the situation in kenya is getting back again to worse. we were praying that it will be better, but the events we are seeing are turning us back to where we were again.
we thank God for people like kofi annan, who are here on a peace mission and we do hope that both sides will make the necessary but hard sacrifices to see that things are in place.
i am also held here in eldoret, the western part of Kenya after violence erupted again and paralysed travel by road back home to kericho. the youth were reacting to what happened yesterday in naivasha when people from certain communities were attacked and their houses torched down. it was so sad, about 20 -people were also burned to death. it is sad and we just hope that things will get to normal....after justice is done to the flawed and rigged elections we had.....
please continue to pray for us. we have so many displaced people now. more than before. the church is trying to provide food and the Red Cross too is doing a great work. all of us are involved in this and we do hope that we can continue with our work on trauma management here.
when u read this, PLEASE pray for Kenya - that peace may return.
In His grisp
Jonah
p.s
click the bbc news link provided and see the latest news
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7212493.stm
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Violence Continues in Kenya
Amidst continuing efforts by Kofi Annan (former UN Secretary General) to broker peace in Kenya - violence continues to spread. See this vivid video of what is taking place today.
My friend, Pastor Jonah travelled with church leaders once again to the town of Eldoret in the western part of Kenya to bring aid to the people there. Since then violence has rapidly spread to Naivasha and Nakuru and continues to erupt in other places. Fervent prayers are needed. If you can do more, please do.
"The effectual fervent prayer of
a righteous man availeth much."--Jas. 5:16.
Sis Penny Joy
My friend, Pastor Jonah travelled with church leaders once again to the town of Eldoret in the western part of Kenya to bring aid to the people there. Since then violence has rapidly spread to Naivasha and Nakuru and continues to erupt in other places. Fervent prayers are needed. If you can do more, please do.
"The effectual fervent prayer of
a righteous man availeth much."--Jas. 5:16.
Sis Penny Joy
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Are you a Babe or an Adult?
"I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:1-2
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14
These verses illustrate how there are babes (babies) in Christ, as well as grown ups in Christ. At the beginning of our Christian walk we are all babies as we are "new creatures" in Christ, so we feed on milk or easily digestible teachings until we grow stronger. Gradually, and as we are willing to spend time with God and learn from his Word, we mature in our Christian walk to the point where we are fully grown. We can then take solid food and instruction and learn to discern both good and evil so that we can learn to be overcomers of evil, rather than to be overcome of evil. The learning process does not stop.
Growth generally requires trial and error and sometimes great pain, as we go through the refinement process to become perfected as the Bride of Christ. Years ago, I learned a wonderful hymn, the words to which helped me to comprehend that the refinement process is a natural part of our growth even when it hurts. The words are "Some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some in great sorrow but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long."
I desire to be fully grown in Christ, not forever a babe. Sometimes that means being brutally honest with oneself and with others, but only in love and for the point of growth - not for judging. Judgement and revenge are up to God not to us. Sometimes too it is challenging when another does not see our words and/or actions as loving or they believe that we are outside of what they feel is God's purpose in our lives. It is important, very important as individual Christians to seek God's purpose in both our words and our actions and ensure they line up with his Word. If they do not, we need to revise ourselves, but ultimately we are accountable to God and not to man. Each of us will stand before the throne of God some day and give an account for everything we have said and done. Remember that God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). He loves us so much.
How about you today? Have you been challenged in your Christian walk when you realize you are not perfect? Are you able to accept God's unfailing love and realize that he does not condemn you but his greatest desire is that you might grow up in Christ and be an overcomer? None of us is perfect, least not I and I've been made aware of my imperfections so many times. That is why I need God so much. Iam totally nothing without Him and I long to have Him embrace me and show me his boundless love.
My prayer is that I can learn to completely lean on God for direction and guidance, love and instruction each day. I want to move forward to fulfil His calling in my life because I have learned that His way is always better than my way. Trust me, that lesson did not come easy. For me, that call includes, helping the orphans and widows in Africa though I also try to do my bit here, closer to home. I'd like to encourage you in your walk and let you know that God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his son to die for you and he has a plan for your future which is greater than any plan you could make for yourself. I also encourage you to lean on Him for whatever it is that He has called you to do today.
