URGENT prayer request from Cathy Bushnell 1/2/08

Dear Family and Friends,

Many of you have been contacting me with concerns related to the post-election violence in Kenya so I felt an update was necessary. I have been trying to post things on my website but have not been able to get a strong internet connection so hope this gets out to you!

The national election last week on December 27th has sparked great unrest and tension in the country, specifically related to allegations of vote rigging and unjust practices at polling places and within the national election committee. This has sparked violence between those supporting the two opposing political parties of Kenya, PNU and ODM. Tribal clashes have also erupted in various places in the country leading to destruction of homes and property, looting, and killings. Since Saturday it is rumored that over 200 people have died and 74,000 people displaced due to tribal violence.

The cities of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret have been most impacted with violence continuing in Eldoret. Shops have been closed for days and people are struggling to locate food. Public transportation has been strictly curtailed by police and most people are staying home for safety.

I was in the Eldoret area over Christmas but returned to Nairobi on Saturday evening as things began to escalate in the country. I have remained at home for the past four days, venturing out only today to look for food to assist friends. Things seem to have calmed down a bit in Nairobi but we fear more violence again; the opposition leader has called for a large rally on Thursday which many fear will bring renewed tension and possible violence again.

Be assured that I am safe and comfortable where I an situated…there have been few disturbances on the side of town where I live – most have been concentrated in the slum areas of Kibera and Kawangware where I do minister so prayer is needed! I have no current plans to go into those areas as police have closed them off but am greatly concerned for the safety of my friends there.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
  • Pray for our two ChildCare schools in Kibera and Kawangware where violence has been constant for the last four days. I have received a report that women and children are taking refuge in our Kibera school; lots of burning of homes, looting, and killing in the area where the school is located. We have not heard from the principal of the school. Other staff are safe. Pray for the 600+ children who attend our schools in these areas of unrest.
  • Pray for the anger and vicious attacks that are occurring between people of different tribes. From the acts of violence the current fighting is about more than election woes. Reports of gang rapes and killings are prevalent in Kibera and Eldoret area.
  • Pray that government leaders will humble themselves and sit down together in a spirit of reconciliation and repentance. The country looks to its leaders for direction and the two opposing parties are not speaking to one another at this time.
  • Pray that peace will come to Kenya and that families can begin preparing for the new school year with confidence for the safety of their children.
Thank you for your prayers and concern for me and those who are impacted by my ministry to children. Pray that stability will be restored to this country so we can continue to reach children for Jesus!

Blessings,

Cathy Bushnell
Website: www.cathyinafrica.com
Email: cathyinafrica@yahoo.com


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