Crisis in Kenya

As I am typing this post on our blog the power has just returned and will be shut off again in a just a few hours. Why? You might be asking yourself. This time, it’s not just that we live in Uganda. Here's why...

By now you probably have heard that Kenya is having a crisis over their recent presidential election. Both parties have taken it upon themselves to swear in their candidacy. You may be wondering, as we did, "How can a presidential candidate just swear himself in without winning an election?" We asked one Kenyan this, and his response was, "This is Africa." So sad, but true, unfortunately. And each party is pointing the finger at the other accusing them of rigging the voting system. There are riots, looting, people being murdered for no reason, and just total chaos.

(The pictures above are taken from BBC's website. You can read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7170200.stm)

As a result of all of this, Kenya has closed its borders, which means there is no way for importing or exporting of products. This does not sound so bad at first, but the major product exported to Uganda from Kenya is gasoline and diesel. Right now there is a huge fuel shortage in Kenya, Uganda and all the other surrounding countries. Which is why we do not have power.... Because the whole town of Arua gets power from one huge generator that runs on diesel. And they are having to ration out the the electricity in order to make it last. Currently we are getting power apx. 7 hours a day, and at this rate, there is only enough fuel for 10 days.

Please pray for peace in the near future for Kenya. This crisis affects World Gospel Mission and Africa Gospel Church ministries all over Uganda & Kenya. We are looking at canceling several of our upcoming planned ministries due to lack of fuel for us and high transportation costs for our pastors. There is a large peace rally that has been planned and will take place on Tuesday in Kenya, and if this goes well it could really expedite the process of re-opening the borders and restoring order in Kenya.

Please pray that God would bring peace to this situation and that His will would be done as to who becomes president of Kenya. Please pray for our WGM missionaries in Kenya, especially, and all of the Kenyans that are in the middle of chaos and riots. And please don't worry about us! We are completely safe here in Uganda!... Only lacking fuel & electricity. Thank you for lifting this situation up to our God, who we know will hear our prayers!