"Abba Father, thank you for bearing our sorrows and our sins and dying on the cross to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank you so much for your Word, your daily provision and for the love and mercy you show us each day.
I pray that your Word would lead us into truth, righteousness and the ability to discern both good and evil, so that we might stand strong in the last days.
Bless those who read this blog. Speak to and comfort each one Lord, in their specific areas of need and in the deepest part of their hearts. Whatever their need is Lord, whether it be for food and shelter, health, love, peace, security, joy, employment, finances, forgiveness, salvation, for a broken heart or spirit, or whatever else it might be. Oh God, speak to them and let them know of your boundless love for them. Draw them closer to you so they might find shelter, hope and a renewed spirit.
Bring peace to the Nations of the world wherever there is strife, including Kenya, Lord. Show your people that you are strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward you. Let your people know that you and your heavenly army are with them, and for them. Guide the rest of us to pray and to do as your spirit leads, so that your Kingdom may come and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I ask, Amen."
Sis PJ
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14
These verses illustrate how there are babes (babies) in Christ, as well as grown ups in Christ. At the beginning of our Christian walk we are all babies as we are "new creatures" in Christ, so we feed on milk or easily digestible teachings until we grow stronger. Gradually, and as we are willing to spend time with God and learn from his Word, we mature in our Christian walk to the point where we are fully grown. We can then take solid food and instruction and learn to discern both good and evil so that we can learn to be overcomers of evil, rather than to be overcome of evil. The learning process does not stop.
Growth generally requires trial and error and sometimes great pain, as we go through the refinement process to become perfected as the Bride of Christ. Years ago, I learned a wonderful hymn, the words to which helped me to comprehend that the refinement process is a natural part of our growth even when it hurts. The words are "Some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some in great sorrow but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long."
I desire to be fully grown in Christ, not forever a babe. Sometimes that means being brutally honest with oneself and with others, but only in love and for the point of growth - not for judging. Judgement and revenge are up to God not to us. Sometimes too it is challenging when another does not see our words and/or actions as loving or they believe that we are outside of what they feel is God's purpose in our lives. It is important, very important as individual Christians to seek God's purpose in both our words and our actions and ensure they line up with his Word. If they do not, we need to revise ourselves, but ultimately we are accountable to God and not to man. Each of us will stand before the throne of God some day and give an account for everything we have said and done. Remember that God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). He loves us so much.
How about you today? Have you been challenged in your Christian walk when you realize you are not perfect? Are you able to accept God's unfailing love and realize that he does not condemn you but his greatest desire is that you might grow up in Christ and be an overcomer? None of us is perfect, least not I and I've been made aware of my imperfections so many times. That is why I need God so much. Iam totally nothing without Him and I long to have Him embrace me and show me his boundless love.
My prayer is that I can learn to completely lean on God for direction and guidance, love and instruction each day. I want to move forward to fulfil His calling in my life because I have learned that His way is always better than my way. Trust me, that lesson did not come easy. For me, that call includes, helping the orphans and widows in Africa though I also try to do my bit here, closer to home. I'd like to encourage you in your walk and let you know that God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his son to die for you and he has a plan for your future which is greater than any plan you could make for yourself. I also encourage you to lean on Him for whatever it is that He has called you to do today.
"Abba Father, thank you for bearing our sorrows and our sins and dying on the cross to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank you so much for your Word, your daily provision and for the love and mercy you show us each day.
I pray that your Word would lead us into truth, righteousness and the ability to discern both good and evil, so that we might stand strong in the last days.
Bless those who read this blog. Speak to and comfort each one Lord, in their specific areas of need and in the deepest part of their hearts. Whatever their need is Lord, whether it be for food and shelter, health, love, peace, security, joy, employment, finances, forgiveness, salvation, for a broken heart or spirit, or whatever else it might be. Oh God, speak to them and let them know of your boundless love for them. Draw them closer to you so they might find shelter, hope and a renewed spirit.
