivor opts to help refugees in US” – http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/452998/-/15o8pnd/-/index.html
“Victims: Only the scars have died” – http://www.nation.co.ke/-/1148/452996/-/15o8pnb/-/index.html
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Once again “I had not planned to share a prayer update with you today, but” … as I read “RAIN FAILURE/Thousands in 10 districts stare hunger in the face” (Daily Nation, p.30), I realized that I would be failing many of the peoples of Kenya – peoples unreached by the Good News of our Saviour – if I did not share this article with you. The article is lengthy, but reading it will enable you to pray more effectively for these people. The article shares .jpg)
that the “Herders’ problems (are) made worse by cattle raids, animal disease and internal refugees” as they live in areas “ravaged by famine …pupils … dropped out of school due to hunger … those who attend school can’t concentrate on studies due to hunger’ … residents are eating wild fruits after the livestock, their main source of food, died … have driven their animals more than 200 kilometres (125 miles) northwards in search of pasture and water. Only malnourished children, women and the elderly are left behind.”
Many relief agencies are in the area providing food, but there is an even more serious famine in the area – Less than 1% of most of the area people groups know of the love, peace and salvation offered through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Unfinished Task (2004, ACM FTT Afriserve, p.38-40) shares this about the Garreh-Ajuran (less than .01% Christian), one of the unreached people groups in the drought area: “In past times the Garreh-Ajuran’s diet consisted almost entirely of milk taken from the herds … They keep chicken and sheep alongside goats, cattle and camels. .jpg)
Sheep and chicken are kept specifically for religious purposes, specifically for offertory sacrifices and paying for the services of (those) who pray for the sick and spiritually possessed … very resistant and antagonistic to the Christian faith … shy away from the Christian message for fear of family rejection and persecution … literacy levels … extremely low …urgent need to reach these people (with the Gospel).” The descriptions of other unreached people groups of the drought area would share similarities and differences, yet this one gives you a glimpse of why our Father’s love and salvation has yet to reach these people.
There are many ways to pray for these unreached people groups, but I ask that you use The Unfinished Tasks’ suggestions for the Garreh-Ajuran as a guide for all: “Pray that God would reveal himself to these people; Pray that God would raise intercessors for them; Pray for fear between the people and the missionaries to be overcome; … Pray for the spiritual growth and discipleship of new believers.” Pray also that the cycle of cattle raids/revenge attacks which are resulting in many deaths, injuries and additional suffering as reported in “Now cattle raid deaths rise to 74” (Daily Nation, 08/05/08, p.9) will cease in these areas. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Thousands in 10 districts stare hunger in the face” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/449972/-/tj55u9/-/index.html
“Now cattle raid deaths rise to 74” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/449968/-/tj55tj/-/index.html
Monday, August 4, 2008
Reading the mornings’ news reminded me of a review of upcoming TV shows with yet another police drama about terrorists escaping as “accomplices (are) arrested and interrogated by the Anti-Terrorism Police” (“Two arrested as top terror suspect flees”, Daily Nation, 08-08-04, p.1) and a repeat of old cowboy movies as “‘11 feared dead after gun battle’ … after two groups fought .jpg)
over pastures at the weekend” (Daily Nation, 08-08-04, p.40). Yet, as you can see from the shared notations, these facts are not based on fiction, but on truth.
As I read the first article, I prayed once again for those that share the faith of the arrested terrorists. Pray that they will come to know Jesus not as a prophet, but as their Saviour. Pray that they will come to understand his teachings of the greatest commandments – to love our heavenly Father with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:28-31). Continue praying also for pastoralists from “neighbouring communities– Baringo … Turkana … and Samburu” who are fighting over “grazing pastures as drought” continues in their area. Pray for calm and peace for these areas which is home to many people unreached by God’s love live. Pray that they will come to know and believe in the Saviour who offers “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13).
Last week I shared the news of the increase of HIV/AIDS in Kenya – “Widows suffering for saying No” (Daily Nation, 08-08-04, p.3) shares one of the continuing reasons for this increase. Those of you who have a heart for praying for the women of Kenya and for HIV/AIDS will find guides for prayer in this article as you read of how the “Tradition and Culture” (the subtitle of this article) of many of African people groups are in conflict with the loving care that our Saviour taught us to show to others as we feed, quench the thirst, house, clothe and minister to others .jpg)
(Matthew 25:34-46). Pray for the women of Kenya who must “choose between wife inheritance and building (their) own houses” and cultivating their farms. Pray that the few Christians in this area will be true ambassadors of their Saviours’ love and teachings.
