January 31, 2008
Greetings from Kenya,
Today has been another emotional roller coaster as we have had great blessings and distressing news. The distressing news, a second MP (similar to US Senators) leader in the Kenya government was assassinated today. We received the news while we were ministering in the refugee camp in Tigoni. This is distressing as it indicates the unrest and killing continues. We came back to the Mission House a little early as an extra measure of caution. All seemed well as we traveled through Nairobi and we feel safe in the midst of such actions. Keep praying for the government and people of Kenya.
The blessings came through-out the day as once again we partnered with Ridgeway Baptist Church in ministry in two refugee camps. We went to a second camp today of about 350 people called Muthari. It was located just outside the large Muthari slum that has over 200,000 people. The people in the refugee camp had their homes completely burned to the ground and they fled with very little belongings to the nearby church where the refugee camp has been formed. Ridgeway Baptist Church has adopted this camp as a point of ministry.
After a short visit at Muthari we went again to the refugee camp at Tigoni. The situation has gotten better and worse in the last 24 hours. Better in the sense of much more organization. Worse in the sense of more people streaming in every hour. The official number is 6,200 as of 1:00PM today. The food is much better available and the Red Cross has set up a more permanent camp with increased personnel. The UN relief agency had several workers on site and while we were there the first six port-a-pots came. They are placed over a hole that has been dug in the ground, but at least they are a little more private for the people’s needs.
Ridgeway Associate Pastor Fred, Ridgeway layman Bro. Barnet, and I met with Pastor Robert and several pastors who have been displaced in the camp. They have organized with a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary as they have divided themselves among the people to provide spiritual care and share Jesus. I was delighted to hear of this structure and the ministry they have with the people. We had prayer with them and their prayers of hope and praise to God in the midst of suffering blessed my soul.
Rod and Ridgeway Pastor Wanje had the blessing of sharing with a young man and he accepted Jesus as his Savior. Praise the Lord!
We went back to the church for a soft drink and a debriefing with the church and team. What a blessing we have received in working with this fine group of brothers and sisters in the Lord. They have accepted us and allowed us to serve along side them in this historic time in Kenya.
Please pray for the team as we head back into the city tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM to minister to the street children. Pray that another boy will understand the hope Jesus offers and accept Him as their Savior and Lord. We will also minister again in the refugee camps with our new Kenyan church family.
Keep Praying,
Tim Frank
Romans 1:16