Bring peace to the Nations of the world wherever there is strife, including Kenya, Lord. Show your people that you are strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward you. Let your people know that you and your heavenly army are with them, and for them. Guide the rest of us to pray and to do as your spirit leads, so that your Kingdom may come and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' precious name I ask, Amen."
Sis PJ
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Democracy Under Fire
This week schools re-opened in Kenya for younger children but many schools have yet to open due to lack of teachers and students caused by continuing tensions in the country. Also, some schools are being used to house the displaced.
The following Reuters video shows the new violence that happened today as the first of three days of peaceful Opposition protests went ahead in defiance against rallies.
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=74547&videoChannel=1
In this environment it is challenging to have business as usual and to care for the orphans and widows here. Since my first post on this blog, the numbers of children in our care has grown from just under 40 children to just over 200 children in and around Kericho village. Please continue to pray for our ability to help the helpless and also for opportunity to do what we can to assist the displaced. If you can support us financially in this work, I would be happy to hear from you. May God bless.
Because He lives,
Pastor Jonah
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
The following Reuters video shows the new violence that happened today as the first of three days of peaceful Opposition protests went ahead in defiance against rallies.
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=74547&videoChannel=1
In this environment it is challenging to have business as usual and to care for the orphans and widows here. Since my first post on this blog, the numbers of children in our care has grown from just under 40 children to just over 200 children in and around Kericho village. Please continue to pray for our ability to help the helpless and also for opportunity to do what we can to assist the displaced. If you can support us financially in this work, I would be happy to hear from you. May God bless.
Because He lives,
Pastor Jonah
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
New Beginnings
Last Friday I went with a team of Christian leaders to take food to the displaced in Eldoret (see my January 11th post). The next day
I attended a wedding and it was a great break. It was also great because it is a demonstration of the blending of western and African cultural backgrounds. Not only that, it speaks to the love of God for all his people and how christians should be able to transcend racial divides.
The bride has been a missionary here in Kenya for several years and has been running an orphanage that cares for 29 children. The groom is from my tribe, the Kalenjin tribe of Kenya.
In Kalenjin culture, the family of the groom must pay a dowry to the family of the bride. In this case, the father
of the bride is "planning" on taking the dowry (of cows) back to Ohio, USA. Dowries can also include sheep and/or goats.
Life is not yet back to normal here and the political situation is still tense. Please continue to pray for peace here in Kenya so that celebrations like this will continue and peace for all Kenyans will prevail. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Pastor Jonah
I attended a wedding and it was a great break. It was also great because it is a demonstration of the blending of western and African cultural backgrounds. Not only that, it speaks to the love of God for all his people and how christians should be able to transcend racial divides.The bride has been a missionary here in Kenya for several years and has been running an orphanage that cares for 29 children. The groom is from my tribe, the Kalenjin tribe of Kenya.
In Kalenjin culture, the family of the groom must pay a dowry to the family of the bride. In this case, the father
of the bride is "planning" on taking the dowry (of cows) back to Ohio, USA. Dowries can also include sheep and/or goats.Life is not yet back to normal here and the political situation is still tense. Please continue to pray for peace here in Kenya so that celebrations like this will continue and peace for all Kenyans will prevail. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Pastor Jonah
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Post - Election Kenya in Pictures & Words
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?collectionId=1455&galleryName=All%20Collections#a=1
Latest news
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSWAL22103220080113
We covet your prayers for peace and unity in Kenya, for godly wisdom for all the leaders, for food and shelter for the displaced, for our team's efforts to help them, and for our on-going ministry needs to help the orphans and widows of Kericho. May God bless you.
Because he Lives
Latest news
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSWAL22103220080113
We covet your prayers for peace and unity in Kenya, for godly wisdom for all the leaders, for food and shelter for the displaced, for our team's efforts to help them, and for our on-going ministry needs to help the orphans and widows of Kericho. May God bless you.
Because he Lives
Friday, January 11, 2008
Helping the Displaced
Hi everyone,
I wanted to briefly let you know of the situation here in Kericho, Kenya (my home city) and the work I have been involved in this week .....feeding the over 30,000 displaced people and offering a hand in helping in other situations caused by the post-election violence here.