The Teso People of Kenya are also included among those unreached by the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Man evicts woman over ‘dowry’ hitch” found in The Standard today tells of the “drama … in … Teso District, when a man led a group of villagers in demolishing two thatched houses belonging to his sister-in-law, claiming she was a witch who had also denied the family a chance to get dowry by failing to give birth to a girl. The woman … married for more than 30 years and has one son, was ordered out of the home … Her brother-in-law is now allegedly laying claim to the land.” Pray that the Christians who desire to witness to the Teso will find ways to answer the traditions that lead to discord and pain rather than the love and hope that is offered by our Saviour. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Daily Nation: “Two arrested as top terror suspect flees” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/446582/-/tj2yrs/-/index.html
“11 feared dead after gun battle” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/446542/-/tj2yo9/-/index.html
“Widows suffering for saying No” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/446490/-/tj2y16/-/index.html
The Standard: “Man evicts woman over ‘dowry’ hitch” – http://eastandard.net/news/InsidePage.php?id=1143991607&cid=159&
Saturday, August 2, 2008
“30 herders shot dead by raiders” will be overlooked by many as they read today’s edition of the Daily Nation (p.5). It is a small piece surrounded by many larger articles about the ongoing probe into the election crisis, but Christians in Kenya who have a heart for the unreached in our country will notice this headline. They will also likely repeat my actions this morning and add a few words (shared in blue) as they read the article:.jpg)
“More than 30 herdsmen have been killed (who did not know of our Father’s love and offer of eternal life) … in Turkana South District by suspected Pokot cattle raiders. An unknown number of the raiders attacked Lokubae village on Tuesday afternoon and made away with over 700 cattle … scores of the herdsmen are also believed to have been seriously injured (and to be unbelievers) … The herdsmen regrouped on Wednesday and pursued the rustlers and caught up with them on Thursday morning in Saguta Valley. A fierce fight ensued but the herdsmen were overpowered after they ran out of ammunition.”
No, we are not being prejudiced, simply informed – The pastoralist’s communities, those who are nomads searching for grass and water for their cattle, are among the people groups living in areas with the poorest support systems of schools, hospitals, roads, adequate water, etc. They claim the highest rates of illiteracy within the country. These are also the people groups that are most likely to continue with old cultural practices. When one adds all these facts together, these people groups are likely to be among the peoples of our world who are unreached by the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ..jpg)
There are missionaries working with the Pokot, Turkana and the Samburu, but it is difficult and slow work. Special methods of witnessing must be used as one shares with people who cannot read and often move around. Those who work with these people would you to know that the lack of education or difference in how one views “home”, does not mean these people are not smart! They simply live a lifestyle that is different and many have more “common sense” than most people with high levels of education. Their ability to memorize and apply what they learn is amazing and would leave many educated people in awe.
So today, I ask you to pray for those affected by this latest cattle raid. Pray that the Christians in the area, especially those of other ethnic groups who work with government or NGO groups, will be strong ambassadors of our Father’s love and hope. Pray for the missionaries, international and home, who are striving to find the best ways to “fiercely fight” and “overpower” the devil in these areas where so many people need to know the peace of our Father. Pray that they will not run out of “ammunition” – physical and spiritual strength – until these unreached peoples know and accept the power of our Father’s loving salvation. Bert Yates --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“30 herders shot dead by raiders” – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/-/1070/445744/-/6ik7d8/-/index.html
YOUTUBE - A Prayer Resource for Kenya
I’m still learning to be a part of the YOUTUBE phenomena, partially because I’m past the target age group, but also because our internet strength, though much better than in past years, .jpg)
is still frustratingly slow and downloading a viewing takes great patience. Yet after reading an article in yesterday’s Daily Nation, “Song that helped Kenyans to heal after election chaos” (p.35) about the recording of “Wakenya Pamoja” (Kenyans Together), I did think of going to YOUTUBE so I could share it with you – Which I did and found lots of other great music composed in response to the recent problems in Kenya and others that are commonly played by local music groups! If you have time for only one viewing on YOUTUBE, go to “A Song for Peace” done by a local television station, NTVKenya, for a quick view of our country and its people, as well as scenes from Independence (1969) and the post-election crisis period, while you listen to a beautiful song. .jpg)
I have listed several YOUTUBE links below, but you will also see other options in the Related Videos section of each viewing. Those of you who have visited the Kenya coast or those who would like to see more great views of Kenya’s animals, people and landscapes go to “Jambo Bwana” or if you want to hear an incredibly beautiful Swahili song, listen to “Malaika” (Angel) which is sung by Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte.
How does all of this relate to prayer? Some of the songs are prayers, such as “A Song for Kenya”, and all should encourage and strengthen your desire to pray for the many needs that I share with you. Bert Yates
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Wakenya Pamoja” (in Swahili and a combination rap/pop music) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24_WOGPUUIQ
“A Song for Peace” from NTVKenya (in Swahili and ballad like) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vvbUFrU7dM&feature=related
“A Song for Peace in Kenya” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE_8OWf2noM&feature=related
“Jambo Bwana” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VWBND1ggF8&feature=related
“Malaika” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlDNvUebe7Y&feature=related
Posts
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}