In September 2010, I had lead a Real Life team in Kenya. We had opportunity to work in the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) Camp, in Kijabe. After the 2007 Kenyan election, supporters of Raila Odinga, the guy who lost, took to the streets and protested. Actually that is a bit light, they rioted. Many of these supporters were of the Maasai tribe and they decided to blame the tribe who supported Mwai Kibaki, the incumbent president who was reelected. He happened to be part of the Kikuyu tribe.
These people who live on this land are members of the Kikuyu tribe. They are Kenyans who were persecuted by other Kenyans because the one person was elected over the other one. They are refugees in their own country.
Many live in tents given to them UNICEF and USAID, while some do live in Habitat for Humanity homes. Adults eat one meal every day or two, but children eat a meal about every two – three days. They have hard time getting jobs because of their tribal background and location to the surrounding cities.
I know you are all pumped to go to your country and be immersed in ministry. You have such passion and excitement, which is so encouraging, especially to me. Therefore there is something I would like to ask…
Imagine living in this type of enviroment. Even in the face of these tragedies and conditions, how can you bring hope? Is there anything you can say to make this situation more bearable for someone living here? Or are words, as eloquently as they can be conveyed, simply not enough?
Just some food for thought.