We, as the Church in Kenya have challenged ourselves to save the situation because if the Church cannot do this, then who can???!!! Please continue to pray for peace here. We really value your prayers for our country and our people.
I feel so much as I write this report. It is a bit hard to try to explain everything so I encourage you to please read more from the newspapers here.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=114268
God bless,
Jonah
I wanted to briefly let you know of the situation here in Kericho, Kenya (my home city) and the work I have been involved in this week .....feeding the over 30,000 displaced people and offering a hand in helping in other situations caused by the post-election violence here.
We, as the Church in Kenya have challenged ourselves to save the situation because if the Church cannot do this, then who can???!!! Please continue to pray for peace here. We really value your prayers for our country and our people.
I feel so much as I write this report. It is a bit hard to try to explain everything so I encourage you to please read more from the newspapers here.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=114268
God bless,
Jonah
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Aftermath of Kenyan Elections
Note: Presidential elections were held in Kenya on December 27, 2007. Kenya's Electoral Commission declared incumbent President, Mwai Kibaki as the winner. Subsequently violence broke out over belief that the election outcomes were rigged. Since then over 500 people have been killed in violent clashes across Kenya and many businesses ravaged in various parts of the country. What follows is Pastor Jonah Kipkorir's update after returning to his home in Kericho, Kenya after being stranded in Nakuru (several hours away from Kericho) due to lack of safe passage on the highways.
Hello.
I just wanted to update you that calm is slowly returning to Kenya and we are truly so excited. We thank God for what He has done for us. God's hand has been seen in this and we are really so grateful.
I am personally thankful to God for allowing me to travel home as I was held up in Nakuru for 4 or 5 days. I could not travel back to my home in Kericho since there were no buses. The day after the 27th (election day) was very hard for us and we feel as if months of violence has occurred since then. There are a few specific cities that are still under immense burden of displaced people but overall we feel that calm has returned to the country and people have started to travel and start their normal duties. Goods too are moving from the Port (in Mombassa) and people from the neighboring countries, have I believe, been able to get gas and medication that is needed at this time.
We truly thank God for you; for praying for us. At the same time we thank the governments of the west and Africa, especially Britain and US, Canada and all other great countries of the day for their insistence on a way thru' in this hard moment.
Please continue to pray for the displaced people that have camped in Eldoret, Nakuru and my hometown of Kericho. As I write to you now, I have been involved in counselling and distribution of food to the displaced. We believe that the Lord will guide us and we will be out of this situation even stronger.
Because He lives
Jonah
Hello.
I just wanted to update you that calm is slowly returning to Kenya and we are truly so excited. We thank God for what He has done for us. God's hand has been seen in this and we are really so grateful.
I am personally thankful to God for allowing me to travel home as I was held up in Nakuru for 4 or 5 days. I could not travel back to my home in Kericho since there were no buses. The day after the 27th (election day) was very hard for us and we feel as if months of violence has occurred since then. There are a few specific cities that are still under immense burden of displaced people but overall we feel that calm has returned to the country and people have started to travel and start their normal duties. Goods too are moving from the Port (in Mombassa) and people from the neighboring countries, have I believe, been able to get gas and medication that is needed at this time.
We truly thank God for you; for praying for us. At the same time we thank the governments of the west and Africa, especially Britain and US, Canada and all other great countries of the day for their insistence on a way thru' in this hard moment.
Please continue to pray for the displaced people that have camped in Eldoret, Nakuru and my hometown of Kericho. As I write to you now, I have been involved in counselling and distribution of food to the displaced. We believe that the Lord will guide us and we will be out of this situation even stronger.
Because He lives
Jonah
Friday, November 16, 2007
Grace Home, Rwanda and Me
Hi everyone,
I am so excited to report to you about what the Lord has been doing over here in East Africa. The Lord has continued to be with us at this time, though I can call this time, a hard time for us as we were attacked in all ways by the evil one. Here is a small report of what has been happening over the past few months.
Grace Home
The ministry at Grace home has been ongoing and we thank God for this opportunity to serve Him there. Grace has been going through some hard times during this past month as she has recently lost her dad. This was really the hardest part of it as the children had to be taken care of by someone else during this time.
