"Poor Rains to Persist"

Persistence is usually a good quality, but not when it refers to drought. Today’s Daily Nation reports: “‘Poor rains to persist, say experts’* … More people will be famished and increase the hungry to more than 10m Kenyans … although April is the rainfall peak period for the March to May long rains season, Nairobi and most parts of the country will continue to receive deficient rainfall … The forecast spells doom for farmers, who have received poor rains in the last four consecutive farming seasons. Pastoralists, whose animals have been dying in their hundreds due to lack of water and pasture, will also be devastated.”

The “GLOOMY OUTLOOK” of this article continues as it reports that the drought will also lead to increased charges for fresh produce and electricity (“thermal power … is more expensive), water rationing to homes, as well as outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera due to the resulting poor sanitation.

In a strange twist of fate, but a common one in Africa, there are some parts of the country receiving rain, but not relief: “the western parts of the country … are receiving enhanced rainfall, which has resulted in flooding.”

Continue praying for the people of Kenya, both those facing drought and those facing flooding. Pray for farmers receiving their fourth season of insufficient rains. Pray for pastoralists who are watching their animals and their livelihoods die. Pray for those advising “farmers on the best agricultural practices … as well as the appropriate crops suited for their respective areas.” Pray that “Contingency measures … be put in place to avoid any loss of lives and property” in the flood areas. Pray for good health and quality medical care for those who have no access to clean water due to drought or floods. Pray for those with no or little income as the costs of food rise due to the drought and failed crops in flooded areas. Continue praying for those planning relief efforts. Pray that government officials will truly look beyond their differences** and respond speedily to the needs of their people. Pray for wisdom and strength as they plan and deliver food – there are limited resources and choosing the most needy recipients and getting the food is often difficult. Pray that through all of this, God’s children will be strong ambassadors of His love and salvation as they relate to those who are physically and spiritually hungry and thirsty, Bert Yates
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(Pictures of the Samburu taken by the Daniels - www.samburuofkenya.org/blog )
* “Poor rains to persist, say experts” (Daily Nation, 4/17/09, p. 9) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/561032/-/u4a7nl/-/index.html
** “A ceasefire, for now” (Daily Nation, 4/17/09, pp.1,2) – http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/561038/-/u4a7nr/-/index.html