Crisis in Kenya

For those of you not following the news lately, there has been a tragic political upheaval in Kenya that has torn the country in two (Click here for the summary of what happened). Solomon, Eunice and Abby have been right in the middle of the violence that has turned neighbor from neighbor. Solomon has been reporting back to the board as time moves forward and events grow more deseperate.

Please Pray for the Mwangi Family as they flee their home for safety!

Here are snippets from letters going back and forth between Solomon and the Living Love Ministry Board:

Jan 2, 2008

The situation sounds bad around Eldoret. Solomon & Eunice and Abby are living in a hotel which is being secured by a very visible police presence.Solomon said that they know that at least 7 people were killed last night very near to the hotel. The local police station & grounds is quite close to this hotel and it is said that thousand of people are sleeping on the ground there for the supposed protection that affords them. The church where approx. 50 people were burned to death is within a few miles of the hotel. Solomon said that the word is that most of them were women & children. I asked Solomon about the food & supplies situation there at the hotel. He said that the scene in very similar to the one portrayed in the movie "Hotel Rwanda". There is no travel taking place so there are very little in the way of supplies getting to the
cities. Solomon did say that they feel very grateful to be able to stay in a hotel as most people are just fending for themselves in the streets or in the country. Solomon said that today things seemed to be more calm around the city. Tomorrow (thursday) is going to be a big day with lots of rallies & demonstrations.

Solomon has heard from all of his family and they seem to be safe. Most of them live in Nakuru and this has been a relatively calm part of Kenya. Solomon has been in contact with his uncle Sebastian who lives near Eldoret. He seems to be doing ok. Eunice is very concerned for her
family. The area where they live has been especially difficult with a lot of houses being burned, etc. Eunice's mother and one brother have not been heard from, and they are suspected to have fled to the countryside to escape the unrest.

The media access appears to be limited for Kenyans and Solomon said that we are probably able to get a clearer picture of what is going on nationwide then what they can. He also said that when travel is safe again they may have to move back to Nakuru for a time until the
situation stabilizes. Solomon & Eunice are aware of the many believers who are in prayer for them and their nation. Solomon expressed his thanks and love.

Sincerely,
The Living Love Board

Jan 8, 2008

We apologize if we're flooding your in box with updates, but many of you have requested to be updated with the latest news from Solomon and the current crisis in Kenya. Yesterday board member Mel Nissley talked with Solomon and here's what he had to say: Solomon seemed very upbeat and positive that things are much better, but potential for more violence continues especially if leaders do not meet on Friday. (Unfortunately, I just read in the news this morning that the opposition leader has refused to meet without international participation) Solomon said the army and police presence is very evident there at his uncle's house and he felt better than before concerning there personal safety. There is also a rally called for Tuesday. The very positive news is that Eunice's family has been located and they are all safe. Solomon was just so discouraged that people were searched out and killed because of their last name and ID even though they speak the same language and even appear the same in outward appearance. What a sad commentary for the human race that God created!

From our conversation, it is such a blessing that LL has not made any agreement on a land purchase yet as he felt confident the original area is out of the question and even closer to Eldoret may not even be possible anymore. However; we'll wait on the Lord and trust He will lead as He has thus far.

Unfortunately the orphan situation is so much worse than it even was before and for that we are saddened.

He was so glad to hear from someone again, so keep on being vigilant in our prayers and support to them in this difficult time. May the Lord continue to receive all the honor and praise for the work that He wants us to come alongside and assist in. It may take on a little different appearance than what we may envision, but I am confident that He has a plan for Living Love and Solomon and Eunice where they are at this time.

Blessings,
Solomon

Jan 15, 2008

We are now safely out of eldoret in nairobi for a few days. The trip was shocking as we went past hundreds of burnt homes and burnt car shells. Things unfold. We are hoping to meet with clair and beth while here in nairobi this week. We will go back to nakuru (solomons hometown) after that to wait, pray and see how things unfold. Sadly, there doesnt seem to be much hope for reconciliation in our leaders at this point. All mediations efforts have failed so far.
Please pray that calm will be found in the midst of chaos. The opposition has called for demonstrations in all kenya starting tomorrow wednesday till friday. Things are likely to get very ugly because the goverment has banned these rallies. We will keep you updated.

Thanks for your prayers, calls and emails. God bless and do have a great week.

Chau.
SOLOMON FOR EUNICE AND ABBY.