Here in Africa, someone will not be burried until all the family members arrive. This was the most significant part for this family as they had to wait for their relatives who live very far apart to arrive. We thank God that they were all able to come to the funeral. We also thank God that Grace's father gave part of the land required for the contruction of the church for the church denomination that I serve with. Hopefully this will be finished soon and the people will be able to go there and worship.
My travels - Rwanda
I was fortunate to travel to Kigali, Rwanda to preach. I was really lifted by the way the country has changed over time and learned to accept the conflict that happened in that part of the world. We saw so many skulls and body bones that were spread everywhere in one of the churches that has been kept as a memorial center. This was really a
touching experience and you need to be the one who can to see it before you can really feel it and tell the story of what happened there. While we were there we were treated to a performance by Rwandan dancers. Here is a photo of the dancers.
My home and kids
The kids are doing great. Some of them are sitting for exams now. Please continue to pray for them. The Lord has continued to be their strength and I love the experience of watching them grow. We do pray that the needs here now can be met in one way or another by God's grace and provision....otherwise enjoy your day!!
and God Bless
Pastor Jonah
I am so excited to report to you about what the Lord has been doing over here in East Africa. The Lord has continued to be with us at this time, though I can call this time, a hard time for us as we were attacked in all ways by the evil one. Here is a small report of what has been happening over the past few months.
Grace Home
The ministry at Grace home has been ongoing and we thank God for this opportunity to serve Him there. Grace has been going through some hard times during this past month as she has recently lost her dad. This was really the hardest part of it as the children had to be taken care of by someone else during this time.
Here in Africa, someone will not be burried until all the family members arrive. This was the most significant part for this family as they had to wait for their relatives who live very far apart to arrive. We thank God that they were all able to come to the funeral. We also thank God that Grace's father gave part of the land required for the contruction of the church for the church denomination that I serve with. Hopefully this will be finished soon and the people will be able to go there and worship.
My travels - Rwanda
I was fortunate to travel to Kigali, Rwanda to preach. I was really lifted by the way the country has changed over time and learned to accept the conflict that happened in that part of the world. We saw so many skulls and body bones that were spread everywhere in one of the churches that has been kept as a memorial center. This was really a
touching experience and you need to be the one who can to see it before you can really feel it and tell the story of what happened there. While we were there we were treated to a performance by Rwandan dancers. Here is a photo of the dancers.
My home and kids
The kids are doing great. Some of them are sitting for exams now. Please continue to pray for them. The Lord has continued to be their strength and I love the experience of watching them grow. We do pray that the needs here now can be met in one way or another by God's grace and provision....otherwise enjoy your day!!
and God Bless
Pastor Jonah
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Pray for new Corn Crops
Hello to all of you in cyber world.
I am happy that so many of you have continued to view this blog and I am really excited about that!! Thank you too for lifting us up in your prayers. What I do pray for is to hear from you. Let me know what you think about my blog which is dedicated to the children of Africa. Or let us know that you have prayed for us or send me your prayer requests. kericho120@yahoo.com
Right now I am happy to report that we are grateful to the Lord for His provision for the daily food requirements and other daily needs of the orphans.
At the same time, we are planning for the planting season that starts in January. Please pray for the much needed resources (land rental, seed and fertilizer and some small funds to feed the workers) to do the work on the fields.
God Bless and hope to hear from you as the Lord leads. Brother Jonah Kipkorir
I am happy that so many of you have continued to view this blog and I am really excited about that!! Thank you too for lifting us up in your prayers. What I do pray for is to hear from you. Let me know what you think about my blog which is dedicated to the children of Africa. Or let us know that you have prayed for us or send me your prayer requests. kericho120@yahoo.com
Right now I am happy to report that we are grateful to the Lord for His provision for the daily food requirements and other daily needs of the orphans.
At the same time, we are planning for the planting season that starts in January. Please pray for the much needed resources (land rental, seed and fertilizer and some small funds to feed the workers) to do the work on the fields.
God Bless and hope to hear from you as the Lord leads. Brother Jonah Kipkorir
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